Carroll Cooper, born and raised in the Wittman area on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, shared stories about his family’s rich history, dating back to the Civil War and slavery. His great-great-grandmother, who was enslaved, famously walked 27 miles to Easton to verify that slavery had ended. Carroll’s ancestors worked on nearby plantations and were linked to historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Fredrick Douglas. His family later acquired land, at the height of his family’s land ownership they acquired 80 acres.
Mr. Cooper’s family grew tomatoes, collard greens, kale, watercress and other vegetables and operated a successful produce stand and participated in the local seafood industry. He fondly remembered family meals, especially his grandmother’s green bean soup. The interview also highlights the role of hunting and farming in the family’s lifestyle, including raising pigs and processing meat, an activity that brought the community together. Mr. Cooper explains how his family’s involvement in the pig farming process included making scrapple and other dishes, using every part of the animal. His family was also active in deer hunting, and community members worked together to process the meat. This communal way of life was central to his upbringing and his family’s legacy on the Eastern Shore.