The people at the heart of the film
This project grows from recorded testimony, community trust, and years of local documentary work.
These interviews hold memories of family, work, faith, service, hardship, and what being Creole meant in everyday life. There is laughter, pride, pain, and the kind of detail that only comes from someone who was there.
Some of the people whose lives are preserved in these recordings are no longer with us. Others remain part of the community. Together, their words form a living record of South Alabama and the Gulf Coast.
As I bring Of This Place together, I want audiences to meet these people through their own stories and understand what mattered to them. Carrying these voices forward is deeply personal to me.
Glen Perry, filmmaker
Individual life stories
Two individual accounts, each with its own memories, experiences, and sense of belonging.
Family, work, faith, and Creole identity
September 10, 1939 - March 12, 2025
Existing InterviewLawrence grew up in Chastang. His memories move through family, hunting, cattle, brickwork, school, and Catholic faith. He recalls hearing Creole spoken by an older generation and reflects on his own Creole identity. Humor and everyday detail run through his stories of work, childhood, and family life.
A life remembered in his own words
March 22, 1925 - January 9, 2025
Existing InterviewRobert Curtis shared memories of his life and Creole culture, including his wartime injury and the experience of returning home. His account addresses military service, hardship, and the treatment he encountered, alongside his reflections on belonging and dignity.
The Creole Fire #1 collection
Ten people connected to the history and community of Creole Fire #1.
Deputy Chief
January 17, 1962 - February 23, 2025
Existing InterviewAlexander served as a deputy chief. His recorded account is part of the history and community connected to Creole Fire #1.
Captain
August 17, 1940 - July 12, 2025
Existing InterviewRaymond served as a captain. He was among the men whose recorded memories help tell the history of Creole Fire #1.
Fire Marshal
Mark served as a fire marshal. His experience in the fire service forms part of the living history connected to Creole Fire #1.
Creole Fire #1 member
Claude is one of the men whose recorded account is connected to the Creole Fire #1 story.
Captain
Edward was the first Creole firefighter promoted to captain. His experience connects directly to the men and community associated with Creole Fire #1.
Driver
Cecil served as a driver. His recorded memories are part of the history connected to Creole Fire #1.
Driver, Engine 9
Andrew served as a driver with Engine 9. He is one of the men whose recorded memories help carry the Creole Fire #1 story forward.
Captain
Michael Chestang Sr. served as a captain in the fire service. He was among the men interviewed in connection with the Creole Fire #1 story.
Captain
Michael Chestang Jr. served as a captain in the fire service. He shared his own account as one of the men connected to the Creole Fire #1 story.
Creole family history
Andre is a member of the Creole community and a retired state trooper. In his interview, he reflects on a family history tied to Creole Fire #1, including generations who served before him and the firehouse named for his grandfather. He recalls the closeness of the Creole Fire #1 community, the era of integration, and the stories passed through his family.
Historical and cultural perspectives
Recorded contributions that help connect community memory with historical context.
Creole community history
Tracy was president of the Mobile Creole Cultural and Historical Preservation Society when she sat for this interview. She speaks from a personal connection to the Creole community and from the work of learning, preserving, and sharing its history. Her interview helps place family memory within the wider story of Mobile’s Creole people.
Historical research and context
Chris researched Mobile’s Creoles and African American history. His interview drew on that work to discuss Creole history and provide context for the community’s experiences.
Some interviews were originally recorded for Dakota Perry’s student documentary, Unearthing the Forgotten Heritage of South Alabama Creoles: A Living Legacy.
The conversations ahead
As the film grows, I hope to hear from more people whose lives, family memories, and knowledge can deepen this story.