Ep. 011– Fielder Harris with Fred Hearns
Season 2 of the Elizabeth Robins Diary Podcast launches today with the story of Fielder Harris, a formerly enslaved man who became intrinsic to the Robins' lives at Chinsegut. The episode tells three stories from Fielder's life, delivered through the letters of Fielder Harris and Elizabeth, Raymond, and Margaret Robins. Fred Hearns, Tampa Bay History Center's Curator of Black History, provides invaluable assistance in understanding Emancipation, Reconstruction, Segregation, and the Black Codes.
P.S. There are some audio glitches during the interview recorded with Fred Hearns. Our producer cleaned them up as best as he could, but you will notice some periodic drops.
Fielder Harris preparing the Chinsegut grounds for St. Augustine grass, circa 1907
The episode discusses several people, but another important character is the Robins' horse, Dixie. I was so glad to be able to find photos of everyone riding her - there were so many photos to choose from - I think she must have been the most photographed animal on the grounds! There is also a photo of Dixie at Elizabeth's writing desk at Chinsegut Hill Historic Site. Be sure to check it out when you tour the Kentucky bedroom.
Normally when I interview guests, I send them interview questions and then write the rest of the episode myself. For this subject, it was important to me to be delivering the story appropriately, and I am very grateful to Fred Hearns for his willingness to read the narrative I'd written and advise me on the best ways to communicate the material.
The graphic below can be helpful in mapping out Fielder's life, feel free to download it as a resource while you listen to the episode.
Fielder with his wife Precious Ann (Pet) Washington Harris and her son Walter on their wedding day.
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Credits:
References to Elizabeth Robins work printed/quoted with kind permission of Independent Age (Registered Charity No. 210729). Visit www.independentage.org to learn more.
Photos: Independent Age & Roots Creative Co.
Producer & Editor Lief Thomason, Odd Life Studios
Recorded at Profound Revelation Studios
Graphic Designer Barry Meindl, DaBarr Design
Web Designer and Social Media Manager Allisa Babor, Roots Creative Co
“Time is Whispering” Writer and Recording Artist Randi Olsen, Live Oak Theatre
Grant funding assistance by Florida Humanities
Rights to Elizabeth Robins materials owned by Independent Age
Host Natalie Kahler Natalie Kahler | Facebook
