Old Camp Hill

“My name is Mary Stuart, and my birthday is March 1, 1904. We had a Colored store. Mr. James Hood used to have a dry goods and grocery store, combined. Old Man Sullivan used to have a long store. As long as, almost, a freight train, just straight back. And we had four churches, the Universalists, the Methodists, the Baptists and there was a Primitave Baptist church across from the cemetery. They didn’t have enough membership to keep it going, so they tore it down and made a cemetery out of that. But we had a thriving little town at one time. And it was a pleasure to live here.” – Mary Stuart

From the Album Here I Stand: Elder’s Wisdom; Children’s Song (Smithsonian Folkways)

I was born in Camp Hill
Way back then the streets were filled
With a wholesale house, cotton gin
Two hotels and a Five & Ten

Old Camp Hill; old Camp Hill
Where I live and always will

We had four trains that ran on time
With a clickety-clack, it moved in rhyme
Should have heard that whistle blow
In Camp Hill long ago

Old Camp Hill; old Camp Hill
Where I live and always will

Number One goes to Birmingham
Sounds like a marching band
Number Two comes on down
Back on to my hometown

Old Camp Hill; old Camp Hill
Where I live and always will

Number Three leaves at dawn
All aboard; come along
Number Four leaves at eight
Hurry up and don’t be late

Old Camp Hill; old Camp Hill
Where I live and always will

Words & music by Larry Long
Copyright Larry Long 1996 | BMI

*Lyrics collectively written by Larry Long with youth from Camp Hill rural Alabama through the Elders’ Wisdom, Children’s Song program in partnership with PACERS Small Schools Cooperative and Community Celebration of Place. Inspired by Mrs. Nora Milner, Mrs. Mary Stuart, Mrs. Ethel Earl,Mrs. Delaris Williams.

Appears on

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Here I Stand: Elders’ Wisdom, Children’s Song is exclusively available on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

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