By my pre-school years, Great Barrington was experiencing social change as a result of the changing economy. Although many of the established white families prospered, others began to suffer.

The Blacks were especially experiencing hard times. They were being shut out of the better industrial jobs and even some of the domestic ones.

None of the Blacks had any learning beyond the alphabet, and few saw the need for more formal education. Some Blacks slid into substance living and others, who were more determined, moved on.