Clark, William Howard. The Bolivar Oral History Project. Through his paternal line, Clark is the great great grandson of blacksmith and freedman Thomas Cook Sr. and his wife, Lethia Perry. Cook’s blacksmith shop was the focus of an archeological excavation in 2021 (Bolivar Archeological Project). In this first of four interviews with the Bolivar Oral History Project, Clark begins with his recollections of growing up in Southeast Denton during the 1960s and 70s. His transcript covers his childhood friendships, activities, and the neighborhood spots he frequented. Clark talks about the now-defunct local Black businesses that catered to residents, including diners, late-night hangouts, and barbershops.  A 30-year veteran in law enforcement, also Clark relates his work experiences at the various posts he served in. 

Clark, William Howard. The Bolivar Oral History Project. Through his paternal line, Clark is the great great grandson of blacksmith and freedman Thomas Cook Sr. and his wife, Lethia Perry. Cook’s blacksmith shop was the focus of an archeological excavation in 2021 (Bolivar Archeological Project). In this second of four interviews with the Bolivar Oral History Project, Clark takes his interviewers on a driving tour of Southeast Denton during which he talks about various points of interest, past and present, of the neighborhood. He recalls areas where, as a youth, he rode horses, crawfished, and swam. Clark points out the homes of past residents, including that of Coach Collins (Fred Moore High School) and the locations of former businesses. Places of interest include Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Cavalry Church, Solomon Hill, Shacktown, People’s Funeral Home, and St. James AME Church. 

Clark, William Howard. The Bolivar Oral History Project. Through his paternal line, Clark is the great great grandson of blacksmith and freedman Thomas Cook Sr. and his wife, Lethia Perry. Cook’s blacksmith shop was the focus of an archeological excavation in 2021 (Bolivar Archeological Project). In this second interview with the Bolivar Oral History Project, Clark talks about his father, William Glasco Clark , a well-known figure in Southeast Denton that everyone referred to as “Bubba Clark.” Clark discusses how his father was his most important role model growing up and what their relationship was like until his father passed away. Clark learned how to hunt and fish from his father, who also raised a garden and livestock, canned food, and dressed and smoked meat for the family. He also shares what he remembers about his father’s side of the family and the family stories that were told to him by his elders. Clark reflects on what the Bolivar Archeological Project has meant to him, including his participation in the fieldwork, and how learning about his ancestor, Tom Cook Sr., inspired him to continue to master blacksmithing as a hobby. 

Clark, William Howard. The Bolivar Oral History Project. Through his paternal line, Clark is the great great grandson of blacksmith and freedman Thomas Cook Sr. and his wife, Lethia Perry. Cook’s blacksmith shop was the focus of an archeological excavation in 2021 (Bolivar Archeological Project). In this final of four interviews with the Bolivar Oral History Project, Clark relates his experiences training in blacksmithing and how this process helped him to better understand and appreciate his ancestor’s expertise, labor, and work ethic.  He reflects on the role that participating in the archaeological excavation of his ancestor’s blacksmith shop strengthened his appreciation of his family’s legacy. Clark talks about the important role that his paternal aunt, Betty Kimble, has played in the Southeast Denton community. He shares his thoughts on the relationship between racism and history, and how knowing and appreciating diverse histories can play a role in engendering racial tolerance.