Wiregrass Black History Project – Robert “Cookie” Potter Interview, October 2, 2024
Record Group 298
Date Span: October 2, 2024
Description: Interview 32:07 min. (4.38 GB) ; Transcript = 14 pages.
Biographical Sketch: Robert "Cookie" Potter lived in the Southside neighborhood of Dothan, AL, from his birth in 1946 until the city razed Southside in an urban renewal project c. 1960. Potter played baseball for Carver High School then entered the Negro Leagues (playing for the Indianapolis Clowns) and the minor leagues (Cincinnati Reds). He pitched against a number of baseball legends, including Satchel Paige.
Organizational Sketch: The Wiregrass Black History Project is a collaboration between the Wiregrass Black History Channel on YouTube (by David "Mit" Kirkland) and the Wiregrass Archives. Funded in 2024- 25 by Troy University and the Society of American Archivists Foundation through its Catalyst Grant, the Project's goal is to produce nine video recordings of African American elders in the Wiregrass.
The Wiregrass Black History Channel will host edited versions of the interviews. The Wiregrass Archives will make the raw interviews available on its YouTube channel and create metadata records and finding aids that link to the project and to individual video interviews.
Scope / Content Note: In this video interview and transcript, Robert “Cookie” Potter discusses his childhood in Dothan, AL's Southside neighborhood, including his substandard family house, community, education, and recreation. He talks about his career in baseball's Negro Leagues and minor league as well as comparing children's discipline between today and his childhood.
Provenance: Interview conducted by Mit Kirkland and Marty Olliff. Provided to the Wiregrass Archives as part of the grant-funded Wiregrass Black History Project.
Processing Notes: Transcriptions made by MS Word AI, then edited by Dr. Martin T. Olliff. Revisions planned to update and correct transcriptions.
Cite as: Robert “Cookie” Potter Interview, The Wiregrass Black History Project, RG 298, Wiregrass Archives, Troy University Dothan Campus, Dothan, AL.
Acquisition Method: Gift
Donor Name: Wiregrass Black History Project
Proc Date: 7/4/2025
Access / Use: Open
Processor: MTO
CALENDAR:
298-25-0704-Intv-008 Robert “Cookie” Potter Interview, October 2, 2024 (Southside)
Click here for transcript of unedited video presented below (PDF)
Contact Us
Wiregrass Archives
Troy University Dothan Campus
Everett 128
502 University Dr.
Dothan, AL 36303
Phone: 334-983-6556 x21327
Email: wiregrassarchives@troy.edu