Oral History with Rice Dobbins, March 2, 1991

Oral History with Rice Dobbins, March 2, 1991

Rice Dobbins grew up in Riner, Virginia in an area called Piney Wood. Dobbins primarily worked as a farmer in the Montgomery County area, specifically on Heth Farm (present day Heathwood Apartments). He moved to Blacksburg in the late 1930s, where he married Ethel Dobbins and started a family. Rice Dobbins discusses work opportunities for Black Appalachians, including farm work in the area, and he talks about the Riner area's demographic demise.

His wife, Ethel Dobbins of Bedford, Virginia, briefly discusses grocery stores in the Montgomery County area and relations between Black and White residents.

Ms1991-019_RiceDobbins

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Black Appalachians Oral History Project, Ms1991-019, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Rice Dobbins

00:24:02