University of North Carolina at Asheville
D. Hiden Ramsey Library
Special Collections/University Archives

Oral History Register
for

Yvonne (Bonnie) Habel

OH-VOA H33 Bo

No picture Available
Voices of Asheville Oral History Collection
D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNCA

Title

Creator

Bob Potter for Unitarian Universalist Church Oral History Project

Subject

LCSH:
Habel, Yvonne (Bonnie)

Subject

Description

Abstract: Habel discusses her experience as a part of the Unitarian Universalist Church, her interest in teaching, and her involvement with learning-disabled children.  She describes how she came to be involved in the UU church, after several unsatisfying experiences in other churches, and outlines the growth and development of the church over the years.

Publisher

D. H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, University of North Carolina at Asheville, NC, 28804

Contributor

Date

Electronic Record Issued: 2002-05-02

Type

Sound ; Text ; Image

Format

Physical Description: 3-page abstract ; 2 90-minute audiocassettes and 2 copies ; 1 newspaper article

Identifier

Source

OH-VOA H33 Bo

Language

English

Relation

References: VOA David Williams Oral History ; VOA Augusta Young Oral History

Coverage

Acquisition

Donor number: 146 ;  Date of acquisition: 1998

Processed By

Bob Potter, Ruth Beard and staff

Interview Date

Interview Location

Biography

List of names

Tape 1, Side 1:

[I/1/6]  Born in Kirtland, NM, of a Methodist father who was a teacher and coach.  Mother also a teacher.

[I/1/30]  We were seekers in religion, trying Presbyterian church, discussing, debating.

[I/1/42]  Dad left teaching, became a labor organizer on railroad, moved to Denver, buying a motel in Aurora and made money.

[I/1/65]  Though he missed teaching he never voiced regrets.

[I/1/70]  Mother took kids to Methodist church, was SS teacher.  Bonnie went to the University of Denver on full scholarship.  Honor student who loved school. Married after college to boy from high school, Bob Habel, University of Denver student.  As Bob finished law school, Bonnie had first son, Steve.  Bonnie had taught for six years by then.  They moved to Washington, D.C., as second son was born and Bob took job in patent office of US customs.  They tried a Lutheran church, following Bob's background.  [Bob Habel, Steve Habel, David Habel]

[I/1/154]  Bonnie taught SS until the minister asked, "how they were taking care of original sin?"

[I/1/174]  As their Arlington neighborhood acquired black residents, the Lutheran pastor expressed a "need to train ushers to seat black people in the back." This shocked a girl who grew up near a Navajo Indian Reservation in a humanitarian family.  Bob wanted to work for himself, so sought a job at the Enka plant in 1961 and went to a Lutheran church in Asheville.

[I/1/190]  Again he encountered questions about "original sin" and Bob said, "surely some religion will let us grow!"

[I/1/210]  Bonnie was sent, alone, to check out the little church for UU's where Dan Welch was reading poetry.  Bonne, impressed, took the kids next Sunday and they were welcomed by Muriel Cornell, who took the tots to be watched by the long-term babysitter of this church. [Dan Welch, Muriel Cornell, Lillian Lindsey]

[I/1/240]  Soon, Bob was put on the search committee that chose Dick Gross as pastor. [Dick Gross]

[I/1/250]  They made a fast friendship with William Moore.  Bonnie taught SS and recalls an astronomy lesson on George Cornell's lawn in Leicester one night.  Roger Guthrie was also on the search committee. [Bill Moore, George Cornell, Roger Guthrie]

[I/1/300]  Henry Walters was a steel executive, taught many people to take their beliefs seriously and to be realistic about money raising for the church...billing people, if need be.  The group was making do in RE with an old house next door to the Edwin sanctuary, about 1973. [Henry Walters, Sarah Walters]

[I/1/355]  Moore's plan was beautiful, but there were acoustic problems in the sanctuary due to the stone walls.  These problems got solved in time.

[I/1/400]  Back on 120 Vermont, Sarah Walters has scolded Gross for not being widely read enough...coaching his with literature he must read.  She did not "suffer fools gladly."  From people like Sarah and ministers like Welch, "I have grown in UU churches."

[I/1/422]  In 1964 we left for Salt Lake and did not return until 1969.  There we found a Boston style UU fellowship.  Though stiff, he marched in Selma, but agonized over it.

[I/1/450]  Bonnie studied mass media production in Utah, doing educational TV.  They skied at Alta often.  the educational system in Utah was awful, operating on three shifts.

[I/1/510]  It was bad enough that teachers went on strike.  When a friend and lawyer asked Bonnie to scab, she refused.  They moved again to Kenewick, Washington, where Bob worked in a research and development firm.  The boys loved it, and it was a safe place for the kids to grow.  Bonnie taught.  They joined UU Fellowship of the California style...bra-burning, etc.., from which Bob recoiled.  Bonnie tried an Episcopal church.

Tape 1, Side 2:

[I/2/1] Communion was required in the Episcopal Church, which Bonnie though she might choke upon.  When Bonnie joined, Bob attended her confirmation.  Then they were visited by the Williams from Asheville, Marion and Dave.  Marion was pregnant with Morgan.  Dave asked Bob to return to Asheville...arranged an interview in Brevard firm, which job Bob took.  It was then they rented and bought the house at 35 Martindale Road. [Dave Williams, Marion Williams]

Break in interview until 2/24/93

[I/2/80]  Heavy snow that year, 1968-69.  Kids had to make up snow days they had not missed.  They tried Grace Episcopal, then heard of Tracy Pullman and were drawn to his kind, intelligent, regal, thoughtful approach. [Tracy Pullman]

[I/2/95]  He was a full time minister.  His wife was unwell.  Tracy took son, Steve, for a "God and Country" merit badge as a boy scout.  Steve was in a SS high school group with Lori Noto and Martha Tini, whom he still sees. [Lori Noto, Martha Tini]

[I/2/154]  Pullman retired to a house overlooking the Charles River in Boston.  Bill Hammond candidated and people were captivated by Nancy Hammond.  Hammond was bright, scholarly.  Bob was put on the long range planning group. [Bill Hammond, Nancy Hammond]

[I/2/190]  Nancy and Bonnie shared teaching the high schoolers...a strong group.  During a summer visit in 1992, Dave saw Nancy (Kniffin) Hammond in Pack Library.  [Nancy Hammond]

[I/2/208]  Bonnie not very involved in 1980-81, she was taking another MA in supervision, added to MA in exceptional children.  She has taken over in this supervisory role in county schools due to unusual background, enlarging her interests.  She was chosen Teacher of the Year, the Kirk Award, in 1984.  Seven years as supervisor.

[I/2/280]  During the Brewer era, she served on long range planning, deciding whether to add an associate or assistant minister and how to finance it, since the church was growing.  [Jim Brewer]

[I/2/300]  Janet Harvey was studying, but her progress was ambiguous as regards completion time.  Should they call someone else, join with Hendersonville?  There was no clear resolution of the options.  Meanwhile, Janet went from volunteer to half-time, then 3/4 time as she studied.  Finally she became the full-time paid RE director. [Janet Harvey] 

[I/2/377]  LRP members were Alice Hancy, Henry Sayles, Dick Blount and Mel Stone.  Asked what she knew of Sandburg gift...she recommended a talk with Dave Williams, citing a night when he came to the Habel home and said, "I think Mrs. Sandburg and I have agreed she wants to make a gift to the church."  This gift was used to expand Sandburg Hall and build RE space. [Alice Hancy, Henry Sayles, Dick Blount, Mel Stone, Mrs. Carl Sandburg]

[I/2/405]  Did Bob advise professional fund raising in 1977?  She says it would not be characteristic of him.  He should be asked.  Bonnie thinks Hammond recommended it.  She thinks UU's can do it themselves when motivated. 

[I/2/445]  When asked her other civic involvement, she was VP of League of Women Voters: 1962-1963.  She has taught all her life because it was a model set by her mother.  When Bob questioned the need, she insisted it could be worked out.  It paid for nice things...it's fun being with children.  She presided over Learning Disabilities Organization and worked on the plans for a new school, Sand Hill, in Buncombe County, which is coming to fruition.  It will involve intensive intervention in elementary school from pre-school on with those "learning disabled."  The problems are diagnostic and programmatic.

[I/2/570]  What did she know of Unicorns?  Keever and Holt, and 18-20 young couples.  Invented Treasure Auctions.  For these, Sarah Walters donated marvelous things for a silent auction. [Sarah Walters]

Tape 2, Side 1:

[II/1/1]  Auctions were held Friday nights, three times.  Lisa Andrews agreed to match money raised by Unicorns.  The money was raised to furnish RE rooms.  Lisa commissioned famous artist, Bob Brunk, to fashion the oak collection bowls. [Lisa Andrews, Robert (Bob) Brunk]

[II/1/35]  How was social action changed by Dick Kendrick?  there was no desire for people to speak for the congregation as a whole on social action.  Each year a selection of programs of social action approved was made and people recruited to volunteer.  Bob and I are UU's, we know and want to advance liberal religion.  It was Jane Frisch who welcomed me to return to active participation in a long phone call.  Others whom I had worked with did not call. [Dick Kendrick, Jane Frisch]

[II/1/82]  There was a "standoffish period."  I was surprised to see Carl Granados here, whom I'd met in connection with exceptional kids.  A crucial appeal was that of Allie Gooding who said, "I wonder why I haven't seen your smiling face at the church?"  It was a very pleasant surprise.  "People I'd worked hardest with said nothing of missing me." [Carl Granados, Allie Gooding]

[II/1/112]  Potter mentions "burnout."  Bonnie, "It is good to have a perfect right to say no and feel good about it.  One's available time varies.  For example, Marcia Allen just finished a degree.  I must invite her back. [Marcia Allen]

[II/1/140]  We "provide our children a place to grow from and time for spiritual growth in our home." 

[II/1/180]  I fondly recall "Dimensions," a group of women who met and became friends across sectarian lines...1970's.  It gave rise to the Green Circle which has worked in the schools to promote integration and acceptance.

End of Tape 2.

Thanks.

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