tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88170443234633618942024-03-21T11:23:03.327-07:00The Women of Our Lives, Laurens County, GeorgiaScott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-44297574376526174092016-06-26T10:32:00.001-07:002016-06-26T10:32:49.063-07:00EUGENIA TUCKER COCHRAN FITZGERALD <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Founder of Alpha Delta Pi</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fC6MfD0XyP-QodCA3FBpNKcljmO_2WUPztEPQY3GhAz7I4a4XvQ0ilfl-X4HL3jbmvhgcWC4T8duNJ2skVVig2zKJjr0Gmhpo7DGDVBvR8050kmlEZrKA7xGa8eMSJE3QlYJil3yqbq1/s1600/Eugenia+Tucker+Fitzgerald+ADP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fC6MfD0XyP-QodCA3FBpNKcljmO_2WUPztEPQY3GhAz7I4a4XvQ0ilfl-X4HL3jbmvhgcWC4T8duNJ2skVVig2zKJjr0Gmhpo7DGDVBvR8050kmlEZrKA7xGa8eMSJE3QlYJil3yqbq1/s400/Eugenia+Tucker+Fitzgerald+ADP.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
Eugenia Tucker grew up in a world of wealth and privilege, surrounded by people who had to struggle just to get by. Her father, a wealthy planter, sent her to Wesleyan College in Macon, where she could obtain the finest education a fine young lady could receive. While at Wesleyan, Eugenia and a small group of school girls founded the Adelphean Society, the first society or sorority for college women in the United States, on May 15, 1851 The Adelphean Society evolved into Alpha Delta Pi, the oldest women's sorority in the world.<br />
<br />
Eugenia was born January 29, 1834 in the Buckeye District of Laurens County. Her father, Dr. Nathan Tucker, was a Rhode Island native who came to Laurens County in the 1820s to set up what later became a widespread and lucrative medical practice. Dr. Tucker, amassed one of the largest plantations in Laurens County. His home, Buena Vista, was located at the northeast corner of the Buckeye Road and Jackson Lake Road, formerly known as the Wrightsville and Oconee Road. Dr. Tucker, one of the largest slave owners in the county, was known far and wide for his compassion for his slaves. As a delegate to the Secession Convention of 1861, Dr. Tucker voted "no" on the issue of leaving the Union. During the war, he forbade Gen. Samuel Wray Ferguson's Mississippi Cavalry, who was on picket duty between Sherman and Andersonville, from camping on his plantation.<br />
<br />
Laurens County's school system in the 1840s was less than sufficient, especially for the upper class children of the county's wealthy planters. Dr. Tucker, who surprisingly had no college education, wanted the best possible education for his five children, four girls and one boy, Lucien Quincy Tucker. Dr. Tucker employed governesses from the North to help him in raising his family. His wife, Elmira Horn Tucker, died at a young age. One governess, because of her radical abolitionist ideas, caused such a stir with the house servants that she was promptly dismissed and sent home. The library of the thirteen - room Tucker home was lined with shelves filled with all of the classical literature of the day. Dr. Tucker subscribed to the best magazines and once a year shipped them off to Philadelphia for binding. Lucien and Eugenia were sent to closest private academy at Midway, near Milledgeville. Eugenia and her brother completed their courses at the academy. Lucien was sent to Princeton University to complete his formal education.<br />
<br />
A daughter of a neighbor returned from Macon with stories of how wonderful Wesleyan was. Eugenia had never seen much of the world. Dublin, fourteen miles away, was a lifeless and decaying town. Midway was a little better, not far from the capital city of Milledgeville. Eugenia, like her father, was a lover of books. Eugenia dreamed of going to college. Finally, Dr. Tucker consented and summoned Hector and Paris, two of his most trusted servants, to fetch his finest black horses and hitch them to the big carriage. Uncle Peter, another of Dr. Tucker's oldest and most faithful servants, took Eugenia on the fourteen-mile ride up the Oconee Road to Oconee Station on the Central of Georgia Railroad. From Oconee, Eugenia boarded the west bound train for Macon. It was a new world with strange faces all around her. Eugenia lips quivered. Her heart beat raced. The dreaded entrance examination was upon her. Naturally, she passed the test and entered the Junior class at Wesleyan, which in 1836 became the world's first college established exclusively for women.<br />
<br />
The girls began their days with a 6:30 a.m. prayer, followed by a series of two-hour recitations. Their day ended with a 7:00 p.m. supper. Bed time was 10:30. Upon meeting other members of her junior class, Eugenia found that "they were more of mischievous enjoyment than their lessons." She decided that what Wesleyan needed was a women's society, one that "would influence her friends to<br />
join her in forming an association for their advancement." Nineteen young girls (Eugenia was only seventeen) gathered on May 15, 1851. Prof. Edward A. Meyers, an English professor at the college, suggested that the group call themselves, "The Adelphean Society." The word "Adelphean" was derived from the Greek word meaning "sister." Eugenia was elected as President of the society.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK7ipxCIrG4OY1fEJRgVVM7a6eIRzi7izhEL6Yqn9qCJpsaCKkvTgDpZ9ZA7mc4PxgqbVIdPelTFc3zuxBlYw8apYjE-AoZv_7X5UsRPWOXZyilOQmloynW807q71EJaHlkXKgZH_9Sj7/s1600/Alpha-Delta-Pi-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK7ipxCIrG4OY1fEJRgVVM7a6eIRzi7izhEL6Yqn9qCJpsaCKkvTgDpZ9ZA7mc4PxgqbVIdPelTFc3zuxBlYw8apYjE-AoZv_7X5UsRPWOXZyilOQmloynW807q71EJaHlkXKgZH_9Sj7/s320/Alpha-Delta-Pi-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Along with Eugenia, five of her closest friends are considered the original founders. The girls were mostly from influential families in the state. Ella Pierce was a daughter of Bishop George F. Pierce, the college's first president. Octavia Andrew, who entered Wesleyan at the age of thirteen, was a daughter of a Bishop James O. Andrew. Other founding members were Mary Evans, daughter of a Methodist minister in Macon, Elizabeth Williams, and Sophronia Woodruff.<br />
<br />
Eugenia graduated as valedictorian of her Wesleyan Senior Class of 1852. In an elegant ceremony in the Tucker home on December 4, 1861, Eugenia joined hands in marriage with Judge Arthur Erwin Cochran, formerly of Wilkinson County but then a resident of Glynn County. <br />
<br />
Judge Cochran was one of the most brilliant lawyers in the state. He was a member of the Georgia legislature and a member of the Secession Convention, where he, like his future father in law, supported remaining in the Union. Cochran, the first judge of the Brunswick Superior Court Circuit, recognized the need for better railroads. He resigned from the bench and was named the first president of the Macon and Brunswick Railroad. The town of Cochran, Georgia is named in his honor. Judge Cochran, a widower, had one son, Arthur Emmett Cochran, whom Eugenia raised as her own. The younger Cochran, represented Pierce County in the Georgia legislature at the tender age of twenty one and later established a successful practice in San Diego, California. Eugenia returned to Macon to live with her new family. Following Judge Cochran's death in 1865, Eugenia, who was bequeathed a substantial fortune, toured with friends in Europe, places she had read about in her father's library. After eight years of widowhood, Eugenia married Dr. Edmund Fitzgerald, of Macon, who was also a widower, with a beautiful young daughter. Eugenia wrote in her memoir,<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OgxBeCUKpc3iS775AB7Lf_UzB6nXZkP8kRop6ChvrsoZ4ypEyNCFKWJHVRY7p-XxG_NSHkXVcrhy5VUtSJlsSrR-rRUo3M7wRIThyphenhyphenNbZB78oXFsheZlqa3gKxJ-jrSBS0p_6kWwiVDr3/s1600/eugenia.tucker.cochran.fitzgerald.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OgxBeCUKpc3iS775AB7Lf_UzB6nXZkP8kRop6ChvrsoZ4ypEyNCFKWJHVRY7p-XxG_NSHkXVcrhy5VUtSJlsSrR-rRUo3M7wRIThyphenhyphenNbZB78oXFsheZlqa3gKxJ-jrSBS0p_6kWwiVDr3/s400/eugenia.tucker.cochran.fitzgerald.tif" width="282" /></a></div>
"Nothing in my life give me more sincere pleasure than to see her occasionally and to feel that she regards me as her mother." Following Dr. Fitzgerald's death in 1887, Eugenia moved to Washington, D.C. to live with her step daughter and her new husband, a civil engineer Captain A.F. Lucas. Eugenia outlived most of her relatives. Her sister, Ella, married Col. John M. Stubbs of Dublin, but who, like many young women of her time, died too young. Her brother Luicien served with honor as a Captain in the 57th Georgia infantry during the War Between the States.<br />
<br />
The Adelphean Society became Alpha Delta Phi in 1905. Nine years later, the name was changed to Alpha Delta Pi, to avoid confusion with a men's fraternity. That same year, Wesleyan officials abolished all sororities at the school. Eugenia remained active in the alumni association of Alpha Delta Pi, whose motto was originally, "We live for each other." She was affectionately known by generations of sorority members who succeeded her as "Mother Fitzgerald." <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSk_Y9IqRi-eStGopCzgpRfJ1hPU84j_qvOueeyHrtoF5rN6GGBv3AO_qdWsvjYmM_Q03LRboAr5AHj46PAl14FIzkPf3pH4MBnXsxUhSaiqmbCugnLTOiP9vnnPnSPj7keFbs1vMCN4oL/s1600/EUGENIA.TUCKER.FITZGERALD.GRAVE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSk_Y9IqRi-eStGopCzgpRfJ1hPU84j_qvOueeyHrtoF5rN6GGBv3AO_qdWsvjYmM_Q03LRboAr5AHj46PAl14FIzkPf3pH4MBnXsxUhSaiqmbCugnLTOiP9vnnPnSPj7keFbs1vMCN4oL/s320/EUGENIA.TUCKER.FITZGERALD.GRAVE.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Suddenly, on 10th day of December in 1928, Eugenia died in her sleep in Fort Worth, Texas, where she had been living the last eighteen years with her niece Roberta Andrew Flournoy. She was buried in Oakwood Cemetery. In August of 1933, her body was disinterred and brought back to her second hometown of Macon. She was buried beside Dr. Fitzgerald. At the age of ninety four, Eugenia had been the oldest alumni of Alpha Delta Pi and Wesleyan College. She was the last survivor of those six young girls, who one hundred and fifty years ago today, founded the first and the oldest women's sorority in the United States.</div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-72732478363423376992016-06-26T10:27:00.001-07:002016-06-26T10:27:23.695-07:001933: THE YEAR OF THE WOMAN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
1933: THE YEAR OF THE DUBLIN WOMAN<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In 1933 it was still a man’s world. Most women worked in the home. Some women taught school, while others worked in clerical, domestic and other less than glamorous jobs. But it was in the deep dark year of the Great Depression that a few of the women then and formerly of Dublin took off their aprons, put their brooms in the closet (just for a little while anyway) and set out to find their rightful place in our society. During this month of March when we celebrate Women’s National History Month and on this International Women’s day, here are a few stories of the scores of Dublin women who excelled beyond their usual triumphs of managing our homes, families and every other thing left in their charge.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Charlotte Hightower Harwell was very good at her job. The only problem was that every other court reporter in the state of Georgia in 1932 was a man and she was just a 20-year-old woman. In derogation of the long-standing practice of male court reporters, Dublin Judicial Circuit Judge J.W. Kent appointed Mrs. Harrell as his court reporter, making her the first woman court reporter in Georgia. She later worked in LaGrange and in Gainesville for the Northeastern Judicial Circuit, which included the counties of Hall, White, Lumpkin and Dawson. Mrs. Harwell distrusted stenograph machines and recorded most of her trials by shorthand. It was said that she was such a good typist her hands were at one time insured by Lloyd's of London. Former Chief Superior Court Judge Richard Kenyon of Gainesville said, "For years, she was one of the brightest, most competent court reporters that this area has known." "All the lawyers had great respect for her," said Gainesville lawyer Julius Hulsey. "Nobody ever questioned her transcripts," he added. Mrs. Harwell retired in 1975 after a 42-year career as a court reporter. Charlotte Hightower Harrell died on May 22, 1995 and is buried in the Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville, Georgia.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Elizabeth Garrett Page was born in Hancock County, Georgia in 1903. Her father, A.W. Garrett, was one of the leading bankers and businessmen of “Dublin’s Golden Age.” In November 1933, this 30-year-old mother of four was appointed by the Dublin City Council to the Dublin City Board of Education, making her the first woman to serve in that capacity. Mrs. Page’s appointment came at a time when women had been voting on a regular basis for only a decade. Educated at Wesleyan College, Mrs. Page was the first president of the Parnassus Club and president of the local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Mrs. Page was also active in the First Methodist Church, where she was the first president of the Leader’s Class. Mrs. Page served as the Society editor for the Dublin Courier Herald and operated a private kindergarten from 1949-1966. Mrs. Page died on March 3, 1986 and is buried in the mausoleum in Northview Cemetery in Dublin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrSujCayLJcgLSAYC0HhPNoWvPnVTiHvdnDP-IlAi6odj9QA37m8_iIlvd99MyLL4Gta9mGG8Hv4EqES2_Ao8OF3qchhjML5Mt5klcAdwj2IFoinW52EewbT3CP01bB_5OI2T78aTOIs-/s1600/aretha%255B1%255D.miller.smith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrSujCayLJcgLSAYC0HhPNoWvPnVTiHvdnDP-IlAi6odj9QA37m8_iIlvd99MyLL4Gta9mGG8Hv4EqES2_Ao8OF3qchhjML5Mt5klcAdwj2IFoinW52EewbT3CP01bB_5OI2T78aTOIs-/s320/aretha%255B1%255D.miller.smith.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Aretha Miller Smith was born in Laurens County on July 22, 1914. After graduating from high school in 1930, Aretha went to work in the law office of W.A. Dampier. In those days it was not mandatory for candidates for the bar to attend law school or pass a written test. An applicant only needed to be presented for admission by practicing attorneys and pass an oral test administered by the judge of the Superior Court After three years of reading and studying the laws of Georgia, Miss Miller appeared before Judge Kent for her examination on her knowledge of the law. She passed and in December 1933 at the age of 19, Miss Aretha Miller became the first female attorney in Dublin, the first in the Dublin Circuit, one of the few female attorneys in the state at that time and most likely the youngest female attorney in the history of Georgia.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In addressing the court upon her admission to the bar, Miss Miller expressed her joy and humbly pledged her untiring efforts toward the cause of human justice, realizing the great responsibility and the uplifting influence that may be exerted in a community by a good lawyer. She worked with W.A. Dampier until 1943, when Mrs. Smith joined in the war effort when she took a position in the Judge Advocate’s office at Robins Field in Wellston (Warner Robins), Georgia. Aretha Miller Smith practiced law in Dublin for more than three decades before her death on December 23, 1969. She is buried in Northview Cemetery in Dublin.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesse Baldwin, daughter of Sidney A. Baldwin and Mary Searcy Baldwin, was born on October 28, 1888. Following the death of L.Q. Stubbs in 1933, Miss Baldwin was appointed as the first female Deputy Clerk and United States Commissioner of the Dublin Division of the Southern District of Georgia. Miss Baldwin died on April 26, 1977 and is buried in Northview Cemetery in Dublin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMA_zHq69ovireEFUegI3170oft0cZyDNWpx1FuasuxcqvJnSSybjeGBZzw2YTx1cOvs5snBJp-ug2jWO0SbF-RJlqdxayVD1EdemVmc_GakTtqfZG0KVQH19z8plTRCkmPeKQSxO96qi/s1600/sarah+orr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMA_zHq69ovireEFUegI3170oft0cZyDNWpx1FuasuxcqvJnSSybjeGBZzw2YTx1cOvs5snBJp-ug2jWO0SbF-RJlqdxayVD1EdemVmc_GakTtqfZG0KVQH19z8plTRCkmPeKQSxO96qi/s320/sarah+orr.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In 1933, Sarah Orr Williams was beginning her 12th year as a secretary to a United States Senator from Georgia. She began her career in Washington, D.C. as secretary to the legendary senator Thomas E. Watson. Following Sen. Watson’s death in 1922, Gov. Thomas Hardwick, who would later move into a home a block south of Miss Orr’s home on Bellevue Avenue and South Calhoun St., appointed Watson’s close friend Mrs. Rebecca L. Felton to fill Watson’s unexpired term. Senator Felton retained Sarah in her office making her the first secretary of the first female United States Senator in the history of the country. A new election was held that fall and another legendary senator, Walter F. George, was elected to succeed Mrs. Felton. Sarah Orr remained as Sen. George’s secretary until 1934, when Sen. George replaced her with his nephew. Sarah Orr, daughter of former mayor and a leading Republican in Dublin, married Gladstone Williams, a writer for the Atlanta Constitution and other newspapers in Washington and Miami. While working at the Atlanta Constitution, Gladstone became acquainted with Margaret Mitchell. In writing her epic novel “Gone With the Wind,” Mitchell modeled her character of Rhett Butler after Williams, who also bore a slight resemblance to the actor Clarke Gable who played Rhett Butler in the movie version of the novel. <br />
<br />
Known as a colorful character and treasured for her sharp wit, keen mind and undying loyalty to friends, Sarah Orr remained a volunteer for the American Red Cross, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society and numerous other charities. During her years in Dublin, Sarah Orr was instantly recognized while wearing her trade mark hats and long cigarette holders. She was an avid supporter of the Laurens County Historical Society and the Laurens County Library. Among her lasting contributions to the heritage of our community were the articles she wrote on the waning historical places and sites in our area following the post World War II boom. She died at the age of eighty-four on March 18, 1981 and is buried in Northview Cemetery.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One of Dublin’s most well known and respected teachers was Bertha Sheppard Hart. Bertha Hart, a daughter of M.M. Sheppard and Julian Caroline Page, was born in Johnson County on September 8, 1878 near Wrightsville. Mrs. Hart was the wife of long time county agent John F. Hart. The Harts moved to Laurens County in 1922. In 1929, Mrs. Hart published “Introduction to Georgia Writers.” In this definitive bibliography of the works of Georgia authors, Mrs. Hart sought to encourage her students and students across the state to strive to become great writers. Her most famous work was as the editor of “The History of Laurens County, Georgia, 1807-1941.” Mrs. Hart was a popular speaker to civic, patriotic and cultural organizations in addition to her years of devotion to teaching Sunday School at First Baptist Church. Bertha Hart served a four-year term as President of the Woman’s Study Club as well as terms as Regent of the John Laurens Chapter, NSDAR and as an officer of the local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She was a substitute librarian at the Carnegie Library and was named “First Lady of Dublin” by the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She died on April 18, 1949. Her ashes were buried beside her husband in Union Point Cemetery in Union Point, Georgia.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AXgdf-8cOM8KPZ2O8kTSwrrODtvxH80goKGnFWm6h8QS-hTEN1ozQ7sPk5svqpMgOMyV5uOrUFFk8lk0atxEclsL3jzihIJpKHIahJ8mgu7jf0hd82MW9pQofSXNwJiB8AWMiD7D7Muo/s1600/15496442925_e5703806a6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AXgdf-8cOM8KPZ2O8kTSwrrODtvxH80goKGnFWm6h8QS-hTEN1ozQ7sPk5svqpMgOMyV5uOrUFFk8lk0atxEclsL3jzihIJpKHIahJ8mgu7jf0hd82MW9pQofSXNwJiB8AWMiD7D7Muo/s400/15496442925_e5703806a6_b.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The year 1933 was an especially gratifying year for Nella Braddy. Born in Americus and reared in Macon and Dublin, Miss Braddy was one of the country’s<br />
most successful women writers and editors. Miss Braddy was a daughter of Robert E. Braddy, Sr., a prolific writer of letters and articles in his own right. Her brother, Robert E. Braddy, Jr., was an admiral in the United States Navy and was awarded the Navy Cross, the country’s second highest award for heroism.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Miss Braddy was educated at Wesleyan College, Converse College and Columbia University in New York. She began teaching in Georgia public schools, but soon decided she would pursue a career in writing. Nella went to work for Doubleday Publishing Company. It was at Doubleday where she met her husband Keith Henney, a writer of radio text books and electronics magazine articles. As an editor at Doubleday, Miss Braddy compiled and edited articles of some of the world’s most famous authors. Among her landmark works are the “Standard Book of British and American Verse,” “O. Henryana,” “The University Library” series and the “New Concise Pictorial Encyclopedia.” Though she was considered one of the country’s foremost female encyclopediasts, Braddy admitted she had a poor memory for facts.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVb46H8-I1CnrOaS7lMFnHh2WnvXlDayUU-lDHl8Ub9xysiGhUpOTu6o18OTz4hnc0R_C03xlKPZ5RqWjfxyc0cY03EWKJ3CfRpNQCCnYIGXox_vUrJ3pmrFuBzi9Go3qQAFsdyoWr_WUW/s1600/AG62-5-031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVb46H8-I1CnrOaS7lMFnHh2WnvXlDayUU-lDHl8Ub9xysiGhUpOTu6o18OTz4hnc0R_C03xlKPZ5RqWjfxyc0cY03EWKJ3CfRpNQCCnYIGXox_vUrJ3pmrFuBzi9Go3qQAFsdyoWr_WUW/s400/AG62-5-031.jpg" width="322" /></a></span></div>
In the early 1930s, her bosses assigned her to a project that would change the course of Nella’s life forever. Nella was charged with working with Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan Macy in the compilation of Keller’s book “My Religion.” Over the years the trio worked closely writing the manuscript and gathering information for the book. The three became intimate friends. It was during this time that it occurred to Nella to write a biography not on the world famous Helen Keller, or her teacher Anne Sullivan Macy. In 1933, Doubleday published “Anne Sullivan Macy, The Story Behind Helen Keller.” The book received rave reviews from the New York Times and the leading literary critics of the day. In appreciation for her friendship, Keller and Macy surprised Nella with a brand-new car, which she hesitantly accepted and didn’t know how to drive. Miss Braddy continued to work with Helen Keller in various book projects. In 1941, Nella Braddy authored "Rudyard Kipling, Son of Empire,” the most definitive biography of the British/Indian author. Her “Reader’s Digest” article on Anne Sullivan Macy was considered one of the best in the magazine’s first quarter century.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrD7MFh8C5iYc1eeCnyBV4BCnUkcv1w-vJ1zGNimu0RrqoOUHHBNOsfX08PmFmL9ere5eZniTIi-k0vuWH0LGTMAcgfaxagHYGh4xN68C8Bv8MOkKi6GDHPZahGEVZvVyVn3Yy3_dnIhn/s1600/landrum.grace.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrD7MFh8C5iYc1eeCnyBV4BCnUkcv1w-vJ1zGNimu0RrqoOUHHBNOsfX08PmFmL9ere5eZniTIi-k0vuWH0LGTMAcgfaxagHYGh4xN68C8Bv8MOkKi6GDHPZahGEVZvVyVn3Yy3_dnIhn/s400/landrum.grace.01.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Grace Warren Landrum, one of two daughters of the Rev. William Warren Landrum and Ida Dunster, often visited in Dublin at the home of her sister Mrs. Margaret Landrum Watkins. In 1912, Miss Landrum founded the Dublin Woman’s Study Club to promote the study of literature, art and music. For the rest of her life, Miss Landrum maintained close ties to the Woman’s Study Club as an honorary member. She was born July 18, 1876 in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1898, she was the first Southern woman to graduate from Radcliffe College. Miss Watkins began her teaching career at the Washington Seminary in Atlanta. She taught at the Kentucky Home School for Girls in Louisville, Kentucky, before obtaining her A.M.<br />
Degree from the University of Chicago in 1915. She was a Professor of English at Tennessee College in Murfreesboro and Head of the English Department at Westhampton College. Grace Landrum was awarded a Ph. D. in English from Radcliffe in 1921. From 1927 to 1947, Dr. Landrum was an English professor and Dean of Women at William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia. In 1919, Miss Landrum published “Charlotte,” a biographical novel of one of her gifted students. She was a member of the honor society Phi Beta Kappa and a prolific writer of journal articles on l iterature. Of her most enduring legacies at William and Mary was the establishment of the “Yule Log” ceremony at Christmas. The Yule Log is carried through the crowed of students who each take a sprig of holly and touch the log and tossed the burning sprig into the Yule Log Fire, symbolically tossing away their worries for the rest of the year. Dr. Landrum’s original idea included the wearing of 18th Century costumes and the passing of a boar’s head throughout the crowd. More enduring legacies at William and Mary are Landrum Hall and Landrum Drive named in Dr. Landrum’s honor and memory. After retiring from William and Mary, Dr. Landrum taught briefly at the University of Redlands in California. Grace Warren Landrum died in Columbus, Ohio on April 21, 1951. Always considered as an honorary citizen of Dublin, Miss Landrum was laid to rest beside her sister Margaret Landrum in Northview Cemetery.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mrs. John S. Adams was one of the leading members of a large number of women’s patriotic organizations on the local, state and national levels. Born Lucia Augusta Stanley on January 2, 1874, Mrs. Adams was a daughter of Capt. Rollin A. Stanley, C.S.A. and Rebecca Lowther. She was a member of what was undoubtedly Laurens County’s most prominent family. Her brother Harris McCall Stanley was the editor of the Dublin Courier-Dispatch, school board president, military officer, and founder of the Dublin Chautaugua and the Carnegie Library. In 1911, he was elected Georgia’s first Commissioner of Commerce and Labor. Another brother, Vivian L. Stanley, worked in the newspaper business in Dublin. A former postmaster of Dublin, Stanley was elected to the Georgia Prison Commission and played a pivotal role in the extradition of Robert Burns, whose story became immortalized in the book and the movie “I Was a Fugitive from a Georgia Chain Gang.” Her eldest brother was Ira Lowther Stanley. Ira L. Stanley began his newspaper career with the Dublin Gazette. He was one of the founders of the Dallas Evening Herald and other newspapers in Texas. Frank R. Stanley, the fourth of her brothers to work in the newspaper business, was printer of the Gainesville News.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mrs. Adams was called to join and lead nearly every patriotic women’s organization in Dublin. She was the first president of the Thomas McCall Chapter of the Daughters of 1812. Mrs. Adams was a Regent of the John Laurens Chapter NSDAR, state president of the Colonial Daughters of the 17th Century, state regent of the Daughters of 1812, President General of the Colonial Daughters of the 17th Century, and national Curator General of the Daughters of 1812. She and her husband Judge John S. Adams lived in “Prences,” their home on Bellevue Road, which is now being restored by Lana and Allen Thomas. She and her husband moved to Washington, D.C. in the mid 1930s when he took a position with the Treasury Department. Judge and Mrs. Adams returned to Dublin when he took a position as the Referee in Bankruptcy for the Dublin Division of the Federal Court.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There were other outstanding Dublin women in 1933 who are too numerous to mention here. They will have their own place in other columns. It was a year when actress Eugenia Rawls was beginning to step off the college stage toward the bright lights of Broadway. It was a year when Madge Hilburn Methvin was one of the only female editors of a Georgia newspaper. In a time when food was scarce to many people, Henrietta (Mrs. S.R.) Dull, the food editor of the Atlanta Constitution, was the country’s foremost expert on Southern cooking. There were even more unsung women that never were afforded the credit of their enduring efforts. The year was 1933, the year of the women of Dublin. <br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-449563172230754542016-06-26T09:54:00.002-07:002016-06-26T09:54:47.323-07:00JOANNA TROUTMAN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
“The Betsy Ross of Texas”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw6fScNB1wt6hMeB3vwDdcqPyGgi2nt0bKt-JLGkiBS2-W-s-xUhhKrB8kJAtg6ybQbqWoez96FtQGQBKRC87lyg2jEC8RZUr8p0IyUeWen2QyiUhC5ljeVECXFijlVBtb9faucvz8dA/s1600/JoannaTroutmanPope%252CfromBettyMeyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw6fScNB1wt6hMeB3vwDdcqPyGgi2nt0bKt-JLGkiBS2-W-s-xUhhKrB8kJAtg6ybQbqWoez96FtQGQBKRC87lyg2jEC8RZUr8p0IyUeWen2QyiUhC5ljeVECXFijlVBtb9faucvz8dA/s200/JoannaTroutmanPope%252CfromBettyMeyer.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On June 14 of every year, we, as Americans, celebrate Flag Day in honor of the “Stars and Stripes,” traditionally, but not positively, designed as the first flag of the United States of America. On this Flag Day, let us take time to remember another famous flag designer whom you may have never heard of. This is the story of a young Middle Georgia girl, who, 180 years ago, designed one of the most enduring flags in American history - the legendary “Lone Star Flag” of Texas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QkkGmcMfnfKOJAUFuOQwbGW_MXqapFOufI1UwSL12jVOl_MnzdjWa7frVLrxZgoMa-qPMcPBJkhjb6ofnliYvL6SpOaB4jrDZI_NopZpctllX8R0rEiyPKG2pUVJkeWsjpiCshl6ZEQ/s1600/Troutman1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QkkGmcMfnfKOJAUFuOQwbGW_MXqapFOufI1UwSL12jVOl_MnzdjWa7frVLrxZgoMa-qPMcPBJkhjb6ofnliYvL6SpOaB4jrDZI_NopZpctllX8R0rEiyPKG2pUVJkeWsjpiCshl6ZEQ/s400/Troutman1.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Joanna Troutman, a daughter of Hiram Baldwin Troutman, was born on February 19, 1818. Some of her biographers state that she was born in Crawford County, but at that time, the state of Georgia’s boundaries did not include any land west of the Ocmulgee River. Joanna was most likely born in Baldwin County, the state capital, where her parents were living during the 1820 Census. After the lands west of the Ocmulgee were opened, the Troutmans moved to Crawford County, southwest of Macon.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When an urgent call was sent out throughout Georgia and the South for volunteers to aid Americans living in Texas against the threat of harm from the Mexican Army, Col. William Ward, of Macon, recruited a company of volunteers from the Middle Georgia area and Columbus.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>During a November 12, 1835 meeting in Macon, more than $3,000.00 was raised to form a company for service in Texas.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Seventeen-year-old Joanna heard of the mission from family and friends who were volunteering. The legend is that Joanna took a portion of her white silk skirt and fashioned it into a battle flag with a five-pointed blue star on both sides with "Liberty or Death" on the obverse and "Ubi libertas habitat.” On the reverse it was written, “Ubi nostra patria est," or "Where liberty dwells, there is our country." One story goes that Joanna presented the flag to Col. Ward while his battalion was marching through tiny Knoxville in Crawford County on its march to Texas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVbghUE8dOqSjkFMhjoOSGRiiSCYtm3Q6lQTojR9DK-IcSmyXAJ9x8NiWqMG-NXg6iH5kOxci2h9RaJ4G23gcP86D3C-qrUEPCSp6G7aDAtGDymjt1chgwQAkzLHs_vG28wUOTGKmchU/s1600/JoannaTroutmanPainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVbghUE8dOqSjkFMhjoOSGRiiSCYtm3Q6lQTojR9DK-IcSmyXAJ9x8NiWqMG-NXg6iH5kOxci2h9RaJ4G23gcP86D3C-qrUEPCSp6G7aDAtGDymjt1chgwQAkzLHs_vG28wUOTGKmchU/s400/JoannaTroutmanPainting.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Unlike the legend of Betsy Ross, which most likely was concocted by her grandson after the Civil War, absolute proof of Joanna’s creation of the flag can be found in an extant letter.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"<i>Columbia, Ga., Nov. 23, 1835.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> "Miss Troutman: Col. Ward brought your handsome appropriate flag as a present to the Georgia Volunteers in the cause of "Texas and Liberty." I was fearful from the shortness of time that you would not be able to finish it as tastefully as you would wish but I assure you, without emotion of flattery, that it is beautiful and with us its value is enhanced by the recollection of the donor.”</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> “I thank you for the honor of being made the medium of presentation to the company, and if they are what every true Georgian ought to be your flag shall wave over fields of victory in defiance of despotism. I hope that proud day will soon arrive, and, while your star presides, none can doubt our success.”</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> “Very respectfully,”</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> Your friend, Hugh McLeod</i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is believed by some that it was Lt. McLeod to whom Joanna delivered her flag. McLeod, a native of New York City, had just moved to Macon. He had graduated dead last in his United States Military Academy class at West Point in 1835. While on his way to his first assignment in Louisiana, Lieutenant McLeod was attracted to the Georgia Battalion of Volunteers and followed them to Columbus. McLeod would have to wait to go to Texas until he resigned his commission a year or so later. He served as the adjutant general and the inspector general of the Texas army.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWOWnkf4yqndZERqRXMiBZ7UV41eQ8ps4yjjWL5iB2lUF4qe7iGPyeuo-wkYBncZIW3pOCZwlKmc1_aUvY4FFgeS9YVY7_k0gbAvneFMEl4dV-2lZjZYXsXRJbxXsOj5ihTJ97RpQj-s/s1600/TROUTMAN.FLAG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWOWnkf4yqndZERqRXMiBZ7UV41eQ8ps4yjjWL5iB2lUF4qe7iGPyeuo-wkYBncZIW3pOCZwlKmc1_aUvY4FFgeS9YVY7_k0gbAvneFMEl4dV-2lZjZYXsXRJbxXsOj5ihTJ97RpQj-s/s320/TROUTMAN.FLAG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Troutman’s flag was first unfurled on January 8, 1836, in Velasco on the Gulf Coast at the American Hotel in what is now Freeport, Texas. Col. Ward’s battalion joined the army of Colonel James Walker Fannin, who is said to have raised the “Lone Star” as the first national flag of Texas. Fannin, a native of Twiggs County, Georgia, and his command were captured and massacred at Goliad on Sunday, March 27, 1836.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After the massacre, the story of Troutman’s flag was soon to be forgotten. Torn to shreds during the battle, not a single scrap was saved as a souvenir. In gratitude for her gift of the battle flag, Troutman was presented with two pieces of silver from the personal belongings of the captured Mexican leader General Santa Anna.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Joanna Troutman returned to a normal life. She married S. L. Pope in 1839. The Popes, who had four sons, lived on their large farm, “Elmwood,” outside of Knoxville. In 1875, after her husband died in 1872, Joanna married W.G. Vinson, a one time state representative.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Joanna Troutman died on July 23, 1879 and was buried in her family cemetery near her home. Lying in eternal peace and obscurity for more than a third of a century, memories of Joanna and her important contribution to the State of Texas were resurrected in 1913.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc15fFepl2LyoDEUgHn7KycOddLNTQOGJSMMvIPpBTd5yCvoT_4USf_PgrV56zMkFWCeG2QhjkLDpe6fB06UaISNcze0XmnwlYuuGy4UE0ImiOa_sp5ok4xBHkAeDG7AS1vt943N6ZgEg/s1600/troutmangrave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc15fFepl2LyoDEUgHn7KycOddLNTQOGJSMMvIPpBTd5yCvoT_4USf_PgrV56zMkFWCeG2QhjkLDpe6fB06UaISNcze0XmnwlYuuGy4UE0ImiOa_sp5ok4xBHkAeDG7AS1vt943N6ZgEg/s320/troutmangrave.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Texas governor and native of Camilla, Georgia, Oscar B. Colquitt, sought and was granted written permission to have Joanna’s remains reinterned in the state capital at Austin. Texas officials hired prominent sculptor Pompeo Coppini to design a proper and fitting bronze statue to capture the importance of her memory to all Texans. Eventually, a portrait artist was hired and his painting of the “Betsy Ross of Texas” hangs in the capitol building.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So now you know the story of a famous heroine of Texas, who never traveled to the Lone Star State, but whose memory will continue to live on in the minds of true Texans for as long is there is a Texas. </div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-76069872957252839052015-05-11T18:26:00.002-07:002015-05-11T18:26:30.863-07:00ANNIE YARBOROUGH<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Georgia’s Second Female African American Dentist</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MD6tWBCJz9QRJ0InUA9ZrSs5yHDeF2hjvoUhe5xvT6ZG1C9TI-PFLdnlJKAfJhHcV2aOyed5qpb1Hl8ZugnwW1MoNaXvViVylexAobXtLWMMLuADIiSZ5ldLDNaJTWo-HjJEe0Ofci3J/s1600/YARBOROUGH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MD6tWBCJz9QRJ0InUA9ZrSs5yHDeF2hjvoUhe5xvT6ZG1C9TI-PFLdnlJKAfJhHcV2aOyed5qpb1Hl8ZugnwW1MoNaXvViVylexAobXtLWMMLuADIiSZ5ldLDNaJTWo-HjJEe0Ofci3J/s640/YARBOROUGH.jpg" width="401" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dr. Annie Yarborough may or may not have been the first African-American female dentist to practice dentistry in the State of Georgia, but she was certainly the second African-American woman ever to be awarded a license by the state. Dr. Yarborough was the first woman ever to practice her profession outside of Athens, Georgia, where Dr. Ida Mae Hiram hung her out her shingle in 1910.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Born Annie E. Taylor on July 18, 1882 in Eatonton, Georgia, Dr. Yarborough was the mulatto daughter of the Rev. Hilliard Taylor and Anna E. Pennaman. Her maternal grandfather, Morris Penneman, was a successful farmer and mill right and for his time a large landowner among a small group of former slaves who owned land in post Civil War Georgia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Annie attended the public schools of Eatonton. After she graduated from high school in 1896, Annie enrolled at the Atlanta University. Life was difficult for Annie and her family after Rev. Taylor died all too young. She was educated in the field of education and took her first job in her hometown. Miss Taylor moved out of town and taught in the Putnam County schools before moving to Jasper, Dodge and Laurens Counties. In her spare time and between school terms, Annie was quite a successful dressmaker and fancy seamstress.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was during her tenure in Laurens County that Annie met Dr. Adolphus Yarborough. They fell in love and married on February 22, 1906. Adolphus Yarborough learned his dental skills while working as an office boy. Before he entered Dental School, Adolphus worked as a porter. He was regarded by many as the best mechanical dentist of his race in Georgia. Adolphus Yarborough, born in September 1881, was a son of Nelson and Charley Yarborough and was the first African American dentist to practice in Laurens County. When they first got married, Adolphus and Annie lived in his father's home on Marion Street in Dublin. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Annie longed to work beside her husband. Adolphus' office hours and home visits rarely allowed the couple to see each other, so Annie made up her mind that she was going to become a dentist. There was only one problem. There were no black female dentists and Georgia and no black dental schools in the state either. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Annie had to leave Dublin and move to Nashville, Tennessee where she enrolled at Meharry Medical College. During her first year at Meharry, Annie was elected to teach sewing and domestic science at Walden University. In another rarity, Annie was both a student and a teacher at the same time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the spring of 1910, Annie Taylor Yarborough walked across the stage and accepted her diploma as a graduate. Dr. Ida Mae Hiram, credited as the first female African-American dentist in Georgia was also a member of Class of 1910. Later that same year Dr. Hiram passed the dental board examinations and joined her husband in their dental office in Athens. It would be another year before Dr. Yarborough would be officially licensed to practice in Georgia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dr. Yarborough was active in the Baptist Church. She was an outstanding member of the Household of Ruth and the Court of Calenthe. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The onset of World War I provided new opportunities for dental students and practicing dentists as well. Black dentists finally thought this may be their chance to expand their practices beyond their own race. Applications to the newly created Dental Reserve Corps poured in. Annie Yarborough was one of the first to apply. On June 6, 1917, just two months after the United States officially entered the war, Dr. Yarborough volunteered for service. Her two brothers had served in the 9th and 10th Cavalry during the Spanish American War and at the age of thirty four, Annie believed it was her duty to serve her country. She informed the Army that she was one of the few female dentists in her state (either black or white) and had completed four years of dental education at Meharry College.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Four weeks later, the office of the Surgeon General of the Army issued its standard denial of all women applicants, though the offer was appreciated. As the war progressed, the policy of no women in the Dental Corps changed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>During, or shortly after the war, the Yarboroughs divorced. Annie, with no children, changed her name back to her maiden name and lived in a house at 626 South Jefferson Street in Dublin with her mother and her sister Leola Smith and her husband Henry.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Following the 1920 Census, Dr. Annie Taylor seems to vanish from Dublin. I could find no records of her. Perhaps she, like her father, died young. Maybe she moved to another town. Who knows? If you know, contact me immediately.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dr. Annie Taylor Yarborough was a woman of high integrity, high education and one whom all of Laurens County can rightfully and deservedly be proud of.</div>
</div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-39207415564512598042015-04-26T13:56:00.002-07:002015-04-26T13:56:36.449-07:00JEAN KARATY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Silver Screen Animator<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucMo5fqaQPQBVfWFF2AzG_JDVUPx-Cnwzry-qnNx46WP2jsdZDyhc0Rke6YFzbMxdsU54SPGeoRpKZ1yg4NL_kBS4AjDr9IooSiHkN72T3n4RnbbLJDnph1dCwc3ZYykwSD5zl2FVc2W_/s1600/Jean+Karaty.01.MIAMI.HERALD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucMo5fqaQPQBVfWFF2AzG_JDVUPx-Cnwzry-qnNx46WP2jsdZDyhc0Rke6YFzbMxdsU54SPGeoRpKZ1yg4NL_kBS4AjDr9IooSiHkN72T3n4RnbbLJDnph1dCwc3ZYykwSD5zl2FVc2W_/s1600/Jean+Karaty.01.MIAMI.HERALD.JPG" height="248" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You probably never heard of Jean Karaty unless you lived in the Miami, Florida area. You have probably seen the fruits of her work and don't even recognize this heretofore uncredited artist. If you knew her like her family and friends did, then you would know of her outstanding contributions to the world of animated films. Her fame was fleeting, but following her death on this past Thanksgiving, her work as an cartoon animator has once again come to light to show what a really gifted artist this Dublin native was.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jean Karaty was born Jean Shehan on February 22, 1917 in Dublin, Georgia. Jean's parents, Louis and Sarah Shehan, moved from their Franklin Street home in Dublin in 1924 to Miami, Florida, where they opened a dress shop. The Shehans, natives of Syria, came to Dublin to join other members of their family who were in the mercantile business. They were closely allied with the Jepeway family, who came from Lebanon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"She always talked about the big hurricanes," her son Michael Karaty Jr. said. And when Jean was nine years old, she saw one of the worst. The 1926 Great Miami hurricane devastated Miami and caused more than 78 billion dollars (165 billion in 2015 dollars) in damages and remains the costliest in U.S. history.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jean graduated from Miami High in the mid 1930s and set out to find a job during the still dark days of the Great Depression. She immediately went to work full time in a parent's dress shop. Then, in a moment of destiny, an employee of Fleischer's Studio happened to walk in the shop and noticed Jean's drawings of flowers, animals and her intriguing cartoon characters.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVXzQyiydqbBmaC1X7Zw08X9wM5AdvEZkL4lUGvNclzAdo1zrw3aBqolyaXqpSSVuH74OZCi9UpqVnpQNjGxoal62nBGC8wgioeDui3gqLkPKnB672pz3jHXaqdW9LJoNUHVcOAjGgZrn/s1600/Fleischer_miami_letter600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVXzQyiydqbBmaC1X7Zw08X9wM5AdvEZkL4lUGvNclzAdo1zrw3aBqolyaXqpSSVuH74OZCi9UpqVnpQNjGxoal62nBGC8wgioeDui3gqLkPKnB672pz3jHXaqdW9LJoNUHVcOAjGgZrn/s1600/Fleischer_miami_letter600.jpg" height="157" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Most people will point to Walt Disney Studios and Warner Brothers' Merrie Melodies and Looney Tunes as the cartoons they fondly remember most from their childhood. But there is a third leading animation company of that golden era of animated cartoons from the 1930s through the 1950s, and that company was Fleischer Studios. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fleischer Studios was founded in 1921 in New York City by brothers Max and Dave Fleischer. While Walt Disney concentrated on human-like animal cartoon characters, the Fleischers took the lead in developing human ones. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZS8ECuRmlBvVNYAgRbsQ9g8ylNPCa5vUdYTNBJUSCAXP7eeF5AG62SvLbw7C9lv9vXI3VFPdmYipAfZ7t5dcaYy0O2KmSwwCSJcbruXBS7PDea81Vej3dZrC7TJCGRcoJCndzsWdLIIdp/s1600/superman194101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZS8ECuRmlBvVNYAgRbsQ9g8ylNPCa5vUdYTNBJUSCAXP7eeF5AG62SvLbw7C9lv9vXI3VFPdmYipAfZ7t5dcaYy0O2KmSwwCSJcbruXBS7PDea81Vej3dZrC7TJCGRcoJCndzsWdLIIdp/s1600/superman194101.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In 1938, The Fleischers established a studio in what was a swampy farm outside of downtown Miami. The building, while still in existence, is now occupied by the Miami Police Department.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jean was eventually hired by the Fleischers. As an opaquer, Jean was required to produce 1440 cartoon cells for every minute of film. Jean and her colleagues filled in spaces and traced the cartoonists drawings when required.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"I used to do some drawings, silly things - flowers, animals, cartoon characters,'' Karaty said. "My mother had a dress shop down on Flagler Street and one of the women who worked there told me to get on the bus and go down to the studio. They took one look at the drawings and said to come in to work. I stayed with them for five years."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVe27MDPqxa8oguU8jVX7d0GU9CFcJy9ADUpSg48-I9LmhGR5JQZ_WgWXc_jl0F91p0Zx_tnlYyx58si6znZgikT71YtYLAKPYNpswidvskNN12UFTBpZ8uxpF9nNQLo70lwBEjZ43sWl/s1600/Betty-Boop-Production-Cel-animation-cels-33875347-2965-2109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVe27MDPqxa8oguU8jVX7d0GU9CFcJy9ADUpSg48-I9LmhGR5JQZ_WgWXc_jl0F91p0Zx_tnlYyx58si6znZgikT71YtYLAKPYNpswidvskNN12UFTBpZ8uxpF9nNQLo70lwBEjZ43sWl/s1600/Betty-Boop-Production-Cel-animation-cels-33875347-2965-2109.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"It was the lowest job you could have,'' fellow co-worker Jeanette Simon said. "It was tedious because you had to be so careful, staying exactly in the lines. But the pay was good - I was getting $30 a week. In those days, that was a lot of money,'' Simon told the Miami Herald.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"When we were working on Gulliver's Travels, there were some weeks when we'd stay until 11:00 o'clock at night four days a week,'' said Celido Rodriguez, who worked with Jean Karaty. ``But we were all young and able to do that.''</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"I felt very important that I worked there,'' Simon told Nicholas Spangler of the Miami Herald. "It seemed very glamorous.''</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUW4zBPlKWIcaLJ7F1NEp-rU5YNG7UbWTq9CBa947-yVQJ6zs6XWfhJWkBL42SxB0EBNUQPIsqj5Udufh-Ties2vPv1kXGVVLPdh_wculAatnFDQZj_rEE_f2b7SrojC_8zl1SKaT8M9my/s1600/popeye4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUW4zBPlKWIcaLJ7F1NEp-rU5YNG7UbWTq9CBa947-yVQJ6zs6XWfhJWkBL42SxB0EBNUQPIsqj5Udufh-Ties2vPv1kXGVVLPdh_wculAatnFDQZj_rEE_f2b7SrojC_8zl1SKaT8M9my/s1600/popeye4a.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Karaty's work was shown in theaters in Miami, back home in Dublin and around the world. They are still being seen by people around the world today.``We used to go down to the Paramount Theater on Flagler Street to see the cartoons before the movie started,'' Karaty remembered. "You'd say, `I did that! I worked on that!' and the people around us would say `Shh!' They thought we were just a bunch of rowdies.''</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>By 1943, the Miami office was closed after high production costs and a struggle between the owners forced the business to move back to New York. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"On the last day they called me into the executive office and asked me if I would like to go,'' Karaty said. ``I was so excited. But my parents said, `You're not going,' and that was it. Families were stricter in those days.'' Jean herself turned down an offer to work for Disney Studios in Orlando.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9KyDzX-QUiDVwOC4p6iczZMc100_yKf556OxMfy8s3C34g2RscA4xFYL_HIcoUw9uXqSkmGREu-vRpm64E7sX4gm3rJs9qU8ts6VudSn-CwhdG0InLSkYhUdmpNuyHrL7Me6tk-niczP/s1600/FLEISHCHER.STUDIOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9KyDzX-QUiDVwOC4p6iczZMc100_yKf556OxMfy8s3C34g2RscA4xFYL_HIcoUw9uXqSkmGREu-vRpm64E7sX4gm3rJs9qU8ts6VudSn-CwhdG0InLSkYhUdmpNuyHrL7Me6tk-niczP/s1600/FLEISHCHER.STUDIOS.jpg" height="203" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Karaty and her colleagues never imagined how much their work would have on the culture of America. Few of their original art works were saved. After they were processed, many treasures were thrown away as trash. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jean Karaty lived in the Miami area for the remainder of her days. Husband Michael Karaty owned and operated a Whiteway Service Station. He died thirty years before Jean. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHDx_r4ogfe_2tqQR9OlqfY4WuPsiUskKN3DS1OHpmzGvsdwBBb5cNuuPO5Ft1xLhA_z1M66ydF0NOHtegAvoX0O2yZblzem7VN5Guq36oQJaENJomnQY3owrL_jVT61Z-woNHXQ_1Ao4/s1600/JEAN+KARATY.03.MIAMI.HERALD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHDx_r4ogfe_2tqQR9OlqfY4WuPsiUskKN3DS1OHpmzGvsdwBBb5cNuuPO5Ft1xLhA_z1M66ydF0NOHtegAvoX0O2yZblzem7VN5Guq36oQJaENJomnQY3owrL_jVT61Z-woNHXQ_1Ao4/s1600/JEAN+KARATY.03.MIAMI.HERALD.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jean loved playing cards, especially poker at the local Moose Lodge. She frequently told the story of her trip to Las Vegas, when she found herself at the card table with comedian Red Foxx. Karaty outlasted the gravelly, foul mouthed star of "Sanford & Son," who wished her good luck upon his leaving the game.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And so, you now know the story of the little girl from Dublin who helped to bring the legendary comic characters of Popeye, Superman and Betty Boop to the Silver Screen.<br />
<br />
Photos of Jean Karaty@Miami Herald.</div>
</div>Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-25435674712140574722015-03-17T18:46:00.000-07:002015-03-17T18:46:00.350-07:00ANNE M. EVERLY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">The First Lady of the St. Patrick’s Festival</span></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLSSv5Rbge2IatUHYrbIkWzIJCd2hKrDDmGdQqLlw80HRvcdReW9vCfKeS9vxpQZfa3CymF3B5W52Id15yv5mIX2AALVHwSzOLZAi5mNkJq5rUkyR7gRhCHakWu4tM2nLtC6AdXInA50B/s1600/anne.everly.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLSSv5Rbge2IatUHYrbIkWzIJCd2hKrDDmGdQqLlw80HRvcdReW9vCfKeS9vxpQZfa3CymF3B5W52Id15yv5mIX2AALVHwSzOLZAi5mNkJq5rUkyR7gRhCHakWu4tM2nLtC6AdXInA50B/s1600/anne.everly.01.jpg" height="400" width="230" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On this 50th Saint Patrick’s Day of Dublin, Georgia’s 50th Saint Patrick’s Festival it is only fitting and proper that we take time to salute the First Lady of the Saint Patrick’s Festival. Although she was deservedly recognized by the Order of the Blarney Stone in 1978, this four-decade-long festival volunteer was never recognized as the Woman of the Year nor as the Senior Citizen of the Year. As you will see, Anne Everly was the epitome of the old maxim, “Behind any great man, there is a great woman.” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Anne Middlebrooks Everly’s immeasurable contributions to the Saint Patrick’s Festival began as a matter of coincidence. Everly had just moved back home to Dublin to raise three small children. Early in her career at radio station WMLT, a conversation about a Saint Patrick’s Festival began around the coffee table at the station. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Right from the beginning, she wanted to be a part of it,” said son Richy Everly. “Mom was drawn to the idea, desperately wanting to be a part of community endeavors in her hometown. She was even elected the historian of the festival before it started,” Everly recalled.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In explaining how the festival began, Anne Everly wrote, “The festival was born of a casual conversation in the coffee room of WMLT radio station. The town’s name - Dublin - was a natural for a Saint Patrick’s festival. The staff of WMLT set out to structure a festival that would bring fun to everyone, young and old - store up happy childhood memories - and give an identity to our town and county.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>WMLT approached Herschel Lovett, Bill Lovett and W.H. Champion of The Dublin Courier Herald to combine their media resources to found and fund a festival until the community itself could take over.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“The first two years of the festival stayed under the wings of its founders and all expenses incurred were paid by the founders. Any monies made by clubs and groups sponsoring events stayed in the clubs’ and groups’ treasuries. The first festival’s twenty events were scheduled in the official ‘Calendar of Events,’ wrote Anne Everly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The festival gave the hardworking single mother an outlet for social activities, including her favorite pastime, bridge. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Daughter Kay Everly Braddy recalled, “For as long as I can remember, St. Patrick's Day and all of its festivities were a part of her life. She truly loved Dublin and wanted to give back to her community.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PWlHhdvbAA-_Vy91gN8lUu3ROZhmEOwOtOnboMuIlhAanne5FVF9yVj3bclItPf7N_NhQEu7paN4_Oo9Iyxfg-y_H6Vrf-n6YE4h9LLgTp4XXYQg3ejIR1YV9gJ3MJpgD5nRXKpkxJqN/s1600/IMG_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PWlHhdvbAA-_Vy91gN8lUu3ROZhmEOwOtOnboMuIlhAanne5FVF9yVj3bclItPf7N_NhQEu7paN4_Oo9Iyxfg-y_H6Vrf-n6YE4h9LLgTp4XXYQg3ejIR1YV9gJ3MJpgD5nRXKpkxJqN/s1600/IMG_0226.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Described as a determined woman, Kay stated that her mother, as one of the founding members of the St. Pat’s committee, was determined to do everything she could to make it the best it could be.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“The festival was her baby. We used to tease her about all of the St. Patrick’s stuff she kept under her bed. Every March, she would drag it out and start working on it,” Richy fondly recalled. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Everly asserted, “Based on what she did and what I witnessed, Mom dug into it and was all into what she did.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In speaking of his mother, who served as a judge in many of the early parades and pageants,” Richly concluded by saying, “She loved all aspects of the festival and would be so proud to see how it has evolved over the last 50 years.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Not one to claim the credit for herself, Anne wrote in her own history of the festival, “It would not be possible to mention all of the names of the many people who have contributed to the success of the Dublin/Laurens Saint Patrick’s Festival over the past 32 years. But there is one name we can’t leave out - Richard “Dick” Killebrew, Dick was WMLT’s news director and Morning Wake Up Man.” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Because of Dick, and the many others who have worked to support the Festival, we are still merry making and wearing the green,” she proclaimed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Anne once wrote, “There is no other event in Laurens County that is as large and as far reaching in community involvement nor is there any other event that has been promoted with such success in a spirit of unity.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDvnb6SIdI62GJp_2MBt-xOffATBpEHom9u6US2-KrIhfMwm7T0XSnFYoBOg_IcIo0Spw7d8plEqadBksPm_atkwYu9ZtgOqe6Mgy5mtMBlPr82lhvZD3NOzGSeGo3VAu4nIkTadnH1A3/s1600/IMG_0246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDvnb6SIdI62GJp_2MBt-xOffATBpEHom9u6US2-KrIhfMwm7T0XSnFYoBOg_IcIo0Spw7d8plEqadBksPm_atkwYu9ZtgOqe6Mgy5mtMBlPr82lhvZD3NOzGSeGo3VAu4nIkTadnH1A3/s1600/IMG_0246.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In recalling her service to the festival, Kay Braddy said of her mom, “Many long hours were spent for many, many years as a member of the Order of the Blarney Stone to being in charge of the professional parade floats to serving as the historian. She enjoyed every minute she devoted to the festival and was determined to help make it better and better year after year. I'm sure one of her proudest moments was when Richy was crowned Little Mr. Dublin.” </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For four decades Anne Everly saved every scrap of paper related to the festival. She was the Historian of the St. Patrick’s Festival from the very first day. Those treasures were preserved by the Everly family, who donated them to the Laurens County Historical Society. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Everly’s collection contains several large boxes of clippings, programs, photos, tickets and all sorts of ephemera of all that is Irish about Dublin. The cataloging of the Anne M. Everly Saint Patrick’s Festival Collection has begun and any and all volunteers who wish to continue Ann’s project are asked to contact the Laurens County Historical Society at (478) 272-9242 or visit the museum at 702 Bellevue Avenue in Dublin.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In 1987, Anne Everly compiled a comprehensive history of the festival during its first thirty-two years. It is published in the second volume of the History of Laurens County, Georgia. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And on this Saint Patrick’s Day, daughter Kay can close her eyes and see her mom, who died in 2007, as “she proudly dons her green blazer as she walks the pearly streets of heaven and shares stories of her hometown, Dublin.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So on this day when everyone is Irish, it is my turn to salute my fellow historian. Anne, along with Joann DiFazio, was one of the first of the women who took little or no credit for the enduring success of the festival. She was the first of the women who worked tirelessly behind the scenes while the founding fathers were lauded with plaques and awards. She was Anne M. Everly, “the First Lady of the Dublin Saint Patrick’s Festival.” </div>
</div>Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-84188984704233111752015-03-10T18:02:00.002-07:002015-03-10T18:02:24.881-07:00CAROLYN JAMES <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Top Secretary of the Army</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljZE2CyaQS6YHmghn2gDsrAtUgWFAjcz8XFeL7-Dey1oT8nHm1pibkZBqlM73ZrfBVVApqJk1JgrN7-ftdO1uJ5yUrv-IwpeWd6ygva_I8RwEzZlWZHfj35Pc_8EmEjvd5VGzZEVKhV4H/s1600/500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljZE2CyaQS6YHmghn2gDsrAtUgWFAjcz8XFeL7-Dey1oT8nHm1pibkZBqlM73ZrfBVVApqJk1JgrN7-ftdO1uJ5yUrv-IwpeWd6ygva_I8RwEzZlWZHfj35Pc_8EmEjvd5VGzZEVKhV4H/s1600/500.jpg" height="320" width="270" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Carolyn James, of Adrian, Georgia, wasn't the first woman to join the Women's Army Corps during World War II, nor was she the first Georgian out of the some 150,000 women who volunteered to help the war effort in uniform. But it was this patriotic granddaughter of the founder of Adrian, who made U.S. Military history twice in her 20-year career.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Carolyn Hauser James, a daughter of Thomas Jefferson James II and Inez E. Hauser, was born in Adrian, Georgia on January 21, 1910. Her grandfather, Thomas J. "Capt. T.J." James, founded the town of Adrian in the 1890s as a base for his railroad, the Wadley & Mt. Vernon, and his massive farming interests. Not long after her grandfather's death, the James family fell on hard times. During the years before the Great Depression, Miss James and her family moved to the Miami-Dade County area, where Carolyn took a job as a stenographer in a law office and later in a hotel.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As a divorced mother of a son James Richard Owen, 14, Carolyn decided it was time for her to join the war effort officially. So at the age of 35, Carolyn enlisted in the Women's Army Corps on March 23, 1945 in Miami. In the late 1940s, Carolyn worked at Oliver General Hospital in Augusta, Georgia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Women's Army Corps provided valuable service to the Army in times of war and peace. General Douglas MacArthur proclaimed that the WACs "are my best soldiers." The general added, "They work harder, complain less, and were better disciplined than men." Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "their contributions in efficiency, skill, spirit, and determination are immeasurable."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As the country returned to war in 1950 in Korea, Carolyn and other stenographers saw an increased work load. Carolyn was assigned to Tokyo, where she was given the task of devising a system to organize and file correspondence related to the truce meetings which were held in hopes of ending the war quickly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPL1k1gQ-rAY1PbdAeiSg093WnAyaU4JcaWYJYhmKLIWosbN4aMPgLyfa7LoHTRAwSOHQEJw03k3X7cBjDpJ97qgTi8HS-cyqZfOZgHeV6RGn4Y3PK4mZLnUFKlBK5Tm8dlFotrbSfTjg/s1600/500+(3)A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPL1k1gQ-rAY1PbdAeiSg093WnAyaU4JcaWYJYhmKLIWosbN4aMPgLyfa7LoHTRAwSOHQEJw03k3X7cBjDpJ97qgTi8HS-cyqZfOZgHeV6RGn4Y3PK4mZLnUFKlBK5Tm8dlFotrbSfTjg/s1600/500+(3)A.jpg" height="400" width="382" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In her position as administrative assistant to the G-1, Carolyn received the Brown Star Medal for meritorious service to the Far East Command headquarters. The citation for the medal read in part," for devising an ingenious system of processing and filing high priority correspondence and expedient cross-indexing providing a chronological history relevant to the cease-fire armistice negotiations in Korea."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the week before Christmas, 1952, James' meritorious achievements led her assignment by General James A. Van Fleet to his 8th Army headquarters in Korea. Master Sergeant James, the first ever master sergeant in the United States Women's Army Corps, was joined by Corporal Louise M. Farrell, of Billings, Montana as the first two members of the WACs to be permanently assigned to duty in Korea.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Carolyn James once told her family friends that while in Korea, she was scheduled to receive the Bronze Star from General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. She related that she wore her best uniform to headquarters. Just as she was to enter the building, however, a bird left its droppings all over her uniform, leaving her with a dilemma - see the General in that state, or go back and change and risk being late. She chose the former, which is perhaps why I never saw a photo of the ceremony, although her uniform blouse shows she wore the medal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Carolyn, in a January 1953 letter to her cousins, Anne Laura Hauser and Melville Schmidt , wrote, "I was transferred to Korea on 18 December, after the Far East Command had made a thorough search for a WAC to fill the position of personal secretary to General Van Fleet, and finally decided I had the desired qualifications - although my tour was about up. However, when they approached me, I volunteered to extend for six months. Since there are no other WACs in Korea, Eighth Army recommended that I bring another for company, so I chose a girl who had court reporting experience. We had the honor of being the first two WACs to ever be permanently assigned to Korea's combat area." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"Of course, everything considered, Public Information Office and the other publicity media decided it was good material for WAC recruiting purposes, so for one week prior to our departure, we were constantly being photographed - motion and still; televised, and radio interviewed Then we were flown over in a special mission B-17, " James continued.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"We were cordially received by all in headquarters here. They have really done everything to make us comfortable and happy. We're billeted in a senior officers' billets , which had a portion of the second floor allotted to female personnel - Red Cross workers, the Chief Nurse of the Eighth Army, and us. We eat our meals here in headquarters in a little spot right outside the kitchen of the Army Commander's mess," the revered sergeant said. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sergeant James stated, "My duty hours are quite long -- from 0800 to 2100 and sometimes 2200 (9:00 and 10:00) at night. However, movements are so restricted and the working conditions are so pleasant, it isn't too bad. We have a little Korean house girl who takes care of our clothes, which gives us added freedom from outside chores."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With fond remembrances, the Adrian native recorded, "I have certainly enjoyed my short tenure as General Van Fleet's secretary, for he is without doubt one of the finest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He is a superior field commander, American and humanitarian, and is respected and admired by everyone - Koreans included." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrt-1_RLM6_cxqxU4K9ZzHIU857mzkxF0Z413w9hEH134pCv5at0G0kEp60_M7dNfxdrFeN-JhLQFefOjUfSsNlDUIWIZOA8bLi6UgmOYXlvtWNzVzSydY8vYQWLUlzilE1J4cTUPhXcpG/s1600/500+(2)A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrt-1_RLM6_cxqxU4K9ZzHIU857mzkxF0Z413w9hEH134pCv5at0G0kEp60_M7dNfxdrFeN-JhLQFefOjUfSsNlDUIWIZOA8bLi6UgmOYXlvtWNzVzSydY8vYQWLUlzilE1J4cTUPhXcpG/s1600/500+(2)A.jpg" height="359" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In summarizing her war experience, Sergeant James stated, "The devastation and misery in this country as the result of this war is indeed heart-rending, but there is much evidence that our government and its people are doing everything possible to alleviate much of the suffering. Aside from the many government-sponsored welfare organizations, every military unit (including the front-line units) has its own welfare program in the form of aid to orphanages, hospitals, etc. It certainly increases one's pride in his country and its people to see such a genuine display of generosity toward those less fortunate." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Carolyn's time in Korea was short as an armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, although a 1963 Colorado Springs Gazette article stated that M. Sgt. James has gone to Korea six months before hostilities began in 1950. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>James was assigned as Chief Clerk of the General Staff office at ARADCOM Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado in the summer of 1956. In her seventh and last year at ARADCOM, James served as Administrative Officer of the Training Branch, G-3.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With the passage of The Military Pay Bill of 1958, Congress added pay grades of E-8 and E-9. With the new law in effect. Carolyn H. James became the first in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) promoted to grade E-8, making her the first WAC promoted to master sergeant (or first sergeant). It was during her tenure in Colorado Springs when Master Sgt. James was promoted to Sergeant Major (E-9) making her the first woman in the history of the United States Army to hold that esteemed enlisted man's rank. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENGhnmX44WpgCxKKPw9JlbvTY_71zu1gMYJocKXju_oHf8igdX56yBeaRuXUGc2sDssZrj5ZrfwwvkkrLqmzmiYRW2FJgC8fXzU8TPVk8nNe11HCG971NktC5uQg6Jqr6JGrGNE9bOYa2/s1600/500+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENGhnmX44WpgCxKKPw9JlbvTY_71zu1gMYJocKXju_oHf8igdX56yBeaRuXUGc2sDssZrj5ZrfwwvkkrLqmzmiYRW2FJgC8fXzU8TPVk8nNe11HCG971NktC5uQg6Jqr6JGrGNE9bOYa2/s1600/500+(1).jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In 1963, Sergeant Major James was awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a second Army Commendation Medal. She was assigned to the Women's Army Corps School at Fort McClellan, Alabama. A second Oak Leaf Cluster was awarded to before her April 1965 retirement ceremony. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Carolyn James lived for nearly two and one half decades in Colorado Springs following her retiriement after twenty years of service to the Army. Sergeant Major James died on May 8, 1991 in local hospice. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And thus the story of the determined and patriotic lady from Adrian, Georgia, who grew up to serve the country as the top secretary in the Army. </div>
</div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-91794825046144399132015-01-08T17:31:00.001-08:002015-01-08T17:31:45.924-08:00MATTIE HESTER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">MATTIE GET YOUR GUN</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Story of Mattie Hester</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd-OGVu9WBwUkjgRtx1k_tOR0w3LgSN-X-VcPDX1mY1Wya2isSd_dS-P3kLNqmHmEsfuXfT5YLOFpwzPkkAOYR3u5t6W6BJEkufX4oAMQvl-gHiR15lxq-gixhulqaHPN_2GujUvTDo0R/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd-OGVu9WBwUkjgRtx1k_tOR0w3LgSN-X-VcPDX1mY1Wya2isSd_dS-P3kLNqmHmEsfuXfT5YLOFpwzPkkAOYR3u5t6W6BJEkufX4oAMQvl-gHiR15lxq-gixhulqaHPN_2GujUvTDo0R/s1600/IMG.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mattie Hester was a combination of Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane and a pony express rider. A headstrong woman in a male dominated world, Hester could hold her own with the strongest of brutes. This is a tale of one remarkable woman and her brief moments of fame. Martha "Mattie" Hester was born about the year 1868. Her parents, John and Mary Hester, lived in the southeastern part of Laurens County on the east side of the river in what is still known as Smith's District.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mattie grew up in an era when mail delivery was intermittent and slow. Condor was established as a post office in 1878. Two years later, an office was established further south along the River Road at Tweed. Most of the mail coming into Laurens County first came into Dublin for distribution to other places throughout the county. It was about 1890 when Mattie was given the job of carrying the mail from Dublin to Condor where she began her route. From Condor, she traveled south three days a week along the Old River Road to Lothair in what was then Montgomery, but which now lies in Treutlen County.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Female mail carriers were rare. The forty-five-mile route was often isolated. Any miscreant looking to steal cash or a valuable document could easily rob a carrier along the road. But Mattie would not be deterred. She hitched a Texas broncho to her small road cart to allow her to outrun any thieves. Her horse, faster than a hemidemisemiquaver in a John Phillip Sousa march, never failed Mattie.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She always got the mail to its destination on time or well ahead of its scheduled arrival. If she was accosted, Mattie was as fearless as anyone. To insure her safety, she carried a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver in her side pocket. Mattie was considered a crack shot, and no one who knew her would ever contemplate trying to take any mail or in anyway impede her delivery schedule. Lacking no doubt about her ability to defend herself against any highwayman or tramp in her path, Mattie Hester held little respect for members of her own sex who feared to venture out into public without an escort.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A prime example of Mattie's determination occurred during a winter rainy spell. After nearly a week of constant rainfall in the summer of 1890, the creeks and streams along the mail route had swollen beyond their banks. Messer's (Mercer's) Creek, which serves as the boundary line between Laurens and Montgomery (now Treutlen) counties had become a raging torrent. The long bridge, usually dependable for most crossings, was in danger of being swept away at any moment. Its abutments were already gone. Upon her arrival at the bridge, Mattie surveyed the perilous situation. Recognizing the danger ahead, but acknowledging the necessity of the mail being delivered, Mattie decided to plunge ahead. "If there is any possible chance to cross, I intended to cross, even if I have to swim," said Mattie. Mattie whipped the hind of her trusty bronco and plunged into the turbulence. Her horse found itself tangled in a patch of vines in five feet of water. Instinctively Mattie cut the helpless horse from its harness. Battling shoulder deep raging currents Mattie persevered, all the time dragging the cart until she could reach the bridge which by then was cover with water itself, but still standing. She managed to make it across and did her pony. After a moment or two of rest, Mattie hitched the drenched horse to the wagon and resumed her journey, albeit she excusably took nearly an hour to travel the remaining seven miles to Lothair.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mattie's duties at home and the pittance of a salary she received from the Postal Service led to her resignation as a postal carrier. One might think that this fiercely independent, pistol packing and hard charging woman might have a manly image. To the contrary, Mattie was described a reporter for the Atlanta Constitution as "a beauty of a real southern type, wavy black hair, deep blue eyes, beautiful figure and complexion with the whitest teeth imaginable." "Her jaunty air and pretty face never failed to attract the attention of strangers, as she rattled swiftly by in her cart, never looking to the right or to the left, but attending strictly to business," the reporter continued. I</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>n addition to her admirable qualities of dedication to her work and striking beauty, Mattie was considered to be an astute businesswoman. Following her father's death at a relatively young age in 1890, Mattie took over the management of the family farm. Mattie took part in all phases of the farming operation, from cultivation to planting and from harvesting to marketing to the highest bidder, the latter of which were among her greatest talents. Always looking for a way to improve the income from her home place, Mattie ventured into the woods behind her house and saw money in the trees. She cut some of the trees and personally assembled them into a raft. In the process she had to wade throughout the swamp, sometimes with water up to her waist. Mattie's brother took over at that point and piloted the timber raft down the treacherous waters of the Oconee and Altamaha rivers to the port city of Darien, where the logs were sold at a handsome profit. The venture became so lucrative that Mattie saved a few of the trees and invested some of the income into constructing a split rail fence around the Hester farm. By the best count available, Mattie cut about five thousand rails during her first five years of managing the farm. Mattie spent her spare time teaching young people how to shoot. She also a talent for penmanship and drawing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mattie's marksmanship came in handy when someone needed defending. On an early December evening in 18906, a Mr. Palmer was giving a dance party in his home in the Martha community near Tweed. Mattie's entrepreneurial abilities included the sale of spiritous liquors. It was said she sold her stock freely among the male party goers, many of whom found themselves under the influence of Mattie's liquor. As more and more whiskey was consumed, tempers began to flare. Mattie found herself engaged in a heated argument with Henry McLendon. Maggie drew her pistol and shot her antagonist. Mattie's brother rose to her defense, but was brutally beaten about the face with a pair of brass knuckles. Alfred Shell, a steam mill owner, was also shot and seriously wounded.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mattie seemed to disappear after that. Was she forced to leave the community? If so, where did she go? Did this beautiful and fiercely independent woman ever marry? Maybe one day we will know. </div>
</div>Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-43781778370769274652015-01-08T17:03:00.003-08:002015-01-08T17:03:17.054-08:00IRIS FAIRCLOTH BLITCH<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">A Pioneering Politician</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxKIzyTx5R2iESJ91U5xy6LiiCWOGSiKL3S0E8oW6l-OxuBo6xXyjLMmMusRlsA74Xv9UhOd4SE58faQjn-H3PaUitmc_JX_0JGICHoeoRX8AnDF_UpfmwJIptI85Y56r2JrThlUg8OSM/s1600/B000561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxKIzyTx5R2iESJ91U5xy6LiiCWOGSiKL3S0E8oW6l-OxuBo6xXyjLMmMusRlsA74Xv9UhOd4SE58faQjn-H3PaUitmc_JX_0JGICHoeoRX8AnDF_UpfmwJIptI85Y56r2JrThlUg8OSM/s1600/B000561.jpg" height="400" width="275" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>History was made in Georgia 60 years ago this week. The State of Georgia could claim that two women had served the state in the United States Congress. Moreover, Gov. Thomas Hardwick, a one time resident of Dublin, had appointed Rebecca Latimer Felton to a seat to fill out the remaining term of the late Senator Thomas E. Watson in the United States Senate in 1921 as a show of support for the rights of women to vote.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Florence Gibbs was elected in the fall of 1940 to fill out the term of her late husband, Congressman W. Ben Gibbs. Helen Douglas Mankin won a special election in 1946, with strong support from African American voters, who voted en mass for the first time.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But it was on January 3, 1955 when Iris Faircloth Blitch, took her seat in the Congress as the first woman from Georgia to serve in Congress after being elected in a regular election. This political activist from the railroad village of Normantown in northern Toombs County had already made her mark in Georgia politics.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Born in the southeastern region of East Central Georgia on April 25, 1912, as the second youngest of the eight children of James Louis Faircloth and Marietta Rigdell Faircloth, Iris was forced to live with her older sisters when she became an orphan at the age of nine. Her father's family were natives of Emanuel County.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Blitch graduated from a high school in Hagerstown, Maryland before returning to Georgia to attend classes at the University of Georgia. She left school to marry Brooks Blitch, a pharmacist from Homerville, Georgia.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With a passion to educate herself, she immersed herself into reading about history and current events and taught herself to become a newspaper writer. Blitch found her niche in politics and joined the Democratic party, the only viable party in Georgia at the time.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Blitch suffered a narrow defeat in her first political campaign in 1940, losing by slightly more than 25 votes for a seat in the State House of Representatives. She won her first election in 1946, capturing a seat in the Georgia Senate. Senator Blitch switched to the other chamber of the Georgia legislature when she was elected to the Georgia House in 1948. After failing to win reelection in 1950, the attractive, brunette legislator returned to the Georgia Senate in 1952.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VaBD7m2RT9_W85oGhTwdOx-mDltXKuNsE4hS0ks7z8NchHsFg2XEPc8Z_o8rYw7Rk6uaiDAcB3RMi6hYudyvqJZyxzkoARzOVtabHWuGJqIsJDXm717Mu9nQeTDF2OmPBo1jpGldnAiA/s1600/7826276_1062528210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VaBD7m2RT9_W85oGhTwdOx-mDltXKuNsE4hS0ks7z8NchHsFg2XEPc8Z_o8rYw7Rk6uaiDAcB3RMi6hYudyvqJZyxzkoARzOVtabHWuGJqIsJDXm717Mu9nQeTDF2OmPBo1jpGldnAiA/s1600/7826276_1062528210.jpg" height="400" width="257" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Iris Blitch's being a woman led to her being named as a National Committeewoman from Georgia from 1948 to 1956 to the Democratic National Committee. Blitch also served in a similar state capacity from 1946 to 1956.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the off-year election of 1954 during Dwight Eisenhower's first term as president, Blitch decided to do the unthinkable - to run for Congress in the Deep South, where women were systematically excluded from nomination by the Democratic party politics. And she won, defeating the incumbent, William M. Wheeler.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As the first female in the history of Georgia to win a regular scheduled election for a seat in Congress, Blitch, entered office on January 3, 1955 and served for ten years, representing the 8th Congressional District, which encompassed counties from Southeast Georgia. While in the Congress, she served on the Public Works Committee and the National Resources Advisory Council. <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Because of her debilitating arthritis, Representative Blitch retired in 1964 and moved to Saint Simons, Georgia, repeatedly turning down repeated requests to run again primarily because of her husband's illness.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A congressional web site writer wrote, "Representative Iris Blitch of Georgia embodied a peculiar mixture of progressive feminism and southern conservatism during her long political career, which included four terms in the U.S. House. As a Georgia state legislator she pushed women's rights concerns. In the U.S. House, while displaying considerable legislative ability, she hewed to more traditional lines, advocating on behalf of agricultural interests in her rural district while denouncing federal efforts to enforce civil rights in the South. Over the span of her career, Blitch earned a reputation as a quick tongued legislator who enjoyed the give and take of debate."<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qVECDpq3MGI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>+<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Iris Blitch on "What's My Line?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Majority Leader Carl Albert of Oklahoma remarked, "I have never known anyone more persistent in her devotion to duty. I have seen her sit here on the floor attending to every item of duty when she was ill and in pain. She is a real soldier."<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Iris Blitch shocked her colleagues in 1964, when she changed her party alliance and joined the Republican party. Of the party's 1964 Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater, Blitch remarked, "In my political lifetime only one leader has come forward to give the American people a choice between a more centralized state and the complete dignity of the individual."<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Originally a supporter of segregation as were nearly all members of her party in the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s, Iris Blitch became more tolerant of the rights of African Americans in supporting Georgia governor Jimmy Carter, who became the first Georgia governor to do so in the 1970s.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJJoEwwU9Z6SXVRc2YHlTaEAgTtd2zzMa38OYrxZ34sNLajyT4KhR3077AIVbyoWi4AWZWUP3lrVao74FZYA_ALNWUP5pMyLeMdrH5jt4BAgeD6_8wIxniHNiqDAuy9oO27Plvrqd-5I5/s1600/84255985_132985457760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJJoEwwU9Z6SXVRc2YHlTaEAgTtd2zzMa38OYrxZ34sNLajyT4KhR3077AIVbyoWi4AWZWUP3lrVao74FZYA_ALNWUP5pMyLeMdrH5jt4BAgeD6_8wIxniHNiqDAuy9oO27Plvrqd-5I5/s1600/84255985_132985457760.jpg" height="159" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In 1988, Iris Blitch, who once remarked that she always had politics in her blood, moved to be closer to her daughter, in San Diego, California, where Iris died on August 19, 1993. She is buried in Pinelawn Cemetery, Homerville, Georgia.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As much as things have changed in national and state politics in the sixty years after Iris Blitch took her seat in the United States House of Representatives, the more things have stayed pretty much the same. Georgia, with her fourteen seats in the House and two seats in the Senate, is without a female representative. Since Congresswoman Blitch left office fifty years ago, only Cynthia McGivney and Denise Majid have been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The total number of women who have served Georgia in the House of Representatives and the Senate is six, second in the Deep South only to Florida (no longer considered the Deep South by many) which boasts of 11 women. So the question remains, when will another Iris Blitch step forward and change the face of politics in Georgia?<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-5873049744021727552014-05-15T18:12:00.001-07:002014-05-15T18:12:57.546-07:00THE BLOOMER GIRLS <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Baseball’s Barnstorming Belles</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A century ago, baseball teams with women players were somewhat of a novelty. The all-women teams, with the exception of one or two essential male players, made a nearly modest living traveling throughout the country, playing in big cities and little towns against all male teams, usually a squad formed from local boys and young men. Such was the case with the Indianapolis Star Bloomer Girls, who traveled through Georgia in the spring of 1914, stopped in Dublin for a contest against our local team.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzRv_YHXzyoPJgKYfzi-Y-cyurcE41cvpfWqCwTDdQM4fJKqilTkbRCrYGlRPeLOLQtI46BFa669EBLfXydTm4NyrMBjjWizjZZsnvk6LFZrIUl60GLIh0VLzWghkoFPASuc1IkxrTx_B/s1600/$_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzRv_YHXzyoPJgKYfzi-Y-cyurcE41cvpfWqCwTDdQM4fJKqilTkbRCrYGlRPeLOLQtI46BFa669EBLfXydTm4NyrMBjjWizjZZsnvk6LFZrIUl60GLIh0VLzWghkoFPASuc1IkxrTx_B/s1600/$_3.JPG" height="400" width="343" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Bloomer Girls” teams were formed in different parts of the country from New England to the Mid West. The teams were not all women. Many hired a male player, “a topper” to pitch or catch. Among three of the most famous toppers, some of whom wore wavy wigs, were Hall of Fame infielder Rogers Hornsby, who would return to Dublin with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1933, Smoky Joe Wood a star pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in the years before World War I and another Hall of Fame pitcher, Grover Cleveland Alexander. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Named for Adelaide Bloomer, a woman’s rights activist, the Bloomer Girls began in the 1890s and lasted for more than four decades when women’s professional baseball teams disbanded in the mid 1930s. The Girls, who originally wore loose-fitting bloomer pants before switching to more traditional baseball pants, helped to introduce night baseball games in the early 1900s. Used to playing at night, the blinding glare of the arc lights often gave the Bloomer Girls a decided advantage to their daylight playing competitors. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After spending the winter training in Cuba, the Bloomer Girls, managed by Frank Schmalz - the brother of former Cincinnati Reds owner George Schmalz, began a grueling schedule in February 1914, playing first in New Orleans and then playing on most days across the Deep South. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Eastman was the first stop on the Georgia schedule for the Bloomer Girls, who billed themselves as the “Lady Champions of the World,” on April 20, 1914. One thousand or more baseball fans and curious spectators witnessed the Eastman Boys jump out to an early 5-0 lead at the end of three innings. The Bloomer Girls committed eight errors in the game, but managed to pull within two runs with a three-run six inning. Eastman’s catcher Wright had a big day with three hits, while Eastman starting pitcher, Henry Skelton, held the Girls in check for most of the game. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Star Bloomer Girls traveled from Eastman to Dublin by train for a game on the afternoon of April 21, 1914. Under fair, warming skies the teams took the field, most likely at the 12th District Fairgrounds at the corner of Telfair and Troup Streets. There may have been as many as 1500 fans on hand to see the game.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Although no specific accounts of the game have survived, the Dublin boys scored single runs in the first and third innings before plating four to take a commanding 6- 0lead in the bottom of the 5th inning. With outstanding fielding, the Dublin boys held the Girls to a single run in the top of the 8th, taking an easy 7-1 victory with the pitching of Whetor. Margaret “Peg” Cunningham, the left-handed, nineteen-year-old, star pitcher for the Girls, started for the Bloomers until she was relieved by Loyd, who pitched well in relief. The Dublin boys boasted that they had the second greatest victory by a Georgia team against the Bloomers, only a single run behind the boys from LaGrange. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aiXyzbyjpk77083G-jhycNUDZ-G9FDOR35yPf0PuktIbZxiUcq0Y23YaSF5pXNyWzf3x5cmMTIC3SkY6VzmLD9GzVZFg1E06ghPsz7qS_4pGgIAM0w7DG82lryMGguJR20cr_Cxi4dqq/s1600/pl_004272014_2058_46779_164+copy.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aiXyzbyjpk77083G-jhycNUDZ-G9FDOR35yPf0PuktIbZxiUcq0Y23YaSF5pXNyWzf3x5cmMTIC3SkY6VzmLD9GzVZFg1E06ghPsz7qS_4pGgIAM0w7DG82lryMGguJR20cr_Cxi4dqq/s1600/pl_004272014_2058_46779_164+copy.tif" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Margaret "Peg" Cunningham and Minnie Fay Phelan, Feb. 1914</span></div>
<br />
Among the girls playing in Dublin that day were: Selma Wanbaum, an eight-year veteran at first base, “Happy” Murphy, the team comedian and second baseman with six year’s experience, and third baseman Elizabeth “Lizzie” Fargo. Playing left field was “Carrie Nation,” aka Mae Arbaugh, who reportedly played in 6,486 professional baseball games (and at least 4600 as reported by Baseball Magazine in 1931.) If true, Arbaugh would have surpassed Pete Rose for the most games played by a professional baseball player. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Marie Dierl took center field and Watsworth, right field. Minnie Fay Phelan, sister of Chicago Cub infielder, Art Phelan, and the Girls’ right handed pitcher, once pitched a 3-2, 14-inning complete game against the men of Syracuse. Jack Reilly, a semi-pro player, was the sole male member of the team and usually played the key stone position at shortstop. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Margaret Cunningham was regarded as the best female pitcher of her day. Seems that Margaret learned how to pitch under the mentorship of Ed Walsh, a Hall of Fame pitcher, who played with the Chicago White Sox for most of his career and who still holds the all time record lowest (1.82) career ERA. One of Cunningham’s greatest pitching victories came in 1913 when she defeated Louisville, Kentucky’s male team 2-1 in an 11-inning complete game victory. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The next stop on the swing through Central Georgia came on the 22nd of April in a game between the Star Bloomers and Hawkinsville. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIlXKJHjA65lURYj1o5zCEZaXyAxfxIcVa4yjTv_tsdX1RHQlwgXycaaPXs0KMMYN4_SNS0wAlm_i6uplKdQH-KMK73qq1Jy0bQdBA2ocC5M9Cl6ndhYm3vSb_VATKLYJhmayp4mEmN20/s1600/$(KGrHqR,!lQFBg4Sm1)SBQi)hImEJQ~~60_57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIlXKJHjA65lURYj1o5zCEZaXyAxfxIcVa4yjTv_tsdX1RHQlwgXycaaPXs0KMMYN4_SNS0wAlm_i6uplKdQH-KMK73qq1Jy0bQdBA2ocC5M9Cl6ndhYm3vSb_VATKLYJhmayp4mEmN20/s1600/$(KGrHqR,!lQFBg4Sm1)SBQi)hImEJQ~~60_57.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On the 24th, the Girls traveled to Macon to play an All Star team made up of members of the Central City League. Margaret “Peg O’ My Heart” Cunningham started the game in front of more than a thousand men and their wives.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At the end of three innings, Cunningham, obviously exhausted from pitching too many innings on too many days, cried out, “Oh, my! I am tired. Take me out!” With their star pitcher on the bench, things weren’t looking up for the Bloomers, who were playing their fourth straight day of baseball, all on the road and far, far from their homes. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With three men playing against the powerful Macon team, the Bloomer Girls’ Mr. John came into pitch, holding the Macon nine scoreless for the rest of the game. The Girls fought back scoring one in the 6th inning and two runs in each of the next two stanzas to squeak by the Macon men, 5-4.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The next day, the girls traveled to Atlanta to face the Atlanta Federals, a semi-pro team, whom they upset in front of a stunned crowd. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Bloomer Girls continued their swing through Georgia in May playing teams from Columbus, Talbotton, LaGrange and the Bibb Mills team from Macon. Bloomer boosters claim that the Bibb Mills team had to import players to keep the girls from sweeping the two-game series from Macon men. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBfsgiZlIge8BZlK4-DO3VmnPjz2KkZv_Twa3jY6Dbtnl4KHUA5uHG20DAhbiNvoL-Vp2U7KmerV1VtiWC6MASwe_yHdw-MDRBp7Z57D_sg1AP5eRP8Nst6_PA_o2vFK_W9sBJahbgclc/s1600/$T2eC16F,!yEE9s5jDVpHBQv4u568Gg~~60_57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBfsgiZlIge8BZlK4-DO3VmnPjz2KkZv_Twa3jY6Dbtnl4KHUA5uHG20DAhbiNvoL-Vp2U7KmerV1VtiWC6MASwe_yHdw-MDRBp7Z57D_sg1AP5eRP8Nst6_PA_o2vFK_W9sBJahbgclc/s1600/$T2eC16F,!yEE9s5jDVpHBQv4u568Gg~~60_57.JPG" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>By the time the Star Girls made it to Montgomery, Alabama, they had won five games in a row. Managers of the men’s capital city’s team scoured the countryside for men with semi-pro experience to prevent further embarrassment to the ego of the men of the “Yellowhammer State.” The Montgomery team assembled a team which they deemed to have “the best amateur infield in the state.” The bought and paid for team won, but the Bloomer Girls kept right on playing throughout the summer and throughout the nation, playing as many as two hundred games a year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Those who saw the “Star Bloomer Girls” went away believing that baseball’s barnstorming belles in dark uniforms with a big star on the front were not just novelties, but an aggregation of good baseball players who could hold their own with the best men that any city or town could send out to beat them.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-73833895279990675262014-04-02T06:54:00.002-07:002014-04-02T06:54:50.846-07:00JANE NEW DORSEY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Sentimental Gentleman's Lady</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMryxiEfJ0FpWUQT5TnfypydpkL12ytiSpwfcoVktNo5PXOdlyyLblx1BfW6BOoy5mPfZukQ-cY5mfvYW_j3UdePlpiBzJVncYlFgyeezn1am3EPgtsPkt1YwkfqZ-cNgAzk4Nen5vB11i/s1600/ziegfield.follies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMryxiEfJ0FpWUQT5TnfypydpkL12ytiSpwfcoVktNo5PXOdlyyLblx1BfW6BOoy5mPfZukQ-cY5mfvYW_j3UdePlpiBzJVncYlFgyeezn1am3EPgtsPkt1YwkfqZ-cNgAzk4Nen5vB11i/s1600/ziegfield.follies.jpg" height="400" width="236" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is the novelistic account of the life of Jane New Dorsey of Dublin, Georgia, who grew up to realize her dream of being a successful singer and dancer. Never in her wildest, youthful dreams could she ever conceive of being married to one of the most famous men in America and one of the greatest big band leaders in the history of music. Her eight and one-half year marriage to the band leader, Tommy Dorsey, was both passionate and tempestuous to say the least. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jane Carl New was born to Dublin attorney Stephen Parker New and his wife, Ruth Hightower New, on October 23, 1923. Jane attended elementary school a few blocks from her home. The New family, including brothers Stephen Jr. and William Hightower New, left their home at 515 Tucker Street in Dublin and moved to Washington, D.C., when the elder New was appointed an attorney for the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1936.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jane, who lived at 410 Cedar Street in northwestern Washington, studied dancing at the Phil Hayden Studios in Washington, D.C. and drama at the Abilene School of Theater in New York after her graduation from Roosevelt High School in Washington, D.C. During years of World War II, New became a speciality dancer and understudy to the lead female singer in a revival of the Ziegfeld Follies, starring Milton Berle, Illona Massey and Arthur Treacher.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jane, beautiful dancer and a fine singer with a natural singing voice, became a regular dancer in the famous Copacabana Club in New York City. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>New's first, and albeit short, marriage to Bob Mizzy didn't work out well. Mizzy had been married to another dancer of a sorts, the burlesque stripper, Gypsy Rose Lee. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Miss New, somewhat short at five-feet, four-inches tall, found new fame as a chorus line dancer in the Colonial Inn in Miami. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One night, while dining at the Casino Gardens, Tommy Dorsey's club near Los Angeles, Jane noticed Dorsey coming over to her table where she was dining with friends. Jane noticed that the tent card on her table contained a misspelling of Dorsey's last name.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jane began to poke fun at and flirt with Dorsey, who offered her a job managing the room where he was performing. In his book "Livin' In a Great Big Way," Peter J. Levinson wrote, "The bandleader-proprietor was intrigued by New's sassy personality. Dorsey and New left togther in his car. The great Dorsey was not used to a woman talking back to him, much less a woman he had just met."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaotEowo1qGmRtNDUCQ-V_laxi2yrD5VljISEshMHosKUZLYAgmWm0e01tM-JuOqrCKZM3wNVQ8BOOCJCO_cF3vBlmiv1dAUnJ5dXn9eH4eHPvDebftYL0sJpIIPciIBWCChHCLN5ANOZC/s1600/tommydorsey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaotEowo1qGmRtNDUCQ-V_laxi2yrD5VljISEshMHosKUZLYAgmWm0e01tM-JuOqrCKZM3wNVQ8BOOCJCO_cF3vBlmiv1dAUnJ5dXn9eH4eHPvDebftYL0sJpIIPciIBWCChHCLN5ANOZC/s1600/tommydorsey.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jane and Tommy, whose 137 hits on the Billboard Charts exceeded those of both Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, began dating four to six weeks later. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>During the winter of 1948, Dorsey proposed his hand in marriage to Jane by handing her a five-carat diamond ring. Jane accepted and immediately set out for Miami to resign her position at the Colonial Inn, but not before stopping in at her parents' home to tell them the wonderful news.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fred Dickensen, in a 1948 article for The Oregonian, wrote, "She was lovely, and she was lonely. Furthermore, she was hungry. Jane New slammed the door of the empty icebox in the Florida home of her absent hosts and then went to the telephone. When the musician, Tommy Dorsey, was a from a few miles away in Miami, Jane said, 'All right, Tommy, you win. If you feed me, I'll marry you.'"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIxaVSLeWcBo0QwTSoXKAOMkzz_FXxigk06BkKmNTTAXFlzBLKHKlmVUACf1T15J12LG7j-RGK8KnhDGsBuYZS6Rw56Vf0Am-FOW4hlFBQi0RnqvyACFq82XyoSYwFFBPEWgKO-E1MOrE/s1600/2807rt8ads7q70tq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIxaVSLeWcBo0QwTSoXKAOMkzz_FXxigk06BkKmNTTAXFlzBLKHKlmVUACf1T15J12LG7j-RGK8KnhDGsBuYZS6Rw56Vf0Am-FOW4hlFBQi0RnqvyACFq82XyoSYwFFBPEWgKO-E1MOrE/s1600/2807rt8ads7q70tq.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jane and Tommy were married in the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta on March 27, 1948. Her parents and Dorsey's mother witnessed the unpretentious civil ceremony. The couple honeymooned on his yacht, "The Sentimentalist." Although it was his third marriage, Dorsey, known as the Sentimental Gentlemen because of his big hits, I'm Getting Sentimental Over You and Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia, told Jane and their families, "This is it. This is the real thing."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jane did manage to land one movie role, although minor, in the jam session of the 1954 movie, A Star is Born, starring Judy Garland and James Mason. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jane and Tommy had two children, Catherine and Stephen. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The on again, off again, marriage began to fall completely apart in the summer of 1956. After bitter preliminary court proceedings, the court ordered that both of the Dorseys could live in their palatial home in Greenwhich, Connecticut, but in separate and locked bedrooms.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On November 26, 1956, Tommy Dorsey, at the age of 51, died all alone, behind his locked bed room door. The coroner ruled that the Sentimental Gentleman died from choking on his evening dinner. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dorsey's death came only two days before the Dorseys were scheduled appear in court toward a divorce. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With the dissonance gone in her life, Jane Dorsey turned her life around. Not as wealthy as her lifestyle would dictate, Jane successfully took her fight to secure the rights to her husband's musical arrangements. As the owner and manager of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, she oversaw the operation of band which performed hundreds of times each year, including a visit to Dublin a decade or so ago. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"There was one main love in her life, and that was my father. And, she never completely got over is death. " said son Stephen Dorsey after Jane's death on August 28, 2003. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jane was buried beside her beloved, embattled husband in Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York. At the base of her slab are engraved the words, "Tommy Called Her His E Flat."</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYBhpmyN77vyadEzUvTTzItF3j1lFcEHa33GeRRhQmeSAUGhWJcPz1AydyipeiyBD5DImUwpAmRYWV0zKoyTK-BNJ6ufl76NRjZby63pN39k6SO0NpZm4sJzhliTxskcat6ueX2rwDFfC/s1600/1_Dorsey_best_800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYBhpmyN77vyadEzUvTTzItF3j1lFcEHa33GeRRhQmeSAUGhWJcPz1AydyipeiyBD5DImUwpAmRYWV0zKoyTK-BNJ6ufl76NRjZby63pN39k6SO0NpZm4sJzhliTxskcat6ueX2rwDFfC/s1600/1_Dorsey_best_800.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-11112430786686042732014-04-02T06:52:00.002-07:002014-04-02T06:52:26.962-07:00SELINA BURCH STANFORD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Warrior For the Dignity of Women<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Long before the Women's Rights movement began in the 1960s and escalated in the 1970s, one Dublin woman was out there in the streets, inside board rooms and in the work place fighting for the rights of her fellow women workers, the right to be treated equal, the right to fair pay and the right of decent working conditions. This is the story of a local young girl who took on the male establishment and accomplished her goals, winning a few important battles on the way.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Selina Burch Stanford was born in Laurens County, Georgia on September 24, 1927. She was a daughter of Roger Burch and Jane Smith and grew up in the Burch District of Laurens County. Selina attended Laurens County and Dublin schools. At the age of seventeen, Selina went to work for Southern Bell Telephone Company as an operator. Along with many of her fellow workers, Selina joined the Southern Federation of Telephone Workers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Miss Burch's first true experience with labor relations came in 1947 when she and her fellow union members endured a strike which lasted nearly seven weeks. That same year, telephone workers across the nation began the process of consolidating and forming a more powerful and unified single union organization under the banner of the Congress of Industrial Organizations. Following the labor action, Selina was transferred to Charleston, South Carolina. After five years she was elected Secretary of Local 3407 of the Communication Workers of America. A year later in 1953, Selina was elected as the recording secretary of the Charleston CIO.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At the age of 27 in 1954, Selina Burch became the first woman to be elected president of her local union and any union in South Carolina. She said, "I guess the rebel in me really began to come out somewhere between 1952 and 1954 when I discovered that I was doing all the work and a male was getting all the credit." In 1955 she was chosen to serve on the staff of the Communication Workers of America as a representative and organizer. The satisfactory resolution of a violent strike that year by 50,000 employees led to her election to a leadership position on the district level when she became director of the North Louisiana division of the union. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was in the Creole State where Selina's interest in politics began to surface. She spent tireless hours to build the state Democratic party. She joined the campaign for Congressman Hale Boggs who served as majority leader of the United States House of Representatives and was a leader in establishing the Interstate Highway System and was also a member of the Warren Commission, which investigated the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In 1964, Selina was reassigned again. This time, she came home, or close to it. Miss Burch, still yet unmarried, enjoyed Christmas visits to her old home in Dublin. Her brother J.B. Burch was a popular service station owner in downtown Dublin. She was especially close to a close-knit group of aunts known to some as "The Burch Sisters." These ladies, Ilah, Celestia and Emily, all school teachers, were also unmarried and lived together in their large two-story home on South Calhoun Street. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Seen as a tough and demanding woman on the outside, away from her formidable duties as a labor union secretary and an advocate for the rights of women to work outside the home, Selina was described as a soft-spoken women who loved to bake. She was described as a natty dresser and a woman who exuded intelligence and dignity as she spoke. Her stepdaughter Margaret Pavey said of her cooking, "Her lemon pound cakes were legendary, and so was her generosity in giving them away."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The 1960s were a decade when women for the first time began to find their way into the top echelons of governmental, religious and private organizations throughout the country. Selina Burch was no exception. With great honor, Selina held the position as Secretary of the 450,000 member Communication Workers of America union. In 1969, she was invited to Singapore, where she taught Asian telephone workers on different facets of the telephone industry. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Burch saw her role in the union and in life as a protector of the dignity of women. She told a reporter from the Malay Mall, "In the past, a woman's only intention was to marry and settle down. But now she is competing with man in every field - from engineering to electronics, and as she competes with man in his preserved fields, she must form unions or actively participate in the trade unions that will protect her rights and dignity as a human being." Selina disavowed any special privileges on account of her being a woman. "I will make sure I am not discriminated against because of my sex. Merit should be the only criterion - not sex," she said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>During the 1970s she allied herself with Atlanta mayors Maynard Jackson and Andrew Jackson, organizing phone banks of callers in their successful mayoral campaigns. In 1974, Selina was appointed director of Georgia-Florida District. In 1976, she worked tirelessly for a fellow Georgian, Jimmy Carter, in his campaign for president. It was during that same year that Selina accepted an appointment by Governor George Busbee as the first female member of the Georgia Board of Offender Rehabilitation. As a member of the board, Miss Burch began to see the disparity of vocational rehabilitation between male and female inmates. With the aid of a friend, she instituted a program of instructing women on the skills of being a telephone operator. Always a faithful member of the Democratic Party, Miss Burch served as a delegate to two National Democratic Party Conventions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In 1978, Selina Burch was again transferred, this time to Washington, D.C., where she served as an administrative assistant to Glen Watts, President of the Communication Workers of America. In 1980, she once again returned to Atlanta, where she served as an assistant to the vice-president of that organization.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In 1981, at the age of 53 , Selina finally began to settle down. She married Morgan Callaway Stanford, a labor lawyer. Ten years later in 1991, she finally settled down and retired from the Union after 44 years of service. Selina Burch Stanford died on October 19, 2002.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Joseph Yablosnki, a Washington labor lawyer, eulogized Selina Burch by saying, "She was a pioneer in the women's labor movement. She showed that women in the CWA were not only entitled to a place at the bargaining table, but could serve the union's members at the highest level of the union itself. She could be as hard as nails when she had to be, but she was the sweetest friend and best client I ever had." Former regional union director described Selina Stanford as "a tireless worker, dedicated to the CWA membership and a person with a brilliant mind." </div>
</div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-10789719518733971812014-03-22T20:24:00.002-07:002014-03-22T20:24:22.090-07:00ANNIE ANDERSON<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Juvenile Jurist<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsW_xoHbjFmlyvFbpzarG3ZvCoQiebzvRh_0U8u3q4H8u7-1exaZpi7fa_A1_108Lf6HxmGEGGr3UfCnL6IUEf7GqOOomBuPFzUKRHtVVz4zlf67pyIRZQGCvH0YO4hc3diPWrrwOO7LT8/s1600/Anderson.Mrs.O.L.1919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsW_xoHbjFmlyvFbpzarG3ZvCoQiebzvRh_0U8u3q4H8u7-1exaZpi7fa_A1_108Lf6HxmGEGGr3UfCnL6IUEf7GqOOomBuPFzUKRHtVVz4zlf67pyIRZQGCvH0YO4hc3diPWrrwOO7LT8/s1600/Anderson.Mrs.O.L.1919.jpg" height="400" width="278" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On August 19, 1920, the Congress of the United States ratified the 19th Amendment which guaranteed the right of women in the country to vote. Sara Orr, a young Dublin woman, was honored to serve as secretary for three United States Senators from Georgia, Thomas E. Watson, Rebecca Lattimer Felton and Walter F. George. Senator Felton, appointed by Georgia governor Thomas W. Hardwick who would later became a resident of Dublin, was the nation’s first female senator. Though Laurens County women made rapid strides in the years following the adoption of the amendment, more than a half century elapsed before women began to make inroads into political offices across the state. This is the story of Mrs. Annie Anderson who, with an appointment by Laurens County Superior Court Judge J.L. Kent, became the first female judge of any court in the State of Georgia.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the years following World War I, the Georgia legislature provided that the eight most populous counties in Georgia establish juvenile courts to handle the rapidly increasing number of criminal cases involving juvenile offenders. After two consecutive grand jury presentments, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, church organizations and the Women’s Community Association appointed Mrs. Frank Lawson, the state’s first female democratic district vice-chairman, to head a committee to seek a candidate to fill the office. With the guidance of the sheriff and county officials Mrs. Lawson and her committee sought just the right candidate to deal with “the good many” children who were confined to Laurens County jail in 1920. <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A number of candidates were considered. Annie Anderson was not one of them. The committee wanted some one who could hear cases against minors, who were often placed in jail with adult convicts, a situation which was undeniably not the place these children should be. Officials were concerned after the November 1921 conviction of 14-year-old George Walker for murdering his playmate 17-year-old George Avery. Walker was the youngest Laurens Countian ever tried and convicted of murder.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The committee made their recommendation to Judge J.L. Kent and on the last day of 1921, Judge Kent signed an order appointing Mrs. Anderson as Juvenile Court Judge for the county of Laurens. Much to her surprise, Judge Anderson was not aware of her appointment until contacted by Judge Kent. Few people had given any thoughts to the creation of the court. Even fewer people speculated on who the newest judge might be.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Annie Ogburn Anderson was born in 1877 in Wilkinson County, Georgia. She was a daughter of Ellis and Missouri Ogburn. The Ogburns moved to Dublin in 1898. Shortly after they arrived, Annie caught the eye of the handsome young Oscar L. Anderson, the popular railroad agent of the Wrightsville and Tennille Railroad. The couple had five children, Oscar, who joined the Navy after high school, and Mattie, Milton, Frances and Emma, who were students at the time their mother was appointed to the bench. <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Annie Anderson was described by those who knew her as “a woman of striking personality and personal charm, with high educational qualifications and strong character. Mrs. Anderson was president of the local Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and chairman of the Prison Committee of the Missionary Society of the First Baptist Church in Dublin. <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As a woman bound to rid the community of the evil influence of spiritous liquors and intoxicating beer upon the youth of the town, Mrs. Anderson accumulated a vast knowledge of the depth of the problem which was increasingly injuring American youth. As a part of her duties as chairman of the prison committee, Annie made weekly visits to prison camps scattered throughout the county. Mrs. Anderson and the other ladies talked to the prisoners and tried to brighten the lives of those condemned to the chain gang. <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mrs. Anderson attempted to take a personal interest in the lives of the prisoners she visited, especially any young women she may have found. She was always ready and willing to provide guidance and comfort to wayward young girls with her motherly advice and frank talks. Deeply committed to the rehabilitation of troubled children, Judge Anderson held strong opinions against traditional forms of punishment.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Shortly after her appointment, the Judge told an Atlanta Constitution reporter “more harm than good can come from prison confinement and labors in a reformatory as a method of punishment of the young boy and girl.” “Extreme measures should be resorted to only after probation, change of environment and living conditions have failed to accomplish their purposes,” she added.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mrs. Anderson applied the same principles of kindness, positiveness and reasonableness with her own children in dealing with delinquent children. She believed that with these ideals and a lot of understanding, long periods of confinement were unnecessary. The judge believed that most youthful indiscretions were just that, improprieties which resulted from modern customs and usages and not from an intentional act of a child. <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Although she personally disliked the youthful customs of the day, dances, dyed and bobbed hair, Judge Anderson refused to pre judge those juveniles brought before her. “She vowed to treat them “as kindly and with as such lenience and patience as it is possible under the circumstances.” “I am going to give them all a chance,” she promised.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After fondly seeing to the needs of her quintet of children and while her husband was frequently away from home tending to the rigorous schedule of his railroad duties, Judge Anderson made it her life’s goal of “aiding worthy boys and girls and influencing them toward the paths of righteousness and good citizenship.”<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Annie Anderson was a shining star in a galaxy of the grand women of the South. The judicial search committee could not have made a better choice in nominating Judge Anderson. What better judge to select than a person who committed their lives to loving and caring for all children as if they were her own. In this month as we celebrate the history of American women, let us remember Georgia’s first judge who tempered justice with mercy, kindness and a firm belief that a loving hand soothed the troubled soul better than the ruthless whip.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-68847662586582467162013-05-24T19:21:00.002-07:002013-05-24T19:21:42.894-07:00LUCY MAY STANTON <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Miniature Artist Extra Ordinaire</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqTcR4SfPUV3fqomP9juvczBYYyXH836H_Kjsetkcwou4-dHGazpRUuZpANJ7IUQ-2IZ5yVJ-zoNdedn0iN0NHoSdSzUmONzQ3myGbNyJ6vnSfN3B1LbprD8qdGAkyNrc-zYUN7h2LuCn/s1600/Lucy_May_Stanton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqTcR4SfPUV3fqomP9juvczBYYyXH836H_Kjsetkcwou4-dHGazpRUuZpANJ7IUQ-2IZ5yVJ-zoNdedn0iN0NHoSdSzUmONzQ3myGbNyJ6vnSfN3B1LbprD8qdGAkyNrc-zYUN7h2LuCn/s1600/Lucy_May_Stanton.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lucy Stanton found her niche as a miniature artist. In fact, she became famous both in the United States and around the world. To prove that assertion, Lucy Stanton was awarded the highly coveted Bronze Medal of the Society of American Miniature painters, being the first or second woman in America to receive such a distinction. For one brief term, this teenage artist taught art at what is now called Middle Georgia State College. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>An artist who worked with oils, pastels and watercolors, Miss Stanton is most recognized for her miniature watercolor portraits on ivory during the Arts and Crafts period at the turn of the 20th Century. Critics laud her mature style, innovative use of broad washes and evocative portraits depicting African Americans without sentimentality or prejudice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lucy May Stanton was born to William L. and Frances MeGee Stanton, on May 22, 1875. As a child, Lucy grew up living across the street from the legendary Georgia journalist and writer Joel Chandler Harris, the author of the Uncle Remus tales. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is said at the age of four, Lucy began to mold creatures out of modeling clay and took her first art lessons in New Orleans when she was a mere seven-years-old. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge51bQz7dTtaaD78SsWE_VVbR3YcWKGBZNlXDk8x_S4KFIDvNHXu-_40d7TKWqmk7Rztv1nlNz7g3ZrNrhGFIuIefepVl3X8Oe9ADT7PHerzwfLyJvJtB2B375QllOWXk-F4p1qpNOqJIM/s1600/4211277560_4aa653b28f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge51bQz7dTtaaD78SsWE_VVbR3YcWKGBZNlXDk8x_S4KFIDvNHXu-_40d7TKWqmk7Rztv1nlNz7g3ZrNrhGFIuIefepVl3X8Oe9ADT7PHerzwfLyJvJtB2B375QllOWXk-F4p1qpNOqJIM/s320/4211277560_4aa653b28f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lucy became totally captivated with the arts when she attended Southern Female College in LaGrange, which later became known as Cox College after its removal to College Park. As an 18-year-old, Lucy accepted a position as an art teacher at the New Ebenezer College in Cochran, which is currently known as Middle Georgia State College. After serving a one year term during the 1893-1894 school year, Lucy returned to the Atlanta area.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lucy traveled to Paris, France to receive a formal and very prestigious education in painting. She would remain in the capital of European art for two years until 1898. Seven years later, Lucy returned to France to further improve her artistic talents.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsZvDkV0isb0rz489skt0k9YuUL_0kJvGH_yXpLEETzGn-s-h9x2Z_FT_xN4qOEi4g_3y0Lb6LMDpbc4j05pm-E2yfj_c9GjD-t7gOVbE4uPaC9GH4x7smBWrUwbsrF7WsgwPfenHDEv1/s1600/Joel_Chandler_Harris_by_Lucy_May_Stanton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsZvDkV0isb0rz489skt0k9YuUL_0kJvGH_yXpLEETzGn-s-h9x2Z_FT_xN4qOEi4g_3y0Lb6LMDpbc4j05pm-E2yfj_c9GjD-t7gOVbE4uPaC9GH4x7smBWrUwbsrF7WsgwPfenHDEv1/s1600/Joel_Chandler_Harris_by_Lucy_May_Stanton.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stanton's first paying job came in 1896 when she was commissioned to paint miniature portraits of Spanish born opera singer Adelina Patti. Over her thirty five-year career, Lucy May Stanton would become one of Georgia's premier portrait artists, painting portraits of her former neighbor, Joel Chandler Harris, (LEFT) and the iconic Georgia politician, Howell Cobb, who served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the latter of which still hangs in the national capital.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After a single year spent in New York, Lucy Stanton returned to Georgia in 1902 to make her home in Athens, where she would live for most of the remainder of her life. By her late twenties, Lucy became a popular artist across the country. Her works were exhibited in galleries in the largest cities in the world, including London, Paris, New York, Boston and Philadelphia. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stanton moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 1916, where she painted and taught art for nearly a decade. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lucy May Stanton's interests extended beyond the visual arts. Stanton was highly involved in the social, cultural and political affairs of Athens and the nation. In 1914, she headed the Equal Suffrage League of Athens. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In 1928, Stanton, along with Jeannette Rankin, helped to co-found the Georgia Peace Society, an organization dedicated to preventing any more wars. Rankin, the first woman elected to the United States House of Representatives, voted against the country's entrance into World War I and lead the fight to adopt the 19th Amendment to allow women the right to vote. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUeiobWzno-Rf2bDwRz_kVyP16OxLjNySf5g5s9AjD3VBC8lgDQzWwhUKduI7hxa1hariojLr9RRwF4vlfrLLCNh2hNmjiFOlSEMxPRU6EznZgo2ZMIUqc8R3Jw26uIWZjO-MXtARlxJD/s1600/18am33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUeiobWzno-Rf2bDwRz_kVyP16OxLjNySf5g5s9AjD3VBC8lgDQzWwhUKduI7hxa1hariojLr9RRwF4vlfrLLCNh2hNmjiFOlSEMxPRU6EznZgo2ZMIUqc8R3Jw26uIWZjO-MXtARlxJD/s1600/18am33.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>''It was so interesting to me ... She was one of the first people to paint (African Americans) in a serious fashion, without propaganda or sentiment.'' Georgia Museum of Art Curator Betty Alice Fowler told the Athens Banner Herald. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"She did a lot of stuff that I certainly don't think my grandmother or great-grandmother were doing at the time. She was well educated, clever, smart and talented. She made the most of it,'' Fowler added. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At the height of her career, Stanton's works were featured in a solo exhibition in Atlanta's High Museum of Art. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A worldwide acclaimed artist, Lucy May Stanton's seemingly endless list of awards includes; The Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts (Blue Ribbon, Paris, 1906), Pennsylvania Society of Miniature Painters (Bronze Medal, 1917), Atlanta Art Association (first prize, 1917), Concord Art Association (Medal of Honor, 1923), and National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors (honorable mention, 1925).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_STWEMvKLroDFcQfh8vJ2Aqz3Dx2DSEhvW-wMQxZ_TbfGX7-ntzf_O5d2kTgyNedbYGUnyEZwxdhREK1Sin-Zg1nvbB9_nFwgM6ty8CBMbBcgz_FZAOh91R-3M3Vkg6b7DfufcJS91kJ/s1600/m-2187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_STWEMvKLroDFcQfh8vJ2Aqz3Dx2DSEhvW-wMQxZ_TbfGX7-ntzf_O5d2kTgyNedbYGUnyEZwxdhREK1Sin-Zg1nvbB9_nFwgM6ty8CBMbBcgz_FZAOh91R-3M3Vkg6b7DfufcJS91kJ/s1600/m-2187.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>More than eighty years after her death in Athens on March 19, 1931, her works are among the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Emory University, and the Georgia Museum of Art.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
</div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-4298839513980261212013-05-24T19:20:00.001-07:002013-05-24T19:20:51.530-07:00LAURENS NATIVE IS THE OLDEST PERSON IN THE UNITED STATES <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpfubszDDYdM1-_oDyVIg2jhol68n2qyxIk8C76ZgsUsZoAJEgJJnHTxuMGtiQCAEV2IQliwm91OWLBNI6s_cRHgg3qC8M21MYuLRDiP05ZlIIEKfvg6gjEKeVmVavmPuEvNBYyrMjoip/s1600/jeralean-talley-oldest-american.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpfubszDDYdM1-_oDyVIg2jhol68n2qyxIk8C76ZgsUsZoAJEgJJnHTxuMGtiQCAEV2IQliwm91OWLBNI6s_cRHgg3qC8M21MYuLRDiP05ZlIIEKfvg6gjEKeVmVavmPuEvNBYyrMjoip/s320/jeralean-talley-oldest-american.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
On a fair, warm, late spring day a child was born to Samuel James and Amelia Kurtz. William McKinley was President of the United States. On May 23, 2013, some nineteen presidents, fourteen hundred plus full moons and 41,368 sunsets later, that child will celebrate her 114th birthday. It is on this May day when Jeralean Kurtz Talley reaches yet another milestone in the time line of her longest life. In fact, Mrs. Talley is the oldest living person in the United States and the oldest known living person on Earth outside of the Island of Japan. Photo @ Detroit Free Press.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jeralean, who was among a dozen children of Samuel and Amelia Jones Kurtz, grew up in the outskirts of Montrose, Georgia in western Laurens County, Georgia. Her grandfather, Andrew J. Kurtz, husband of Rachel Kurtz, was most likely a slave owned by Dr. William J. Kurtz, who owned nearly two dozen slaves during the Civil War.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jeralean and her family moved to Inkster, Wayne County, Michigan during a vast migration of African-American farm workers who left Laurens County in the 1920s for Detroit, Michigan. That group includes the family of world champion boxer, Sugar Ray Robinson and Ford Motor Company inventor and innovator, Claude Harvard. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jeralean married Alfred Talley, who died in the 1980s. Although she was from large family, Jeralean had only one child, a daughter, Thelma Holloway, who is now seventy-five years old. She has three grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As for Talley, she credits her God for her longevity. When asked by Congressman John Conyers as to what her secret to a long life was, she pointed upward and said, "The good Lord up above. If it wasn't for Him, none of us would be here."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzgKq2fY4ScHVBpRanU7qcyQT2g_83G0mr7jAGe1dY2jQ8hq05DoExPEzzvaHY9LUcDTQhnoF4xV9DxU3pHIQ9oh47B5PHJ-pvpRApngLA_jk4PxdU7KIPGtOjDgDviMh0yUcAMq3C0w_/s1600/jeralean-talley-family-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzgKq2fY4ScHVBpRanU7qcyQT2g_83G0mr7jAGe1dY2jQ8hq05DoExPEzzvaHY9LUcDTQhnoF4xV9DxU3pHIQ9oh47B5PHJ-pvpRApngLA_jk4PxdU7KIPGtOjDgDviMh0yUcAMq3C0w_/s320/jeralean-talley-family-photo.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Talley was almost 107 before she moved out of her home and into her daughter's home. She gave up bowling when she was a mere 104. And, she scored a very respectable 200 in her last game. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If all goes well, "Mother" Talley hopes to go on her annual fishing trip with friend Michael Kinloch, which has been scheduled for this Memorial Day weekend. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"Until recently Talley cooked for herself. She likes fish, squash and banana nut bread, "said her daughter, who added, "Every day she has to have her cup of coffee. The doctor wanted to put her on a diet, but she wouldn't listen. She doesn't believe in diets," Holloway said. "She eats whatever she wants to eat," Holloway told Candice Williams of The Detroit News. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"She loves to share wisdom with younger people," said Pastor Dana Darby of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Inkster, where Talley attends. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>With 114 years behind her Jeralean has many stories to tell. One of her favorites is the tale of her first and only attempt to drive a car. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"I tried that one time," in her 30s, she said. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"I didn't hit the right one to make it go forward and it went backwards," Talley told Elisha Anderson of The Detroit Free Press.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When her husband Alfred yelled at her, she opened the door and got out of the car and never drove again.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A verified supercentenarian is a person who is at least 110 years old and whose age is documented by at three or more reliable documents as determined by an international body - the most respected organization being the Gerontology Research Group.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The world's oldest verified person ever was a French woman Jeanne Calment, who died at the age of 122 years, 164 days. Today, the oldest living person is a Japanese man, Jiroemon Kimura, who turned 116 on April 19th. Misao Okawa, who is 14 and one half months older than Talley, is the world's oldest living female. As of today, Jeralean Talley stands as the 92nd oldest verified living person since 1955 and is poised to move into 90th place within a week.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Supercentenarians, at least not fully documented ones, are nothing new to Laurens County. At lest ten former slaves, Madison Moore, Billy Coates, Tempy Stanley, Jack Robinson, Thomas Allen, Isaac Jackson, Frances Thompkins, Emily Horn, Daisy Wilson and Llewellyn Blackshear, reportedly lived well into their twelfth decades. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Isaac Jackson died in Montgomery County at the age of one hundred and twenty-two. Isaac was a former slave of Gov. George M. Troup of Laurens County, who lived on Troup's Valdosta Plantation in 1846. Isaac Jackson is credited with being the last surviving slave of President George Washington by the Hawkinsville Dispatch in its Oct. 19, 1876 edition. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jack Robinson was born during the French and Indian War. He lived the better part of his life as a slave. In 1865, at the age of 111, Robinson gained his freedom. He died in Laurens County in December of 1872. Jack Robinson had survived many hardships during his lifetime, but in the end the Milledgeville Union Recorder stated that "tobacco was what cut him down in his prime." He was only 118 years old. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Aunt Daisy Wilson claimed that she was born in 1804, two years before Laurens County was created. According to the Macon Telegraph, there were white people who stated that she had authentic records showing that she was 117 years old in the summer of 1922. Daisy was born into slavery in North Carolina and purchased by John Manson, who brought her to Wilkinson County, where she lived well beyond her 100th birthday. If her claim could be substantiated, Daisy Wilson may have been the oldest woman in Laurens County history and one of the oldest in the State of Georgia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thomas Allen maintained that he was born in 1800 and was 114 years old just before he died on the plantation of Dr. W.B. Taylor, outside of Dexter, Georgia. Owned by the Giles family, the former slave was a native of Wilkinson County. Although his age cannot be documented by census records, Dr. Taylor, who knew the old man for many years, did not doubt the accuracy of his claims.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Happy Birthday Mrs. Jeralean! We hope you catch a big mess of fish.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-27871056733203089212013-04-26T18:14:00.002-07:002013-04-26T18:14:49.563-07:00HENRIETTA STANLEY DULL <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">FORMER LAURENS LADY NAMED</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">AS A GEORGIA WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT</span></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7WK8yn39eJABNkgIDt_5J3BRm6r3SduSn4g-u2u2WiD_7PuKtUToY4TxVQ95sdZAw13CFlTteaXZMF1EgAbAfko3G5PtpI0anRaS6pKZU8MUaVMxmE_mwE7kNasqTnpNiXHwRjqZD2hG/s1600/henrietta.stanley.dull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7WK8yn39eJABNkgIDt_5J3BRm6r3SduSn4g-u2u2WiD_7PuKtUToY4TxVQ95sdZAw13CFlTteaXZMF1EgAbAfko3G5PtpI0anRaS6pKZU8MUaVMxmE_mwE7kNasqTnpNiXHwRjqZD2hG/s400/henrietta.stanley.dull.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Henrietta Stanley Dull, a native of Laurens County, will be named to an elite list of Georgia women as a member of the Georgia Women of Achievement Hall of Fame. Henrietta Stanley Dull will be inducted, along with Lollie Belle Moore Wylie and Mary Gregory Jewett, in a ceremony to be held in the Porter Auditorium on the campus of Wesleyan College in Macon on Thursday, March 14, at 11:00 a.m..</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since 1992, the mission of Georgia Women of Achievement has been to recognize and honor Georgia women who made extraordinary contributions within their fields of endeavor, and who will inspire future generations to utilize their own talents. Each year three women are inducted into the Georgia Women of Achievement Hall of Fame and the organization now honors over seventy-four outstanding Georgia women.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Long before there was a Betty Crocker (actually she was a fictional person), Julia Child or Paula Deen (of Lady and Sons fame), there was Henrietta Stanley (Mrs. S.R.) Dull. Trained in the art of true southern cooking by former slaves and forced into cooking as profession to support her family, Mrs. Dull was considered by the people of her day as the consummate Southern cook. Her 1928 cook book "Southern Cooking" is still defined by current culinary connoisseurs as the Bible of southern cooking.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Henrietta Celeste Stanley was born on her family's plantation near Chappell's Mill in Laurens County, Georgia on December 6, 1863. Her parents were Eli Stanley and Mary Brazeal. On her father's side, Miss Stanley boasted a fine pedigree which included three colonial governors. On her mother's side of her family, she descended from Solomon Wood, who took an active part in exposing the Yazoo Fraud of 1795.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtnFUmLWG5ba0trAw0ZvHdbc5i_dhfP1joQdZIMWtFM6-FJbwyw1pF_-8LeeIT9v0nWNgvJx5dZSqhBK-bw_fMKzO7XfIxoDOyUAWwgNRiFUoxtP0DJFhff_guSAgHZazYCwkbEovpZ1T/s1600/DULL.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtnFUmLWG5ba0trAw0ZvHdbc5i_dhfP1joQdZIMWtFM6-FJbwyw1pF_-8LeeIT9v0nWNgvJx5dZSqhBK-bw_fMKzO7XfIxoDOyUAWwgNRiFUoxtP0DJFhff_guSAgHZazYCwkbEovpZ1T/s320/DULL.bmp" width="242" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was during her early years when she observed the Negro cooks who provided the daily meals for the Stanley family. Born into a wealthy family which had the luxury of a variety of foods, Henrietta was said to have made a hobby of trying each dish she ever heard by duplicating it from memory. In her youth, the women of the house were charged with preparing three meals of day. Leftovers were discarded or fed to pets and there was no such thing as refrigeration. The ladies had to prepare many of the basic ingredients and condiments which we enjoy straight out of a box, jar or can today. Henrietta and her family moved to Flowery Branch, Georgia, where he father worked as a railroad station master. At the age of 23, Henrietta married Samuel Rice Dull of Virginia. The Dulls became the parents of six children. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a decade of marriage, Mr. Dull began to suffer from mental illnesses. Mrs. Dull found herself in a seemingly overwhelming dilemma. Forced into supporting her children and her ailing husband, Mrs. Dull did the only thing she knew how to do, and that was to cook. Preparing cakes and sandwiches at first for the ladies of her church, Mrs. Dull soon began to sell a large variety of prepared foods out of her home. What started as a way of making ends meet eventually became a successful and profitable venture. Widespread praises led to invitations to plan parties throughout the social circles. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzw1NNgdUoYla5Pmf8r7paWLGvzaDEh5llV0SrlfPkPxfZS70ba3Nb_Uf347UuqnOKFvV4bi_Es9tEh5UzDjcpX9ISrLLZN1-YbycItDs8reHKmoIPd453VJxweK6bm1DxSSXwBYiIyLq/s1600/HENRIETTA.DULL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzw1NNgdUoYla5Pmf8r7paWLGvzaDEh5llV0SrlfPkPxfZS70ba3Nb_Uf347UuqnOKFvV4bi_Es9tEh5UzDjcpX9ISrLLZN1-YbycItDs8reHKmoIPd453VJxweK6bm1DxSSXwBYiIyLq/s320/HENRIETTA.DULL3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The owners of Atlanta Gas Light Company invited Mrs. Dull to initiate a program of home service to promote the sale and proper use of gas stoves. She always compared a gas range to a husband by proclaiming " you couldn't get the best out of either until you learn how to manage them." Though the theory of home service had been unsuccessful on previous occasions, Mrs. Dull rose to the occasion and championed the program. During this time, Mrs. Dull was chosen to head the Home Economics Department at Bessie Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia. She lent her expertise to establish and develop a Domestic Science Department at Girl's High School of Atlanta and later a department for its night school. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During World War I, Henrietta Dull served as a hostess in the Soldier's Recreation House on Peachtree Street. Affectionately known as "Mother Dull," she was a mother and cook to more than fifty thousand dough boys. Two of her sons, Samuel Rice Dull, Jr. and Ira Cornelius Dull, enlisted in the army. Mrs. Dull believed it was her duty to comfort the boys and young men stationed at nearby Camp Gordon in hopes that some Christian mother would do the same for her boys, wherever they may be stationed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Her success at Atlanta Gas Light led to an offer from the editors of the Sunday Atlanta Journal Magazine to write and edit the Home Economics page of the magazine section. As with all of her previous efforts, Mrs. Dull became an instant success. Her recipes were found in kitchens throughout Georgia. Her cooking expertise soon spread throughout the South and led to invitations to make cooking demonstrations and conduct cooking schools as far north as Delaware. It has been said that she was the pioneer of cooking schools in the South. Requests for copies of her recipes led Mrs. Dull to contemplate compiling her recipes into a comprehensive guide to Southern cooking.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbXsXa2IJ8DME658N6BOH96X6yZ8fbhOWema6Y7dvdhGqEpwEj11pqimH9QIQZ7IUSNjuCufNbC4Ktv4Dynepwni_WqxKAIKlJb6EFsprrPRPgELD4cS1DwXkBP6SYe6EdBcslagTIkA2/s1600/9780820328539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbXsXa2IJ8DME658N6BOH96X6yZ8fbhOWema6Y7dvdhGqEpwEj11pqimH9QIQZ7IUSNjuCufNbC4Ktv4Dynepwni_WqxKAIKlJb6EFsprrPRPgELD4cS1DwXkBP6SYe6EdBcslagTIkA2/s320/9780820328539.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mrs. Dull's landmark work with its thirteen hundred recipes was simply titled "Southern Cooking." The 400-page book, which has sold more than a quarter of a million copies, was designed to be a practical guide to preparing dishes with items which were readily available in local groceries. "Not once in the whole book will you discover that I had called for the use of an ingredient that any southern housewife can't get by calling up the grocer," Mrs. Dull said. Mrs. Dull's book emphasized the need for making cooking simple with easy to follow directions with exact measurements and cooking times. In her youth, few recipes were put in writing. Directions were often passed by word of mouth and the amount of ingredients were expressed in pinches, dabs and plenty. "Southern Cooking" also features chapters on sample menus, including seasonal and formal selections, as well as chapters on food selection, table service and kitchen equipment. Thirty five years after her book was published, Mrs. Dull was horrified that she omitted a recipe for that staple of Southern cooking, collard greens. Mrs. Dull's book, which was dedicated to her friends, the women of Atlanta and the South, was sold throughout the United States and seven different countries. It is still a popular selection in old book stores and EBay. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mrs. Dull recalled a time when as a child she bribed the cook to allow her to make some corn pone. For the rest of her life cornbread was still her favorite food (and mine too.) "You can make it thick, ... thin... with lacy edges that get deliciously brown. Oh, I do love corn bread! I suppose I just love cooking," Mrs. Dull said. Mrs. Dull didn't even mind washing dishes because she figured out that washing them in cold water with little soap prevented "dish pan" hands. Among her best tasting dishes were her angel food cakes, called "archangel cakes" to distinguish them from the run of the mill cakes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After 20 years with the Atlanta Journal, Mrs. Dull retired in 1938. That same year she was listed as one of the twelve most famous women in Georgia. But she wasn't through cooking. For another twenty years and well into her nineties, Mrs. Dull enjoyed cooking for friends and family in times of celebration and in times of grieving. Henrietta Stanley Dull died on January 28, 1964 at the age of one hundred years. Her life was described as one of unselfish service and outstanding achievements. Her sweet disposition and charm endeared her to everyone with whom she came in contact. She is buried in Westview Cemetery in Atlanta. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Former First Lady Rosalyn Carter came up with the idea to create an organization dedicated to honoring important women of Georgia's history. The first induction ceremony took place in 1992 at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. With this year's new members there are seventy seven women in the Hall of Fame. For more information about The Georgia Women of Achievement, go to www.georgiawomen.org.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-12359160722588681562012-12-13T20:00:00.002-08:002012-12-13T20:00:27.750-08:00FRANCES WILLINGHAM - A WOMAN'S STORY OF SLAVERY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Frances could remember the days when she wasn't free. Some seven decades after she received her freedom, she sat down in her home on Bridge Street in Athens with Sadie B. Hornsby to relate her memories of the days when she lived in one room log cabin with a stick and mud chimney. Frances never forgot the day she was free to go were ever she wanted to, when she wanted to. This is her story, in her own words, a woman's story of slavery as she saw it. They are her words, written long ago in interpretation of her own simple dialect.<br />
<br />
"I was born way off down in Twiggs County 'bout a mile from the town of Jeffersonville. My Pa and Ma was Otto and Sarah Rutherford," Frances recalled. There were nine children and parents living in a meager hut they called their home. "Our bedsteads was made out of rough planks and poles and some of 'em was nailed to de sides of de cabins," Frances remembered. The mattresses were stuffed with wheat straw while it was in season. "When dat was used up us got grass from de fields. Most any kind of hay was counted good 'nough to put in a slave's mattress," Mrs. Willingham said. "Dey let us mix some cotton wid de hay our pillows," she added. <br />
<br />
In her four years of slavery, Frances was somewhat exempt from toiling in the fields. "Us chillun never done much but play 'round de house and yards wid de white chillun. I warn't but four years old when dey made us free," she reminisced. <br />
<br />
Frances could still remember her grandmothers and aunts. "I remember once Grandma Suck, she wes my Ma's mammy, come to our house and stayed one or two days wid us. Daddy's Ma was named Puss." Both of her grandmothers were field hands, but her mother worked in the house carding and spinning threads. Her aunt Phoebe weaved the threads onto cloth and her Polly sewed the cloth into threads.<br />
<br />
As a child, Frances never had any money. "Nobody never give slave chillun no money in dem times. I never had none 'til atter us had done been give our freedom." But, she did see the money that her master Elisha Jones had. " I used to see Old Marster countin' of it, but de slaves never did git none of dat money. "<br />
<br />
Frances spoke somewhat highly of her master. " Our Old Marster was a pow'ful rich man, and he sho' b'lieved in givin' us plenty to eat. It warn't nothin' fine, but it was good plain eatin' what filled you up and kept you well. Dere was cornbread and meat, greens of all sorts, 'taters, roas'en-ears and more other kinds of veg'tables dan I could call up all day. Marster had one big old gyarden whar he kept most evything a-growin' 'cept cabbages and 'matoes. He said dem things warn't fittin' for nobody to eat."<br />
<br />
Jones trusted Otto enough to let him go hunting on his won. One delicacy in Frances' family was possum. Her family had to cook everything in an open fireplace. I've seen Ma clean many a 'possum in hot ashes. Den she scalded him and tuk out his innards. She par-boiled and den baked him and when she fetched him to de table wide a heap of sweet 'taters 'round him on de dish, dat was sho' somepin good to eat," Mrs. Willingham fondly recalled. <br />
<br />
As a child slave, her clothes were at least decent. In summer, the girl slaves wore homespun dresses, with full skirts sewed tight to fit their waists and fastened down on their backs with buttons made out of cows and rams horns. "Our white petticoat slips and pantalettes was made on bodices. In winter us wore balmorals what had three stripes 'round de bottom, and over dem us had on long sleeved ap'ons what was long as de balmorals. Slave gals' pantalettes warn't ruffled and tucked and trimmed up wid lace and 'broidery lak Miss Polly's chilluns' was," Frances concluded. <br />
<br />
The adult slaves on the Jones' plantation wore rough brogan. Frances and the other children wore the hand me down shoes that the Jones children had outgrown. "Dey called 'em Jackson shoes, 'cause dey was made wid a extra wide piece of leather sewed on de outside so as when you knocked your ankles 'gainst one another, it wouldn't wear no holes in your shoes. Our Sunday shoes warn't no different from what us wore evvyday," Frances said. <br />
<br />
Elisha and Mary Jones were wealthy by most standards. In the year before the Civil War began, Jones owned $20,000 worth of real estate and $36,500.00 of personal property including slightly more than fifty slaves. <br />
<br />
"Marse Lish Jones and his wife--she was Miss Polly--was our Marster and Mist'ess. Dey sho' did love to be good to us. Dey had five chillun of deir own, two gals and three boys. Dey was: Mary, Anna Della, Steve, John, and Bob. 'Bout deir house! Oh, Missus, dat was somepin to see for sho'. <br />
<br />
Frances remembered the Jones's plantation house near the Town of Marion, then the capital of Twiggs County. "It was a big old fine two-story frame house wid a porch 'cross de front and 'round both sides. Dere was five rooms on de fust floor and three upstairs. It sho' did look grand a-settin' back dar in dat big old oak grove," the old slave woman looked back. <br />
<br />
Mrs. Willingham vividly recalled her old master, "Old Master had a overseer but he never had no carriage driver 'cause he loved to drive for himself so good." Willingham said that she never saw her master do anything except drive his carriage, walk a little and eat all that he wanted to because he was rich man and didn't have to do anything. She recalled that the plantation was very large and although she couldn't remember just how many slaves lived and worked there, she did remark, "Dat old plantation was plumb full of 'em." <br />
<br />
Field work was hard. ""Our overseer got all de slaves up 'fore break of day and dey had to be done et deir breakfast and in de field when de sun rise up," Willingham remembered. The slaves would work all day past twilight before they came back to their quarters to eat supper and rest. <br />
<br />
Whippings on the Jones place were somewhat rare, at least Frances never saw one. She did remember the dime when she climbed on top of the porch of the big house and flapped her arms and crowed like a rooster. " Dey told me to come on down, but I wouldn't mind nobody and kept on a-crowin' and a-flappin', so dey whupped me down," Willingham remarked. <br />
<br />
Frances and the other slaves, although a few miles from the nearest battle at Griswoldville, saw the war coming to an end. Although she was barely four years old, she told her interviewers, "Mercy me! I'se seed plenty of dem yankees a-gwine and comin'. Dey come to our Marster's house and stole his good mules. Dey tuk what dey wanted of his meat, chickens, lard and syrup and den poured de rest of de syrup out on de ground.," Mrs. Willingham remembered. <br />
<br />
Free from all the helpless despair of seemingly eternal bondage, Frances Willingham was no better off than she was before she was granted her freedom. She had little that she could truly call her own. Slaves had their freedom, but had little choice of where to go and how to scratch out a living. Many of the things the former slaves had provided for them were now gone or beyond the reach of their somewhat less than meager incomes would allow. Although legally free, many of the slaves remained on the plantations and continued to see their former masters as still their masters.<br />
<br />
<br />
Education was almost nonexistent in those days for black children. "I ain't never been to school a day in my life, 'cause when I was little, black children weren't allowed to read and write," she remembered.<br />
<br />
Going to church was different too. Before the war, slaves and their masters worshiped in the same church. After the war, congregations were ironically segregated. "Colored folks had their own church in a settlement called John the Baptist," Willingham remembered in recalling that she and the other children loved going to baptisms. "Day took dem converts to a hole in de crick what day had got ready for dat purpose. De preacher went fust, and den he called for de converts to come on in and have deir sins washed away," she said. <br />
<br />
Funerals were primitive as well. Willingham explained that Elijah Jones had set apart a burying ground for his slaves adjoining his own family's cemetery. "Us didn't know nothin' 'bout no fun'rals. When one of de slaves died, dey was put in unpainted home-made coffins and tuk to de graveyard whar de grave had done been dug. Dey put 'em in dar and kivvered 'em up and dat was all dey done 'bout it," Willingham recalled. <br />
<br />
Frances reminisced about a single wedding on her master's plantation. She never forgot the day when Miss Polly gave her one of little Miss Mary's dresses to wear to the wedding. "Only dey never had no real weddin'. Dey was jus' married in de yard by de colored preacher and dat was all dere was to it," she recollected.<br />
<br />
Frances Willingham fondly recalled Christmas times in her youth. She remembered going to bed early because she and the other children were afraid that Santa Claus wouldn't come to see them. "Us carried our stockin's up to de big house to hang 'em up. Next mornin' us found 'em full of all sorts of good things, 'cept oranges. I never seed nary a orange 'til I was a big gal," she reminisced.<br />
<br />
Food was plentiful in holiday times. "Miss Polly had fresh meat, cake, syrup puddin' and plenty of good sweet butter what she 'lowanced out to her slaves at Christmas. Old Marster, he made syrup by de barrel. Plenty of apples and nuts and groundpeas was raised right dar on de plantation. In de Christmas, de only work slaves done was jus' piddlin' 'round de house and yards, cuttin' wood, rakin' leaves, lookin' atter de stock, waitin' on de white folks and little chores lak dat," she remembered. Hard work resumed on the day after New Year's Day. <br />
<br />
Medical care, although primitive at best, was available, if only on a limited basis. Of those days, Willingham recalled, "White folks was mighty good and kind when deir slaves got sick. Old Marster sont for Dr. 'Pree (DuPree) and when he couldn't git him, he got Dr. Brown. He made us swallow bitter tastin' powders what he had done mixed up in water. Miss Polly made us drink tea made out of Jerusalem oak weeds. She biled dem weeds and sweetened de tea wid syrup. Dat was good for stomach trouble, and us wore elder roots strung 'round our necks to keep off ailments," Mrs. Frances remarked. <br />
<br />
The women of Frances Willingham's day had little rest, even after leaving the fields. She recalled that when the slaves came in from the field, the women cleaned the houses after they eat and washed clothes early in the morning so that they would be dry for the next day. She remembered that the grown men would eat, sit around and talk to other men and then go to bed. <br />
<br />
Saturday nights were a time to frolic. Quitting time came around three or four o'clock in the afternoon. "Sadday nights de young folks got together to have deir fun. Dey danced, frolicked, drunk likker, and de lak of dat. Old Marster warn't too hard on 'em no time, but he jus' let 'em have dat night to frolic. On Sunday he give dem what wanted 'em passes to go to church and visit 'round," she reminisced. <br />
<br />
Jones allowed his workers little rest from the time crops were planted until they were harvested. "My master did allow us slaves to have cornshuckin's, cornshellin's, cotton pickin's, and quiltin's," said Mrs. Willingham. Jones's groves of pecan, chestnut, walnuts and other trees were lucrative . When all the nuts were gathered, Jones sold them to the rich people in the cities. Afterwards, he gave his slaves a big feast with plenty to drink. After a long celebration, Jones allowed the slaves a few days to recover before resuming their grueling duties.<br />
<br />
In her final years, Frances Willingham reflected on her freedom, "Me, I's so' glad Mr. Lincoln sot us free." She believed that if she was still a slave, that she work just the same, sick or not. "Now I don't have to ax nobody what I kin do. Dat's why I's glad I's free," Willingham concluded.<br />
<br />
After leaving the Jones plantation, Frances moved to Putnam County, Georgia, where she married Green Willingham, of neighboring Jasper County. "I didn't have no weddin'. Ma jus' cooked a chicken for us, and I was married in a white dress. De waist had ruffles 'round de neck and sleeves," she said as she looked back to her wedding day. <br />
<br />
Frances Willingham lived a long life. She worked hard to provide for her seven boys and ten girls. Then as she got older she did all she could to look after her 19 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. <br />
<br />
In this month of March when we celebrate Women's History Month, let us look back and reflect on all the Frances Willinghams of the world, who toiled and worked with little rest to provide for their families as best as they could. <br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-70555953532858091792012-12-13T19:59:00.000-08:002012-12-13T19:59:04.361-08:00THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Most Worthy Women (and Men) of </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwU4NqxGSChFLEIgAi0LbmaeynRLZ-Q4f_i6aUpkfXYwJyJna2PeHS02x5VeJoYMqaevvK9U2hdYUXCe_UgZh-AMWBkyDz1e8mhh-czj8eRCh7AF_ELrmQmbhk7LvhcsI4kMk9rT0Orwc/s1600/Eastern_Star_202.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwU4NqxGSChFLEIgAi0LbmaeynRLZ-Q4f_i6aUpkfXYwJyJna2PeHS02x5VeJoYMqaevvK9U2hdYUXCe_UgZh-AMWBkyDz1e8mhh-czj8eRCh7AF_ELrmQmbhk7LvhcsI4kMk9rT0Orwc/s1600/Eastern_Star_202.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For more than eleven decades, the female and male members of the Dublin Chapter 1975, Georgia chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star have served their community faithfully, reverently, and without hesitation or hope of recognition or reward. They serve because of their abiding belief in charity, truth and loving kindness toward others. They raise money, volunteer and support the young and the old with projects ranging from juvenile diabetes to Alzheimer's.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Order of the Eastern Star was first envisioned and organized by Rob Morris in 1850. From its beginning until the present the world's largest fraternal organization has been tied to the Free and Accepted Masons. Membership, although primarily female, is open to certain males, who are qualifying Mason. Female members are required to be related to male Masonic members. Membership peaked in Georgia in 1979 with more than 41,000 members. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first chapter of the Order in the State of Georgia was the Tithonia Chapter, which was organized in 1891. Locally, the Lorraine Chapter in Tensile, was the 10th chapter organized (1899) in the state. It was organized by Rev. W.S. Ramsay of Dublin. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ladies of the Tennille Chapter hosted the very first annual session of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in May 1902. Nearly ten years later, and one century ago, representatives of 77 chapters representing more than 4400 members of Georgia's grand chapter converged on the popular convention center in Dublin, Georgia on April 16-17, 1912. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The meeting was held in the Masonic Lodge, located on the third floor of the C.W. Brantley/Lovett & Tharpe building. One hundred and fifty delegates from around the state were housed in private homes. A banquet was held in the grand dining room of the New Dublin Hotel with 200 seated guests in attendance. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Dublin Chapter, for three years known as Chapter 75, was instituted on April 13. 1910 and chartered on May 18, 1910 at the state session in Cordele. The initial 42 members elected as their first officers: Worthy Matron - Mrs. W.B. Rogers, Worthy Patron - W.B. Rogers, Secretary - J.C. Spencer, Treasurer Linnie Reihardt, Conductress - Omie Beacham, Associate Conductress - Mrs. W.L. Williams, Adah - Essie Rogers, Esther - Jennie Dial, Ruth - Mrs. Dewitt Freeman, Martha - Hattie Gilbert, Electa - Mrs. J.Y Keen, Warden - Mrs. Emma Manning, and Calvin Tyre - Sentinel.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Dublin Chapter was aided in organization by Senie M. Hubbard, a resident of Macon and a native of Laurens County, served as a Worthy Grand Matron of Georgia from 1906-1910, the only woman in the state chapter's history to serve five years in the top position. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although the Dublin Chapter was 88th chartered chapter in Georgia, the still active chapter is now tied with Thomasville as the states 10th oldest chapter. The first ten Worthy Matrons were; Mrs. W.B. Rogers, Mrs. Lota Orr, Mrs. Linnie Bright, Mrs. Viola Daniel, Mrs. Annie Ward, Mrs. Mamie Jordan, Mrs. J.S. Almond, Miss Alma Carrere and Mrs. J. Williams and Mrs Anna Shea. The first ten Worthy Patrons were; W.B. Rogers, J.J. Flanders, W.B. Adkins, C.C. Jordan, Andrew Grier, W.W. Ward, S.P. New, T.M. Hicks, C.C. Crockett and T.C. Keen. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the last century many Dublin women and one man have served as officers in Grand Chapter of Georgia. Mrs. Lota Orr, wife of Dublin mayor E.R. Orr and the Chapter's 2nd Worthy Matron, was elected in the Dublin session as Grand Esther in Ap;ril 1912 and in the Macon session as Associate Grand Conductress in 1913. Mrs. Annie Graham Ward served in seven capacities as Grand Chaplain, Grand Warden, Associate Grand Conductress, Grand Conductress, Associate Grand Matron, Grand Lecturer and in 1932, Mrs. Ward was selected by her fellow members as the Worthy Grand Matron of the State Chapter. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
M.Z. Claxton, the only male Dublin officer, was elected as Grand Sentinel in 1940. Mrs. Ollie Mackey served as Poet Laureate in 1946. In 1957, Virginia Harville was chosen as Grand Warden. The position of Grand Electra was held by Vera Shiver in 1973 and again in 1998 by Sara West. Most recently, through 2001, Brenda Holloway served as Grand Organist.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFw8vWKKDiBrCGQTKxjB4D9Ml5tefKEg9EhIigXoCSXr-neTF3d55-_n0FeKgrfx_3ZxRcLBVtMt3afeCGcuKgoGoozDw9qtLnchqda8aS-mTccY0SCvbbXANi_mZNvJlWe5_VgI2BaWs/s1600/mamie.stubbs.lander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFw8vWKKDiBrCGQTKxjB4D9Ml5tefKEg9EhIigXoCSXr-neTF3d55-_n0FeKgrfx_3ZxRcLBVtMt3afeCGcuKgoGoozDw9qtLnchqda8aS-mTccY0SCvbbXANi_mZNvJlWe5_VgI2BaWs/s320/mamie.stubbs.lander.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mamie S. Lander (3rd from left) at her </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
portrait dedication.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By far, the most well known Laurens County member of the Order of the Eastern Star was Mamie Stubbs Lander. Although not a native of the county, Ms. Stubbs taught school in Dexter in 1910. Living as one of two school teachers boarding with the family of Evie Currell in her home on Elm Street, Mrs. Stubbs married Thomas Lander in 1911 and moved first to Louisiana and then to Florida, where she became active in that state's chapters on both local and state levels. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mamie Lander was elected by the delegates to the Triennial Assembly as the Most Worthy Grand Matron of the General Grand Chapter. As the leader of all of the members of the World Order of the Eastern Star, Mrs. Lander presided over the 1946 Triennal Assembly in Tampa, Florida. At the expiration of her term, Mrs. Lander's service to the Order of the Eastern Star was not over, not by any means. From 1946 to her retirement in 1973, Mamie Stubbs Lander, the Washington County native, former Adrian school student, and Dexter school teacher, served as Right Worthy Grand Secretary of the General Chapter. From 1973 to her death, Mrs. Lander continued to be somewhat active as the organization's Right Worthy Grand Secretary Emeritus. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The second chapter organized in Laurens County was the Magnolia Chapter in Dexter. Instituted on March 29, 1912, the chapter was officially chartered at the 1912 Dublin session. The chapter surrendered its charter in 1917. The Magnolia Chapter's initial officers were; Viola Daniel, Worthy Matron, Dr. L.W. Wiggins, Worthy Patron, Mary Ussery, Associate Matron, Dr. Floyd Rackley, Secretary, Jennie W. Wiggins, Treasurer, Myrtle Tutt, Associate Conductress.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A third Laurens County chapter, Harmony Grove Chapter No. 3, was first organized six weeks after the Dublin session and chartered on May 31, 1913. The Minter/Lollie chapter survived only ten years until 1923. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A second Dexter Chapter (No. 280) was instituted in April 1937 and chartered two months later. It survived until May 1972. The last Laurens County chapter to be chartered was the Rock Springs Chapter (No. 467), chartered in May 1956. Its members served our community for forty-three years until the charter was surrendered in June 1999. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although far from a secret society, the most worthy ladies and gentlemen of the Order of the Eastern Star are still around, quietly serving without fanfare as they have for the last 102 years with Kind Hearts, Kind Thoughts, Kind Words and Kind Deeds praying to seek God's door and maintaining their constant faith to open that door. </div>
</div>Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-7133514379252415472012-12-13T19:57:00.001-08:002012-12-13T19:57:30.039-08:00DR. WILLIE BOMAR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Show Me the Money!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB2lN13PrTRw5s9M9dBzxKIgXZx0SBaWQ2jA4ufu_LHOajU-HU9vLbqnwUW3ycyDJVSI83O6mfl0Zq1mF9hgw8i8DWPZVInBSKnpdNr6-0PYgNE3Y_cKa3KngXtUqKBNHyufDQUllKgc/s1600/bomar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB2lN13PrTRw5s9M9dBzxKIgXZx0SBaWQ2jA4ufu_LHOajU-HU9vLbqnwUW3ycyDJVSI83O6mfl0Zq1mF9hgw8i8DWPZVInBSKnpdNr6-0PYgNE3Y_cKa3KngXtUqKBNHyufDQUllKgc/s400/bomar.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
Willie Bomar was dying. She got the cancer. She wanted her $65.78, and she wanted it, "now!"<br />
<br />
Willie Melmoth Bomar was born in 1894 to Dr. Elisha Pinckney "Pink" Bomar and his wife, Ella Tallulah Lane. Dr. Pinckney removed himself and his family to Tattnall County before the turn of the 20th Century. Dr. Pinckney was active in his community, serving a term on the school board and once placing himself as a candidate for the Georgia Senate.<br />
<br />
Willie and her older sister Ethel grew up in a somewhat happy home. All of that ended in 1918, when their father found himself embroiled in a difficulty in Lyons with A.S. Mosely and his sons, G.G. Mosely and Howell Mosley. <br />
<br />
The elder Mosely fired his shotgun twice and his pistol three times at the 52-year-old physician, who turned and walked away from his aggressors. Just as the doctor was walking away, dozens of bystanders witnessed the Mosely boys firing shots directly into a lung of Dr. Bomar, resulting in his swift death. The murder case against the Moselys was transferred to Jefferson County Superior Court in Louisville, Georgia, where it resulted in a hung jury. <br />
<br />
Life for the Bomar women had to go on. Ethel taught music and Willie, a graduate of Georgia Normal and Industrial School, taught domestic service in the local school in Lyons.<br />
<br />
Eventually, Willie wanted to do more with her life. So she moved to New York, where she obtained her doctorate in Philosophy from the prestigious Columbia University.<br />
<br />
In 1931, Dr. Bomar published her first book, An Introduction to Homemaking and It's Relation on the Community. A second book, The Education of Homemakers for the Community was also published in 1931. In all, Willie Bomar authored four books, including a 1937 book, which she entitled I Went to Church in New York.<br />
<br />
It was just near the end of World War II when Willie Bomar began to notice something different about her body. Then came the devastating news. It was cancer and it was in her throat and her chest. Two surgeries followed and so did regular visits to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.<br />
<br />
It was in the autumn of 1948 when Dr. Bomar was asked by Wheeler County to teach on an emergency basis<br />
<br />
The issue first arose at the end of the first term in 1949. The retirement board allowed Bomar to keep her contributions to the retirement fund. Then after a secret meeting, one which Bomar was not allowed to appear, the board reversed its position and took her $65.38 away. <br />
<br />
Dr. Bomar kept her 10:30, Memorial Day appointment with J.L. Yaden, director of the retirement system of Georgia. Yaden maintained that since the $65.78 had already been deducted from her check, any refund was out of the question unless she resigned her position with the Wheeler County school system. That would mean that she would lose the excessively pitiful, but normal monthly salary of $198.00, which included a $33.00 supplement for teaching home economics. Remember, this was a teacher who held two masters degrees (in science and arts) as well as a doctorate degree in philosophy. <br />
<br />
"I'll take mine now," Dr. Bomar, her voice weakened from the paralyzing effects of her throat cancer, told Yaden. She reiterated that the state deducted her portion of her retirement benefits out of her "puny" salary without consulting her. And, to make things worse she would have to wait to die to collect it. <br />
<br />
"It's a preposterous thing they are trying to do to me. They want me to wait until I'm dead with old age to collect it. Well, I've got cancer. I need the money for treatment. And, cancer won't wait," cried Willie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWZjSjIftyYt938JFHV9OourFXfdQnKrJdlGxItdT5kzeqLgPt6jh_pfn1m7fTRfQScIZf_JA8IbTYSlPD9eXH8c9_QiLfI-kZTslGocOfJ4S-6oxCY4FWruwSvdJCqLaEySNDCIQtgQ/s1600/pl_006192012_1655_34892_185.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWZjSjIftyYt938JFHV9OourFXfdQnKrJdlGxItdT5kzeqLgPt6jh_pfn1m7fTRfQScIZf_JA8IbTYSlPD9eXH8c9_QiLfI-kZTslGocOfJ4S-6oxCY4FWruwSvdJCqLaEySNDCIQtgQ/s320/pl_006192012_1655_34892_185.tif" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It was Bomar's position that since she had been hired by the Wheeler County school board as an emergency teacher, she was exempt from paying any retirement contributions. <br />
<br />
Yaden called Superintendent T.C. Fulford, who reluctantly agreed to terminate the contract of the esteemed professor. That's when Willie Bomar had to make snap decisions.<br />
<br />
"I am resigning under protest, but that is all I can do," she lamented. <br />
<br />
Delayed and denied at every turn, Dr. Bomar decided that only a drastic tactic would work. The vibrant home economics teacher vowed to stay in Yaden's fourth-floor office until she achieved her modest demand or die right there in the office from the cancer which she knew was rapidly killing her. <br />
<br />
Yaden walked out, leaving the dark-haired, matronly school teacher, dressed in her best blue dress sitting there in anger and disbelief, as she shouted, "I protest! I protest!"<br />
<br />
A comfortable sofa in the ladies lounge would be her home until Yaden and his board surrendered or she died on the spot, whichever came first. <br />
<br />
Not all people defended Willie Bomar's stance. The editor of the Dallas Morning News called her demand for benefits "shameful under the guise of liberalism and social progress." <br />
<br />
Others, were more than sympathetic. Custodian C.C. Lord, himself laboring at the lower end of the pay scale, brought Ms. Bomar hot cups of coffee and sandwiches during the night. Encouraging newspaper reporters furnished Coca Cola and Hershey bars to aid the embattled teacher in her fight for right. <br />
<br />
After 53 hours of waiting and most likely a call to or from Governor Herman Talmadge, a native of adjoining Telfair County and a politician who championed the cause of the common man, Yaden approached Dr. Bomar and informed her that the board had agreed to her demand.<br />
<br />
A swarm of newspaper reporters and photographers barged their way into Yaden's office. With cameras flashing, Bomar triumphantly smiled as Yaden signed her highly coveted check. <br />
<br />
"I won! I got my money! It was worth it," Bomar exclaimed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg-f0B_X7j5-NZglIisl2yPiu2aEFOevLOywt2S0hUEQl7tS1l7wW-bquUtN4KHZj7W-Pkg_BO1SfFpghHo5D0Y40eiizMJm5XFSAAalBNv_9iwa9PoxlFVm2xtTnDeFSvBcGykJoHqA/s1600/BOMAR.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg-f0B_X7j5-NZglIisl2yPiu2aEFOevLOywt2S0hUEQl7tS1l7wW-bquUtN4KHZj7W-Pkg_BO1SfFpghHo5D0Y40eiizMJm5XFSAAalBNv_9iwa9PoxlFVm2xtTnDeFSvBcGykJoHqA/s400/BOMAR.tif" width="338" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
"I won," said Yaden, who felt that negative feedback from unfavorable nation wide coverage of the impasse was not worth maintaining the state's rigid and unpopular stance.<br />
<br />
Straining to get her words out, Willie Bomar was still thinking about teaching again, probably outside of the state somewhere. Writing or editing was also a possibility. Willie bought a train ticket and headed for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota<br />
<br />
"I want to pay instead of saying I am too poor. I've been teaching school in Georgia," Dr. Bomar proclaimed. <br />
<br />
Upon her arrival at the Mayo, Willie offered herself as an experimental patient at the University of Illinois for betatron cancer treatment. She told the press, "the situation appears to be out of control."<br />
<br />
In the end, Willie Bomar was right. She died in 1950. Willie never wanted to accept charity and wanted to pay her own debts. Her perseverance paid off when the mighty State of Georgia backed down and showed the money to this little ol' school teacher from Glenwood, Georgia.</div>Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-52392261351016174132011-05-26T19:44:00.000-07:002011-05-26T19:44:10.345-07:00GEVA ALEXANDER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The First Woman to Lead the Chamber of Commerce<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3Ar2T2NJOwmQ3Ut_xz_ofgME17DvUJ-lhylrp-GNWhUzQwAWsk2QwCYi6bf0u6hK5cSfHAvVGIr4u9Wi304vOdxKjpQWUVKWEQje4XwaUgh5gT87305MgDdYDieXlLAbC227TwNayfg/s1600/GEVA.alexander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3Ar2T2NJOwmQ3Ut_xz_ofgME17DvUJ-lhylrp-GNWhUzQwAWsk2QwCYi6bf0u6hK5cSfHAvVGIr4u9Wi304vOdxKjpQWUVKWEQje4XwaUgh5gT87305MgDdYDieXlLAbC227TwNayfg/s320/GEVA.alexander.jpg" t8="true" width="216" /></a></div>Being the first woman to serve as President of the Dublin-Laurens Chamber of Commerce came easy to Geva Alexander. In a male dominated business world, all Geva had to do was what her daddy told her to do, be professional and be a woman.<br />
<br />
A former Dublin High School teacher, Geva Alexander entered the office supply, machinery, and printing business back in 1964 in Dublin. Geva partnered with her husband Louis, a veteran Dublin businessman. Over the last forty seven years, Mrs. Alexander has worked tirelessly without any self motive other than to help build a better community for her family and friends.<br />
<br />
So, in 1989, Geva was elected by the membership of the Dublin-Laurens Commerce as the organization's first female president. Since then Helen Harper, June Moore, and Marcia Christian have served as the female leaders of the 100-year-old league of businesses. <br />
<br />
During her term, the chamber became a professional chamber. "It had gotten to be a professional chamber where people are actually trained to do the job a chamber should do," Alexander commented. "My greatest contribution to the chamber was to that point, our chamber directors were frequently retired businessmen," Geva added. In judging the impact of that change, Mrs. Alexander commented, "I think it helped the whole county by making us a fully professional chamber."<br />
<br />
Geva Alexander never thought too much about being the first woman to head the Chamber of Commerce. "I truly believe if I was put in a man's world, I had to obey their laws and rules," she contends. It was Geva's sole goal to achieve as a professional. Her father installed one rule in her mind. That rule was "always be a professional and be a lady while you do it." <br />
<br />
Just a week ago, Geva and Louis celebrated their 47th year in business in Dublin. Working with her parents is their daughter Nannette. Geva has instilled her father's core beliefs in her own children just like her father did in her. <br />
<br />
Geva Alexander accepts no credit or accolades for her election to the presidency of the chamber. "I had lots of friends in high places. I don't flatter myself," she explains, "There are a lot more assertive women who could have done a better job." In summing up her tenure as president, Mrs. Alexander stated, "It is my hope that I planted a seed for professionalism in the business community and in the Chamber of Commerce. <br />
<br />
Geva Alexander was the first woman to serve as president of the Dublin-Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. She won't be the last. Whether intentionally, or not, Geva Alexander has set the standard of the professional business woman in our community for generations to come. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-44772771856065932262010-12-05T19:29:00.000-08:002010-12-20T07:49:55.010-08:00MARYAN SMITH HARRIS<strong><span style="font-size: large;">An American Patriot</span></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGPm3CoWhfzElwITSWqPzN97_ELgQY83oMMYWzmgg_LyLLq8vCJJuwcpbYpIopX16vQXWNavmOHzVPAkn51oWNuX8BfBqG09-TOmVLUVg3HHUiWnrriOjSXjmlmAz469Qcyvdk1H7lq0/s1600/smith.maryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGPm3CoWhfzElwITSWqPzN97_ELgQY83oMMYWzmgg_LyLLq8vCJJuwcpbYpIopX16vQXWNavmOHzVPAkn51oWNuX8BfBqG09-TOmVLUVg3HHUiWnrriOjSXjmlmAz469Qcyvdk1H7lq0/s320/smith.maryan.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>Maryan Harris is a patriot. Who else would stuff her stomach with bananas and several quarts of water to qualify to serve her country? It is in her blood, Maryan descends from Hardy Smith of the Revolution and Andrew Pickens, her 4th great-grandfather and South Carolina militia leader, who was the model for Mel Gibson's character in The Patriot. She wanted to serve, but admittedly Maryan joined the Women Accepted for Volunteer Service Emergency Service (W.A.V.E.S) just for the adventure of it.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maryan Harley Smith was born in 1918. She graduated from Wesleyan College in Macon, joining her mother, Annie Pickens Simons Smith, and her grandmother, Mary Pickens Simons as alumnae of the world's first chartered women's college. The oldest daughter of Charles Manly Smith, Maryan obtained her Master's Degree in Social Science Work from the University of Louisville. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Maryan Smith was already serving her country as a teacher in Thomasville, Georgia. After the shock of that day began to wane, Maryan made the decision to join the WAVES. "I had heard about the service organizations for women and I thought I would like to join the WAVES," Harris recalled. She traveled from Greenwood to Columbia to take the entrance examination. "That morning I was a little bit under weight, so I ate lots of bananas and drank lots of water to try to raise my weight a little bit," Harris fondly recalled. She reached her goal, but couldn't stretch her under regulation height enough to meet the requirements. "But they accepted me anyway when they saw I was healthy," Maryan recalled. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was in the spring of 1943 when Maryan Smith first took her physical and written examinations. At the time of her induction on June 5, 1943, Maryan was sent to Smith College in North Hampton, Massachusetts for four weeks of basic training. "That was a wonderful experience. I had never been in the Northeast. North Hampton was a beautiful old town. We marched everywhere we went. They had a wonderful restaurant that was well known for its delicious food. That's where we had our meals. We had to march from the college to the restaurant every time we ate. The food was wonderful. I really enjoyed that," Smith fondly recollected. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Despite the strenuous requirements of basic training, Smith enjoyed her first days in the WAVES. "We had to learn to keep our rooms in "apple pie" order. I remember mitering the beds. I would bruise my knuckles trying to get the cover tight enough to bounce a dime. They would come around and inspect the room with white gloves. If they found anything wrong, you got a demerit," she reminisced. One trivial incident was still firm in her mind. Maryan recalled the time her unit had an inspection. The inspecting officer said, "There is an article adrift". "We looked everywhere and finally found one little bobby pin in one corner of the room. I guess that was the "article adrift," Maryan recalled.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maryan and her fellow WAVES studied everything from military history to anything pertaining to the Navy and surface craft. Although she was not trained in communication, Maryan was sent to Miami for her tour of duty in communications. Assigned to the 7th Naval District, Maryan had the very interesting duty of coding and decoding messages. Never able to get used to the graveyard shift of midnight to morning, Maryan stayed awake by drinking gallons of coffee.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"We sent messages to and from the surface ships. The PT boats and destroyer escorts came into Miami to get their supplies. One of Maryan's most memorable moments of her tour of duty came when she and other WAVES took a ride out to the island to watch the filming of the movie, They Were Expendable. "It was about the PT boats and their mission during the war. Robert Taylor and John Wayne were in the movie. That was a lot of fun. I was in that group. I got to see John Wayne and Robert Taylor do their thing," remembered the former Lieutenant Junior Grade. "I never did meet them personally; they didn't want to get that close to the public. On one occasion they took us aboard a destroyer and showed us all around. That was interesting," Mrs. Harris said. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maryan would often pinch herself and say, "Is this really me?" as she enjoyed the subtropical life of tall palms and blue water in Miami and Coral Gables, where she had the chance to room with her sister Dorothy "Dottie," also a Wesleyan graduate. Life in South Florida was not all fun. She managed to dodge a hurricane, but had to eat all too much spam her sister Dottie had stocked up on in case disaster struck her apartment. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Still wanting adventures, Maryan asked for a transfer to California. Instead, she was sent to the nation's capital for the last ten months of her tour of duty. Although she didn't enjoy Washington as much as Miami, Maryan enjoyed her time there as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Life in the WAVES wasn't everything to Maryan. Before the war, she met John Joseph Harris, Jr., who was stationed at Spence Field in Moultrie, a few miles distant from Thomasville. Ironically, Harris was assigned to the 121st Georgia Infantry, which was established in Dublin in 1919 and was composed of many soldiers from Laurens County and around the state of Georgia. While Maryan was stationed in Miami, the couple got to see each other on several occasions before he shipped out to the European Theater in 1944. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Eleven months after the end of the war in Europe, John and Maryan joined hands in marriage. "If I had not met John and wanted to get married, I would have stayed in the service." Maryan was officially discharged about a month after their marriage.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Washington held fond memories for Maryan. "When I was in Washington, they declared VJ Day and everyone poured out of the offices and everybody went downtown singing, waving flags and hugging each other whether you knew them or not. We were all so happy the war was over," she fondly recollected. The Harrises moved to Dublin after John's retirement as a defense analyst. They had one son, John K. Harris. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maryan Smith Harris went back to serving her community. As a volunteer for the Laurens County Historical Society, and a long time member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and her beloved Christ Episcopal Church, Maryan continued to help others. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On this Veteran's Day, remember those who have served our country in war and peace. And, remember those who still serve, the true American patriots. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This article was based on an interview with Mrs. Harris by Mac Fowler ten years ago. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-41447013712357263492010-07-10T10:29:00.000-07:002010-07-10T10:32:30.713-07:00SARAH HOWARDHoward makes a name for herself with shot put<br />
<br />
<br />
By JOHN KOSATER<br />
@ Macon Telegraph<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6R3KeiXnhtlhXXsbX1AaY3yVd5ZofDDMQ_CE8lJui8ddokvuBPLLa05b34uerFHqhUkvWMbm1AHmpcuhtA-IaAzQ-eSkPYqkcWtNypld-BbyAOrJR8-EgpvpRNHCiwBl8j6bB5F3qRA/s1600/howard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6R3KeiXnhtlhXXsbX1AaY3yVd5ZofDDMQ_CE8lJui8ddokvuBPLLa05b34uerFHqhUkvWMbm1AHmpcuhtA-IaAzQ-eSkPYqkcWtNypld-BbyAOrJR8-EgpvpRNHCiwBl8j6bB5F3qRA/s320/howard.jpg" /></a></div>There aren’t many shot put competitors in Georgia as good as Sarah Howard. <br />
<br />
She is currently the top-ranked high school shot putter in the state, and she is No. 13 in the nation. And after her sophomore year at Trinity Christian, she already has the second longest throw in Georgia high school history, private and public school included. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In this year’s GISA state meet, she won the shot put by 10 feet, breaking the GISA state record by 4 feet, and added the discus title. For that, Howard has been named The Telegraph’s All-Middle Georgia Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Much of Howard’s success can go right back to her family.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“My dad threw the shot in high school and then in college at the University of Georgia,” said Howard, who also has the highest GPA in Trinity’s sophomore class. “I can remember picking up the shot put when I was 5 or 6, and it seemed like a fun thing to do. As I got older, I tried most of the other sports, but I wasn’t real good at any of them. I seemed to always go back to shot putting and as I got older, I kept getting better. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“I really enjoy it now, because it is a great way to get to spend a lot of time with my dad. He is fun to hang out with and has been a great coach for me. He knows when to push me and he knows when to ease off.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Howard has been training hard all summer, trying to get stronger. She recently finished second at the New Balance National High School Meet and will travel to Singapore at the end of the month as part of the American team in the Youth Olympics. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“I went to Italy last year for the Youth Olympics and didn’t do that well, but I feel like I am way ahead of where I was last year,” she said. “I feel like I know what to expect this year, and it won’t be so overwhelming to me. I just want to continue to gain experience and enjoy myself, and if I can do that, I think I will perform well. I have put in the time in the weight room and working on my technique, so I feel pretty good about the trip.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
With two more years of high school, Howard really hasn’t thought much of where she will go to college but does hope to continue throwing the shot put on that level. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“It’s something that I really like to do, and I would like to see how good I can get,” she said. “I know that I have a long way to go, but I definitely hope to continue throwing in college. I am usually pretty focused on my training, but it is great to have someone like my dad around that knows the kind of training I need to be the best.”Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-85737911029612211312010-04-02T17:22:00.000-07:002010-04-02T17:22:12.607-07:00SALLY BELL<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Making the Right Call</span></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduQWLxXOQsIB_u-N9_o-tfCJy8wG72WEPBStVvzfWkFgaXJS7_AN6J3RuDSLW27gbkSe9XePRhBhyphenhyphenxTyq7mOQWImDsMGwocXpZIvxHmiaBuhQ7OGJwKA93xVZ3pW2-ivzejNkJ1ecrvA/s1600/IMG_4084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduQWLxXOQsIB_u-N9_o-tfCJy8wG72WEPBStVvzfWkFgaXJS7_AN6J3RuDSLW27gbkSe9XePRhBhyphenhyphenxTyq7mOQWImDsMGwocXpZIvxHmiaBuhQ7OGJwKA93xVZ3pW2-ivzejNkJ1ecrvA/s320/IMG_4084.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From her very first dribble, Sally loved the game of basketball. And now, some forty plus years later, she has seen millions of dribbles, most of the time making sure that none of them were of the double kind. Today, it is Sally's job to find, train and assign the right people to be in the right position to make the right call all of the time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sally Smalley Bell, daughter of Dr. Derrell and Nell Smalley, was born and grew up in Dublin, Georgia. "I loved basketball from day one," Sally said as she thought of the days when she began playing when she was in the fifth grade. "Back then, we played half court, three guards and three forwards, but during my senior year we went to a rover system - two players played full court," Sally remembered. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As he was to millions of other kids back in the 1960s, Pete Maravich was Sally's idol on the court. "I was just totally in awe of his skills. He was so far ahead of his time. It was just amazing to me," said Sally would often hop in her car and drive to Atlanta to catch a glimpse of her hero. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThOTwUPyyf7Qv63xstlO_68oeGEFmGpUIkGg92Vx3D4Ug_cAzYSB5ZBdyN-1klX1nXM0xtmgLkhwwW0HdjiiLnFX-cP9iyHPxxDwtSZ46UVb7JQ_cOdiwI5Bq5E9qycytwKh2JhAf_hA/s1600/IMG_4090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThOTwUPyyf7Qv63xstlO_68oeGEFmGpUIkGg92Vx3D4Ug_cAzYSB5ZBdyN-1klX1nXM0xtmgLkhwwW0HdjiiLnFX-cP9iyHPxxDwtSZ46UVb7JQ_cOdiwI5Bq5E9qycytwKh2JhAf_hA/s200/IMG_4090.JPG" width="63" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before she graduated from Dublin High School in 1971, Sally played in the band and performed on the sidelines during half time shows as a majorette. She was captain in her senior year. Her father was a well known and respected veterinarian, a founder of Smalley's Animal Hospital. Her mother's paintings were truly works of art and can still found in places around Dublin. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After Sally graduated from the University of Georgia, she took a job with the Habersham County Recreation Department, doing whatever job she was called upon to do. "One night we had no refs, so I had to call the game," Sally remembered. The coach started screaming at her. His objections, Sally admitted, were probably right. After all, it was her first time as a real referee. And, as anyone whoever slipped on one of those zebra shirts and blew a whistle can tell you, officiating a basketball game is no easy task. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigldp6OijZH4kyy7lJApycAovNF_eZe4rOSjb4RhBus6N-Wz25VpiOLcM6tHbe6aN_-KbHmmr9TJeEsJ8BGxXo6NxMpBnBbX7ab2tjOJqi2asWjWD-Lbur2FXGa2nqYJWwRP2uainV33U/s1600/IMG_4092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigldp6OijZH4kyy7lJApycAovNF_eZe4rOSjb4RhBus6N-Wz25VpiOLcM6tHbe6aN_-KbHmmr9TJeEsJ8BGxXo6NxMpBnBbX7ab2tjOJqi2asWjWD-Lbur2FXGa2nqYJWwRP2uainV33U/s200/IMG_4092.JPG" width="110" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I went over to the coach and said, 'We may not be right, but you are not going to yell at us. Either sit down and shut up, or leave," Sally ordered. There wasn't another peep from the coach that night. The next day, Sally discovered that the coach, Cecil Huff, who was chewing her out was actually the head of the local high school officials association. Sally had made a good first impression. For, on that day, her career as a basketball referee began. "He called me and asked me to join and I became the first female referee in the Georgia Mountain Officials Association," Bell fondly remembered. The two became mentor and student and very close friends. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sally even married a referee. Her husband Jack Bell, a Gainesville attorney has been officiating at the high school and college level for several decades. In fact, they met for the first time when they called a basketball game together. "Jack didn't have two words to say to me at that game," Sally told a reporter for Referee magazine. "Jack is basically a shy guy and I was nervous as heck," Sally laughed. But Jack saw something in Sally and asked their mutual friend Cecil Huff for a return assignment. They were married a year or so later.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Determined to succeed, Sally attended every officiating camp she could. "That put me in the loop," Sally said. Assignors in attendance began to notice Sally. How couldn't they notice, she was often the only female on the court. To catch the attention of college coaches, Sally worked AAU summer tournaments. That's when the exposure led to recommendations and then to assignments.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the early days, Sally worked as many as six to eight games a week. "I just couldn't think of anything I'd rather do," she said. "I became consumed by it. By the end of her seventh year as an official, Sally had climbed the ladder from rec. ball to Division I.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sally's first big break came in 1984 when she was assigned to call the National Junior College tournaments. She was called back for the next two years. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpOP56ddMc4VXhpe6JYhJQiM_ZNmBDJVoKFXAdprPj0QTR647JeEnKBN_WGxGs5k3b7YBOAlLgg9vYdBHvd3Z-oskyfN8kUQCcBzJK_bWcBPZEa7oRK9Xzg7dI7pglvd_5ICjOE4nvzg/s1600/IMG_4086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpOP56ddMc4VXhpe6JYhJQiM_ZNmBDJVoKFXAdprPj0QTR647JeEnKBN_WGxGs5k3b7YBOAlLgg9vYdBHvd3Z-oskyfN8kUQCcBzJK_bWcBPZEa7oRK9Xzg7dI7pglvd_5ICjOE4nvzg/s200/IMG_4086.JPG" width="91" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All the years of hard work and dedication paid off in 1989 when Sally was chosen to officiate the NCAA Division 1 Final Four tournaments. It would be the first of fifteen assignments to the high point of women's collegiate basketball. Only twice (1991-1992) in seventeen years (1989-2005) did Bell not get the assignment for the highly heralded tournament. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although she didn't make the final four in 1991, Sally Bell received the penultimate honor of being named the Naismith Female Official of the Year. During her first decade and a half, Sally had called games in major conferences such as the SEC, ACC, Big Ten and Big East. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Reporter Rick Woelfel wrote of Sally, "She is unobtrusive on the court, but somehow she always manages to be in the right place at the right time. What she lacks in pure athleticism, she makes up for with court sense and hustle. In a very real sense, she reads and feels the game, bending with it like a rooted tree in the wind."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrrwQFOf-9DeptUvFdiewIZHJVmLmSBh0pfcbAQFWr0i_WONu8p9wj0lzf9ASjfy-GYumZVFY6GMS3D53Vccd-lLZG2JPTY4Vg6pPOKV2VzCsBp4aFVEbCXy1iXjbgnoNgMnofJUBDhE/s1600/IMG_4087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrrwQFOf-9DeptUvFdiewIZHJVmLmSBh0pfcbAQFWr0i_WONu8p9wj0lzf9ASjfy-GYumZVFY6GMS3D53Vccd-lLZG2JPTY4Vg6pPOKV2VzCsBp4aFVEbCXy1iXjbgnoNgMnofJUBDhE/s200/IMG_4087.JPG" width="197" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Former officiating partner and NBA official Dee Kantner agrees, "When I talk to prospective female officials, I tell them you don't have to be that perfect athlete. Look at Sally Bell, she looks like a housewife out there." Kantner adds, "Her game management skills are subtle. She has a subtle calming presence." Fellow WNBA official Bonita Spence admired Bell's willingness to thank her partners for making calls they saw in her zone while many officials often chastize the partners for calling a play outside of their area. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Perhaps one of the most exciting tournaments came in 1996, when Sally traveled a short distance from home to officiate the games of the 1996 Summer Olympics. She had been to the 1989 Junior World Championships in Spain and the 1990 World Championships in Malaysia and the 1994 Goodwill Games in Russia, but nothing can compare to being an official in the greatest of all amateur basketball games.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Always wanting people to remember that Sally Bell was a good referee, Sally left the game while she on top of her game. Today, Sally serves as supervisor of officials for the Sunbelt, Southland, and SWAC conferences. Her goal is to see the successes of the officials whom she supervises. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In looking back over her career on the court, the biggest difference from when she started until today is the athletic abilities of the players. Sally sees the ability to communicate between partners, coaches, players and supervisors as the biggest challenge.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When she is not working, Sally can be found near a golf course or planning her next trip to golf's Ryder Cup tournament. She hasn't missed a single one since 1997. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, during the madness of March, let's all salute Sally Smalley Bell for a career well done.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-2726267432615286312010-03-02T19:21:00.000-08:002010-03-21T10:13:59.583-07:00FIFTY FEMALE FIRSTSWho was the first to do something? The answer to that frequently asked question is often difficult to answer. Some firsts are documented while others are the subject of legend and speculation. <br />
<br />
For centuries, women were systematically excluded from history books and newspaper articles. <br />
<br />
So, during this month of March, the National Women's History Month Project is seeking to write women back into history. <br />
<br />
Women's History Month had its origin in 1979 when a Sonoma County School District began a week of celebrating the contributions of women to the history of America. In 1981, the United States Congress adopted a resolution proclaiming National Women's History Week. The week long celebration was expanded to include the entire month of March in 1987.<br />
<br />
Here is my list of fifty female firsts by Laurens County Women. I let you know about these women to honor them and all women who have contributed to their communities. They are in no particular order, except they are roughly chronological.<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Unity Register was the first woman to get married in Laurens County. She married Matthew Smith on Feburary 19, 1809.<br />
<br />
2. Averilla Albritton, Rachel Allen and Mary Barlow were the first three women to have their wills probated in the Inferior Court of Laurens County, all on March 10, 1823.<br />
<br />
3. Isabella Hamilton Blackshear was the first woman to enter Wesleyan College in Macon in 1836. Wesleyan was the first college in the world to offer degrees to women. <br />
<br />
4. Eugenia Tucker Cochran Fitzgerald was the first president of the Adelphean Society at Wesleyan College. The society became Alpha Delta Pi and is the oldest women's sorority in the world. <br />
<br />
5. Elizabeth Cummings Harrington was one of the first black female dentists in Alabama.<br />
<br />
6. Dr. Annie Yarborough was one of the first, if not the first, black female dentists in the State of Georgia. She began her practice in 1911. <br />
<br />
7. Piccola Prescott was named the first female postal carrier in the county in 1918.<br />
<br />
8. Pearl Cummings Davis was the first black female pharmacist in Laurens County and one of the first in Georgia. <br />
<br />
9. Maggie New was the first woman to register to vote in 1920. <br />
<br />
10. Mrs. W. H. Beall was the first female mayor of a Laurens County town. Mrs. Beall was elected Mayor of Brewton in 1921. <br />
<br />
11. Mrs. M.E. Brantley, Mrs. M.F. Beall, Mrs. F.A. Brantley, Mrs. C.G. Moye and Mrs. H.B. Sutton joined Mrs. W. H. Beall in winning elections as the first five women to serve on the council of a Laurens County town. <br />
<br />
12. Mrs. Annie Anderson in 1922 was named as Judge of the Juvenile Court of Laurens County, Georgia, making Judge Anderson the first female judge in the state's history.<br />
<br />
13. Mary Rachel Jordan, in 1924, was credited as the first woman to vote in a county election. <br />
<br />
14. Kathleen Duggan Smith graduated from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 1924. Mrs. Duggan was the first Laurens County woman to practice law. <br />
<br />
15. Opal Glenn Rife was named as the pastor of the First Church of the Nazerene in Dublin, making Rev. Rife the first female minister in the county. <br />
<br />
16. Mrs. Frank Lawson, a political activist, was the first woman to be named vice-chairman of a Democratic Congressional District Committee in Georgia in 1927. <br />
<br />
17. Mrs. J.E. Perry, it was said, was the first woman in the United States to have a haircut while flying in an airplane. Mrs. Perry's feat was accomplished in 1927 while flying upside down.<br />
<br />
18. Henrietta Stanley Dull published Southern Cooking, long considered the bible of southern cookbooks. The first book written by a Laurens County woman was first published in 1928. The cookbook is still being sold in stores today.<br />
<br />
19. In 1933, Aretha Miller Smith, at the age of 19, became the youngest female lawyer in the history of Georgia. <br />
<br />
20. That same year, Jessie Baldwin was named as the first female clerk of the Dublin District of the Southern District of the Federal Court. <br />
<br />
21. Elizabeth Garrett Page was selected as the first female member of the Dublin City Board of Education in 1933. <br />
<br />
22. Charlotte Hightower Harrell became the first female court reporter in the state. <br />
<br />
23. Maryan Smith Harris was the first local female to join the Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service, the W.A.V.E.S., in World War II. <br />
<br />
24. Madge Hilbun Methvin was the first Laurens County woman to publish a newspaper, the Vienna News.<br />
<br />
25. Cherry Waldrep Clements was the first woman in the history of the University of Georgia to earn a master's degree in Math Education.<br />
<br />
This week, I conclude my list of fifty female firsts for Laurens County women. There will be more firsts. Just recently, Carol Porter of Dublin, announced her intentions to become the first female Lieutenant Governor of Georgia. In this new world with the limitations formerly placed on women lifted, the skies are the limits. So, during this Women's National History Month, let us take time to remember the outstanding accomplishments of the women of our community.<br />
<br />
<br />
26. Ruth Gordon, a health nurse for Laurens County, was the first woman to join Post No. 17 of the American Legion in Dublin. Gordon, who joined the post in 1942, served as a nurse during World War I.<br />
<br />
27. Meanwhile Alta Mae Hammock and Brancy Horne were the first Laurens County women to join the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps, the W.A.A.C.s, in World War II. <br />
<br />
28. Bessye P. Deveraux was named as the first woman in the Charleston Shipyards to earn an Outstanding Workmanship Award, one awarded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. <br />
<br />
29. In 1940, Mrs. W.O. "Annie" Prescott was appointed as the first female Justice of the Peace in Laurens County. Mrs. Prescott, who succeeded her husband, was charged with hearing cases within the jurisdiction of the Buckeye Militia District. <br />
<br />
30. Selina Burch, a graduate of Dublin High School, became a leading advocate for telephone workers and one of the first female Union leaders in the Southeast. <br />
<br />
31. The 1951 Cedar Grove girls' basketball team was the first Laurens County women's team to capture a state championship.<br />
<br />
32. In 1955, Mrs. Guy V. Cochran and Betty Lovett Yeomans were the first women selected to the jury pool. Later that same year, Mrs. Duncan Weatherall was the first woman to serve on a trial jury.<br />
<br />
33. Also in 1955, Mrs. Ruby D. Young, known as a "pistol packing mama," served as the first woman bailiff.<br />
<br />
34. Rubye Jackson, a Laurens County native, was the first female assistant attorney general in Georgia. <br />
<br />
35. Dr. Annella Brown became the first Laurens County woman to practice medicine and was the first female board certified surgeon in the Northeastern United States. <br />
<br />
36. Henrietta Bidgood earned the title of the first Laurens County woman to be elected to a county office when she was elected County Treasurer. <br />
<br />
37. Dr. Eleanor Ison-Franklin became the first woman, either black or white, to head the medical department of a major university, Howard University, in the early 1970s. <br />
<br />
38. Sarah Hadden, of Rentz, was appointed by Judge R.I. Stephens as the first female Laurens County jury commissioner in the 1950s. Mrs. Hadden was one of the first female commissioners in the state.<br />
<br />
39. In December 1968, Lela Warnock replaced her late husband, Dewey Warnock, as the first and only female county commissioner in Laurens County's history. <br />
<br />
40. Eugenia Rawls, the first female Laurens Countian to appear on broadway, television and movies, was honored as the first American actress to play the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Ireland. Rawls was also the first Laurens County woman to appear on Broadway and television. <br />
<br />
41. Anne Lovett was the first woman to obtain a PhD degree in Chemistry from Georgia Tech. <br />
<br />
42. Sharon Tucker, a graduate of Dublin's Oconee High School, graduated as the first black female graduate of the University of Georgia Law School in 1974. <br />
<br />
43. The Rev. Irene Tos, who served a term as pastor of Pinehill Methodist Church, was the first female minister of the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. <br />
<br />
44. Tina Price Cochran, a two-sport all state high school and college player at the University of Georgia where she set many records, was one of the first women chosen in the first women's professional basketball league draft in 1978. Mrs. Cochran was recently cited by Bulldog historian Dan McGill as the best female two-sport star in Georgia history. <br />
<br />
45. Probate Court Judge Helen W. Harper was the first woman to be elected as a judge in the history of the county in 1980. <br />
<br />
46. Barbara Sanders Thomas, a graduate of Oconee High School, rose in the ranks of CBS radio to become the company's first female African-American vice-president. <br />
<br />
47. In 1988, Sydney Kyzer Morton was chosen as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, making Mrs. Morton the first woman in the county to attend a major national party convention. <br />
<br />
48. The 1997 Dublin High School softball team was the first Dublin female team to win a state championship.<br />
<br />
49. Gen. Belinda H. Pinckney attended both Oconee High School and Dublin High School, before graduating from East Laurens High School. This thirty three plus year veteran of the United States Army is currently head of the Army's Diversity Task Force and is one of the highest ranking female African American generals in the history of our country's armed forces. <br />
<br />
50. Soffie Thigpen, a Laurens County native, in November 2004 became the highest ranking female officer in the Georgia State Patrol. <br />
<br />
<br />
And, here's a few more. <br />
<br />
Kathy Beall Sweat was the first female member of the Dublin-Laurens Development Authority. Mrs. Sweat served with Willie Paulk, the first female Chamber of Commerce Director. <br />
<br />
Geva Alexander was the first female president of the Chamber of Commerce and the first female director of the Downtown Development Authority. <br />
<br />
Kathy Hogan Henderson was the first female law enforcement officer in Dublin and Laurens County. <br />
<br />
Jane Meeks Christian was the first female to wear the uniform of the East Dublin Police Department. <br />
<br />
Ellie Wilson Washington was the first black female telephone operator for Souther Bell Telephone Co. in Dublin, beginning work in 1968. Mrs. Washington, of Millville Church Community, worked long distance, local, directory assistance, Cama operator, etc. She also worked as a CWA Union Representative for local Southern Bell and was the first black to work there.<br />
<br />
<br />
Shirley Willis was the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors for the Progressive Rural Telephone Co-op. The Co-op serves the telephone, cable television and Internet access needs of the smaller cities and communities surrounding Dublin. Mrs. Willis, a representative for Dudley, completed the term of her husband, Tommy Willis, after he passed away in 1986. She has continued to be elected by the members of the Co-op to serve in that position.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote></blockquote>Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817044323463361894.post-63629462490673080512010-01-31T06:05:00.000-08:002010-01-31T06:05:46.343-08:00MARY MCCLUSKEY, NURSE<div style="text-align: justify;">Mary McCluskey always knew she wanted to be a nurse, even if it meant she had to do things that girls shouldn't have to do. From those very first afternoons she spent volunteering at the East Tennessee Public Health Office, Mary knew she wanted to help people. In September of 1933, Mary began her nursing studies at Erlanger Hospital Nursing School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">She took great consolation in comforting patients with warm baths, extra blankets, fresh sheets, and hot water bottles. Surgery was a challenge - no room for error. The hospital was very poor in those days. Remember, it was in the middle of the Depression. Mary and the other student nurses spent their free time making bandages and folding gauze. The nurses even made their own cotton balls and saline solutions. Rubber gloves were patched and IV needles were sharpened. The most dreaded chore was the preparation of plaster of paris casts. Mary and the other nurses enjoyed the hospital nursery the most. The Emergency Room was the most exciting, especially on the weekends. The worst part of the hospital, other than the sickness, was the Operating Room Supervisor, who was extremely tough on the student nurses. In her first year of school, Mary was allowed eleven dollars a month to spend for non necessities. Every morning the nurses stood inspection, just like in the military.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mary passed her Nurses Board examination. She was assigned as Supervisor of the Colored Wards at Erlanger Hospital. Her salary skyrocketed to sixty dollars a month. Mary joined the American Red Cross as a Red Cross Nurse. While with the Red Cross, she was assigned to Camp Forest to aid Mississippi flood victims. She earned eight dollars for a twelve hour day. Mary was looking for a "place to land." After working for a summer at the Philadelphia Graduate Hospital, she landed at Peerless Woolen Mills in Rossville, Georgia. It was in Rossville where she met her future husband, Roy McCluskey.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As the United States became more involved in World War II, Mary decided that she wanted to be an Army Nurse. She left home in September of 1942 for Stark, Florida. Roy joined the Navy. Mary spent 26 months at Camp Blanding in Florida. It was the 2nd largest infantry training camp in the United States. She volunteered for duty in a field hospital overseas, but never got the chance to go. Mary was assigned to surgery and then to the Chief Nurse's Office. As a day supervisor, Mary had charge of thirty-two hundred beds. The beds were arranged in two rows of sixteen hundred each. The rows were so long one could not see from one end to another.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When her boss, Col. Maley, was transferred to the China, Burma, India Theater of operations, Mary and a friend were invited to go along with her. Mary was sent to Brigham City, Utah, where she trained in the 172nd General Hospital. From Utah, Mary was flown to Bermuda. The conditions aboard the plane were very uncomfortable. Mary spent a few days in Casablanca, North Africa, before arriving in Karachi, India in December of 1944.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mary's assigned hospital was in a desert. When anyone went outside, they had to wear sunglasses and head scarves. One night Mary was invited to go jackal hunting with two male officers. Mary's job was to shine the light. The trio didn't kill any jackals that night. They did kill a dog, a rabbit, and a vulture. The two men chased a poor pregnant cat, but Mary turned off the light, refusing to let the trigger happy officers shoot it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While off duty, Mary and the nurses enjoyed shopping in the Indian shops. She met many officers of the famed "Merrill's Marauders," who were building "The Burma Road." The food wasn't that good - certainly not like her mamma's. In February of 1945, she was transferred to New Delhi. She never forgot the sight of the Taj Mahal in the Indian moonlight. In April of 1945, Mary and her fellow nurses participated in a memorial service for Franklin D. Roosevelt. As the end of the war drew nearer, the action became more intense. Twenty nurses were killed in a plane crash. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">By April of 1945, the nurses were moving closer to China. After a stop in Calcutta, the nurses found that there was no hospital as they were told. To their disappointment, the nurses were put on detached service. It seemed that the commanding general had taken materials which had been intended to be used to construct a hospital. The general built a palatial home for himself, much to the dismay of the physicians and nurses.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With the aid of General Chenault's "Flying Tigers," the medical crews began building a hospital on their own. Chinese women and children made bricks out of clay and straw. Despite it being the rainy season, they worked all day to get the hospital built as soon as possible. Life in the hospital was getting better. One night, while dancing to music, Mary heard the announcement that the war with Japan was over. "Everyone stood still. We were unable to believe our ears. Then everyone started screaming and crying. We kissed like it was New Year's Eve," Mary wrote. The male officers ran to retrieve bottles of liquor, which had been secreted away in anticipation of the end of the war. After a short celebration, the medical crews were evacuated back to Shanghai.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mary and the other nurses took advantage of their liberty and went into Shanghai to go shopping. Mary did a little Christmas shopping. She even bought her wedding dress. Mary left China in November of 1945. On December 6, 1945, nearly four years to the day after the beginning of the war, Mary saw the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. After a short stay in Des Moines, Iowa, Mary returned to Chattanooga, just in time for Christmas. She had been all the way around the world in the service of her country. Mary had a Merry Christmas that year, grateful for all her blessings. On January 3, 1946, Mary and Roy were married. Roy and Mary moved to Dublin when Roy came to work with J.P. Stephens and Company. Mary wrote of her experiences in a book that she called "We Have Come A Long Way." Her story, like that of every nurse, is a story of untiring and devoted service to their community and their country.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Scott B. Thompson, Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05269488889632912020noreply@blogger.com0