Oral history interview with Catherine Berry Pilcher Avery, 1981.
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

Materials housed in Special Collections Division of the Main Library, Nashville Public Library.

The interview consists of sound recordings in two formats: 1 original audio cassette recorded in 1981 and a duplicate audio cassette created in 2006; and a set of 3 data CDs containing MP3 files (a master, a copy master, and a use copy). The original cassette was digitized during a conversion project in 2006.

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Scope and content: An oral history interview with Catherine Berry Pilcher Avery, conducted on the 9th and 13th of February 1981 by Leanne Thornton as part of the Historic Nashville, Inc. Oral History Project concentration on Nashville history from 1910 to 1930. Avery discusses the first automobile built in Nashville by George Preston Dorris and his subsequent manufacture of the St. Louis Car and the Dorris Car in St. Louis, Mo.; traveling and transportation during the early 1900s, including a trip to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Fransisco in 1915; her involvement with the Ladies' Hermitage Association; and life in Nashville during the period of 1910-1930, including downtown stores, grocery shopping, and various downtown buildings.

Cite as: Oral history interview with Catherine Berry Pilcher Avery, Historic Nashville, Inc. Oral History Project, Special Collections Division, Nashville Public Library.

System requirements for sound discs: computer with MP3 capable software.

This material may be protected by copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code)

Catherine Berry Pilcher Avery was born 28 Sept. 1894 to Margaret Bailey Bryan and Meritt Scott Pilcher. She was the great-granddaughter of William Tyler Berry, owner of one of Nashville's early influential book stores, the W.T. Berry Book Store; and great-great granddaughter of Wilkins Tannehill, writer, publisher, and pioneer resident of Nashville. Her aunt, Betsy Bryan, married Duncan R. Dorris, brother of George Preston Dorris, inventor and manufacturer of the Dorris Car. Avery attended Mrs. H. H. Hightower's private school in Nashville, and her high school work done at Belmont College. On 2 June 1921, Avery was granted a Special Certificate in Art from Ward-Belmont School, and from 1921 to 1922 she worked as an assistant in the Art Department there. From 1924 to 1927, Avery was employed as a commercial artist with the Richard Brown Company in Nashville. On 9 June 1927, she married Roy Crowdy Avery, a Professor of Bacteriology at Vanderbilt University,and in 1930, daughter Margaret Dewees Avery Ritchie (Mrs. William B. Ritchie) was born. Avery was a member and registrar with the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Tennessee for 38 years and a member of the Ladies' Hermitage Association from 1945 until her death. She was affiliated with the Vanderbilt Garden Club, the Centennial Club, the Tennessee Historical Society, the Historic Belmont Association, the Polk Memorial Association, and the Century III Commission of 1979. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, downtown, and a charter member of the Downtown Presbyterian Church. She served as historian of both churches. Avery died in 1982 as a result of injuries received in an automobile accident.

In English.

Forms part of the Historic Nashville, Inc. Oral History Project.