Interview with Hazel Prevost

I interviewed Hazel Prevost, granddaughter of Ninevah Harris Prevost.  Hazel tells the story of the Jackson Creek Prevos including Alexander Wesley and William Alexander.   She lives in Clark/New Bern, NC.

An Interview with R. L. "Pop" Prevost

R. L. "Pop" Prevost

by: Harris Prevost

In 1909, Pop Prevost moved to Hazelwood, N.C. He saw the need for Hazelwood to have electricity but the town didn't have the money for it. No one seemed willing to take the first step so Pop got the wires and telephone poles himself, had them installed, then had the bill sent to him. He kept it until the town could issue bonds and pay for it's electricity. When Pop served as chairman of the Board of Education, he saw a need for the county high schools to offer business education and typing for young girls who would be making their careers as secretaries. He could get no help from Raleigh in establishing this department. There was no money available and none could be expected in the near future. Again, someone had to take the first step. Pop bought the typewriters himself and established the business education department in the local schools. He left the bill in the bottom of his drawer until proper funding became available. Over and over, the pattern of Pop's life was to take the lead to meet a business or community need, even though no one else was willing. His favorite expression was "Make it go!" He took for granted that there wasn't anything he couldn't do.