Florida State Prison
The Superintendent's Home
Raiford, Florida
June 2, 1939With the help of the recreational director and band leader Mr. Lomax found some singers. We set up the machine in a room that had had been used for an exhibit of arts and crafts of convicts. We worked several hours with a quartet who sang, with guitar accompaniment for some of the songs. James Richardson who sang Home on the Range said he had sung it for radio on some state official occassion.
Ruby Lomax
1939 Southern Music Trip
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Raiford, Florida
June 5, 1939At my most recent writing to you, I believe, I had just been forbidden admission to the men's ward of the Mississippi prisons. On our last night there I helped with the recordings in the women's ward,-blues, bye-baby songs, spirituals etc. The girls were allowed to stay up till 1 o'clock, which added to our popularity with them.
Ruby Lomax
1939 Southern Music Trip