Jackson, Henry Rhodes, 2005 September 08

This is a Living History interview with Henry Jackson, class of 1932, conducted by Marilyn Somers on September 8, 2005, at his home in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The subject is Mr. Jackson’s life and experiences at Georgia Tech.

Mr. Jackson was born on February 20, 1910 a few miles outside of Lawrenceville, Georgia. He was the third youngest of twenty-one children. Mr. Jackson grew up on a farm and was responsible for his chores. He began going to a local school when he was young, and then transferred to Lawrenceville High School. When he began thinking about college, he knew he would like to go to Georgia Tech. Mr. Jackson’s brother financed his education, and his sister provided for another brother to join him. Mr. Jackson knew the famous boxer Ezzard Charles. When Mr. Jackson came to Atlanta, he thought it was a big city. He enjoyed life down there, but was afraid he would get lost. Sometimes he and some friends would go see movies at the Fox Theatre. Mr. Jackson chose Commerce as his major. He remembers a few of his professors, and he knows he studied all the time. He made the honor roll for three years and was presented with a gold T from Dr. Brittain. Mr. Jackson was at Tech for the Rose Bowl game. He listened to it on the radio and knew many of the players. He remembers seeing Stumpy’s bear on campus. Mr. Jackson also recalls other Tech traditions such as Rat Caps and the Whistle. After graduation, Mr. Jackson was able to find a job with the federal government. Times were tough then because this was during the Depression. When World War II began, Mr. Jackson was initially deferred from service. However, he joined the Coast Guard and spent three years in the South Pacific. After the war was over he returned to Georgia. He met and married his wife, and they had two daughters together. Mr. Jackson worked for the Department of Family and Children’s Services for over thirty years. Mr. Jackson is a proud Georgia Tech fan and makes sure everyone knows it. The interview concludes with shots of some of the Tech memorabilia he has collected over the years.