A Picture is Worth More Than a Thousand Words

Images of our ancestors are the golden nuggets of family history.  Often we are not able to find an image of an ancestor, but when we do, even when the image is small and faded, it gives life to their name and dates.  When you look into the eyes of people who lived so long ago, who are your own flesh and blood, it is an ethereal experience that connects you to your past.

One set of pictures I have in my collection of family images is in an old, red, velvet-covered album of the Broom(e) family.  Besides my loved ones, this album is one thing I would grab in case of a fire.  Most of the photos in this album are from 1880-1900, but some daguerreotypes are from before the Civil War. All except a few are labeled, which is invaluable!  Also in my family history collection I have the Broome Family Bible listing many of  their important dates and events.

John Thomas Broom

Aletris Ellen Morgan Broom

The patriarch of this family is John Thomas Broom who was a farmer from Utica, Mississippi.  (The “e” was added to the family name around the turn of the century according to Bible records.)   The year before the Civil War began he married his young sweetheart Aletris Ellen Morgan on October 7, 1860.  He was 24 and she was 13.  They married in Richmond, Louisiana (near Tallulah, LA) which was burned completely by Gen. Ulysses S. Grant before the siege of Vicksburg, MS in 1863.

Born in 1836 John Thomas was the prime age of 26 for military service in the Civil War. John served for more than one year in the Confederate Army as part of the 36th Mississippi Infantry.  He enlisted in March 1862 for 12 months of service, but in April 1862 a Confederate conscription act, or draft order, went into effect that forced men ages 18-35 to serve for at least three years.  In September of 1862 the conscription age was increased to 45.  But a year and two months after his enlistment date, when the 36th Mississippi was ordered to leave Snyder’s Bluff north of Vicksburg and take up defenses in Vicksburg, John deserted and went home.  Maybe he sensed the inevitable defeat by the Union Army because of the advances they were making around Mississippi.  But there were other reasons why many Confederate soldiers deserted their army around this time in the war.

One was the enactment of  the conscription acts which they felt infringed on their rights by their government — which was why they were fighting this war against the Union in the first place.  In addition to this was the 20 slave exemption added to the conscription acts in October of 1862.  This exemption meant that those who owned 20 slaves could go home to help prevent possible slave uprisings.  The slave-owner could then hire someone to fight in his stead. Any man who could afford the $300 price could hire a substitute to fight for them. Therefore the war in the Confederacy by this time had become known as “a rich man’s war and a poor man’s fight.”

John Thomas and Aletris had their first child on August 30, 1861, a few months after the start of the war.  They named him Thomas Sanders Broom after Aletris’ father Thomas Sanders Morgan.  After John Thomas returned home from the war he and Aletris had 9 more children, six of whom lived to adulthood.

Thomas Sanders Broom

Thomas Sanders Broom and his wife Ella Anderson Broom with their children

When Thomas grew up, he converted from his family’s Protestant faith to Mormonism.  His father then disowned him.

Eva May Broom

John Thomas Broom returned home by August of 1863 and the following spring on May 30, 1864, Eva May Broom was born. She grew up and married Craven P. Fairchild on the 10th of December 1884.

The Broom’s second daughter Louisa Broom, died the day she was born on September 11, 1866.

Catherine Octavia Broom was born in Jan of 1869 and died at the age of three.

Their next child was a son, Willy.

John William “Willy” Broome

John William “Willy” Broom was born in December of 1870.  Sadly at the age of 7, he was killed when he was hit by a wagon.

The Broom’s third son Andrew Jackson Broom, born May 3, 1872, was named after Alestris’ brother Andrew Jackson Morgan (who was killed in the Battle of Seven Pines at the age of 16).  He moved to Llano, Texas where he was a border patrol agent.

Andrew Jackson Broom

Andrew Jackson Broom

Andrew Jackson Broom and his wife Lily Mayo Broom and their children

Annie Theodosia Broom was born January 27, 1876.  She married Andrew J. Harvey on the 4th of July 1899.

Annie Theodosia Broom

Luther Dudley “Dutchy” Broom was their eighth child and fourth son who was born on June 16, 1877.  He was my great grandfather.

Luther Dudley Broom

Luther Dudley Broome

Anna Daisy Jacob Broome

He married Anna Daisy Jacob from Reserve on the German Coast in south Louisiana.  They were married in Baton Rouge on 28 Dec 1904.  He was Baptist and she was Catholic, so they were married by a Methodist minister.  He worked for Standard Oil Company (now Exxon) in Baton Rouge.

Clarence Franklin Broom

Clarence Franklin Broome

Albia Jones Broome

Clarence Franklin Broom was born April 25, 1879.  He married Albia Jones December 23, 1903.

Mary Jane Broom

Aletris Broom had their last child when she was 42 years old.  She had a girl born September 13, 1881 whom they named Mary Jane Broom. Something happened to Mary Jane causing her to pass away at the age of 7.  All that is written in the family Bible is the date she died and the time of day: “quarter to four P.M. Sunday eve”.

The old Broom family album contains many more interesting photos of members of Aletris’ family and John Thomas’ families.  But those photos will appear in a future post.

John Thomas and Aletris lived a rich life full of joy, hardship, happiness, and sadness.  Most of the handwriting in the family Bible appears to be hers.  But on the day she died, at age 58, in a shaky handwriting typical of old age, John inscribes her death information in the old Bible: “Aletris E. Broome the wife of J. T. Broome.  Died on the 19 of April 1905 about 8 in the eaving was born 11 of March 1847″.  All other dates after her death were written by him until he died.

John Thomas and Aletris with grandchild Sammy Harvey

John Thomas Broome with Luther Dudley Broome’s children (L to R) Marcia (my grandmother), John Denis, and Katie (taken about 1913)

1941 (Aug 16 – Aug 31)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham.  References to WWII are in red.]

August 16, Saturday

Hot

Today is Jo Anne’s birthday, and the picnic just suits her.  Tucker and Julia, Lillian and Sidney, Annie and Edward, a Mr. & Mrs. Vance White, Mr. and Mrs. Major, Mr. and Mrs. Orrey, Mildred and Buck, Sonny and Mickey, Cora and Ibo, Alice and Pluto, and the rest of their families were all here. We went to Ibo’s, had a nice day altogether.  Letter from Florelle, and Velma, and Velma sent Jo Anne a birthday card and a dollar.  She had a nice birthday and a good many presents.  We ate supper at Momma’s, and came home to read “Let the Gun Talk.”

August 17, Sunday

Hot

I cleaned up, even put wax on the floors, because I couldn’t seem to get to them before, and Earl had to work anyway.  Lil and family came in the afternoon, so did Kidd and Edward, and we all went to the Lake and swimming, then had supper on the bank. We had a nice time, Mamma and Joe also went with us.  Poor Earl, it was two o’clock tonight when he got through with that tractor. The papers are full of discussions on the meeting last week of Roosevelt and Churchill.  This war situation continues to look worse and worse, as Russia gives ground.  Poor people!

August 18, Monday 

Hot

Kidd and Edward came this morning as I was dressing after having cleaned up.  We went uptown and Kidd got Mamma a pretty blue rug for the parlor, after we ate dinner here we went over there and put it down.  I helped Joe paint some on the ceiling, and we straightened up the parlor.  Mamma made out the order for the canvass and paper for her room Earl, Jo Anne and I went swimming just before sundown, and read “Attack Alarm” in the Post just after we had supper.  It’s a scorching night.  I wish we’d hear from Minnie Lea, I’m worried about her.

August 19, Tuesday

Cloudy and hot

Jo Anne got Patsy to spend the day with her, and we went to Mamma’s early.  I finished painting the ceiling at noon.  We read the new Post issue of “Let the Gun Talk,” at noon, and I felt so bum I stayed in bed until five o’clock.  When Earl came we decided to go on down to Kidd’s, pick them up, and go to D.T.  The people out there seem to be a better class than we have had for tenants yet.  They have a right good crop.  We came back to Kidd’s, ate supper, and Edward and Earl went fox hunting, got home at two.

August 20, Wednesday

Cooler

I’m awfully worried about Jack [their dog].  He seems to have something wrong with his back and won’t eat, can hardly get up.  He’s so pretty. I do hope he’s not going to die.  The new Montgomery Ward Catalog came today, so Jo Anne and I have been looking at it all day, everything is advancing in price. Oh how I wish one of those jobs would open up!  We are going to have so much piled up we will never get out form under if it doesn’t break soon.  Mr. Chambless came down and talked awhile tonight, he’s interesting.  We read “Attack Alarm.”  Kidd and Edward didn’t come today.

August 21, Thursday

We took Jack to the Vetinary, he didn’t know what was the matter unless Jack had had a lick.  He wouldn’t give him anything.  “Time” came, and I was reading it this afternoon when Ruth came.  Rowland and Velma were at Pop’s.  We went over there and later all went swimming except Velma and I, we fixed a supper to take to them after a swim.  We went down to Kidd’s a little while, and by Mamma’s too.  The paper and canvass for her room has come.  Guess we will get to it Monday.

August 22, Friday

Getting warmer

We all slept late this morning, fixed dinner, etc.,  — I’m so blooming awkward about cooking.  We just sat around mostly and talked all day.  Rode around awhile after it got cool, took Julia, went to Catherine’s, and after supper Kidd and Edward came.  The men went fox hunting, and the women all went to see “Here Comes the Navy” – Then we came by where they were hunting, and all got in about twelve.  Letter, long awaited from Minnie Lea, — she said she was feeling pretty useless, especially since they aren’t through with the house.

August 23, Saturday

Hot again

Julia asked us all to dinner so we spent most of the day there, I crocheted a little bit.  Margaret came on the bus, and we took her home, then went to H’burg, visited Laura McLaughlin and found Edith there.  Came home, went to DeLita’s and Mrs. Coan’s, then after supper to Miss Mamie’s and to Holy Roller Church, then rode about Wisner.  Rowland and Velma hadn’t been there in a long time and enjoyed seeing the changes that had taken place.  We also went by Kidd’s a few minutes.

August 24, Sunday

Hot

Velma and I fixed dinner, asked Pop and Julia.  We picked a bucket, the first, of scuppernongs [muscadines] for Mrs. Anderson.  Delita came and asked us all for coffee so before Rowland and Velma left we all went up there, had a right nice visit.  After they left we went to Mamma’s, Emma had been there.  We went to John’s, but he wasn’t at home When Kidd and Edward came they brought Mamma and Daddy, May Usher and Meloin came by, too.  Mamma and all ate supper here.  We want to go to bed early so Earl can get off early in the morning.  Shut Bep up.

August 25, Monday

Hot.  Light shower

Earl got off at five, I went back to bed when I should have been cleaning up, and finished last weeks Time.  Then when I did get up it was so late I dint’ get to half clean up, so I hurried over to Mamma’s and we worked like Turks getting room papered, but it does look awfully pretty.  Kidd came late in the afternoon and helped us finish, then Jo Anne and I went home with her, to spend the night, I’m going to help Edward with an abstract he’s making for D.T.  My how I miss Earl!

August 26, Tuesday

Mostly hot, light shower in afternoon

I went to the office with Edward, stayed an hour, then took Kidd to Ferriday to the doctor.  Mrs. Peck came in while I was there.  We got back a little before twelve, and I looked through records all afternoon with no luck.  We had just got home when Earl came, he had no luck either.  Man told him it would be two weeks more.  We stayed til after supper and came back to Mamma’s so Earl could see the room.  It looks awfully nice, Mamma had cleaned it up and Daddy is going to put baseboards around it tomorrow.

August 27, Wednesday

Hot

Alvin and Lil Guice Walvoord

C.L. and Marcia Guice

Jo Anne and I spent the whole morning cleaning up, got our bath and dinner, and had just lain down when C.L. And Marcia [my grandfather and grandmother] came by on their way to Lil’s [C.L.'s sister].  I heard yesterday that Oswald Henry died Sunday, and was certainly sorry.  Oswald had one of the most pleasing personalities I’ve ever known, Goodness knows why he went berserk these last two years and ruined himself with drink.  Nelson and Faye came with C.L. and Marcia so they went with us to Kidd’s, and we had supper there, Earl, Jo Anne and I read Attack Alarm when we got home.

August 28, Thursday

Hot

Faye was here this morning.  I helped her pick scuppernongs [muscadines].  C.L. came and ate dinner with us.  [C.L. died  only three weeks from this diary post at the age of 36.  It is the last time that Bea Denham would see him.] We went to Mamma’s too.  I read Time, and Kidd and Edward came, Edward to go fox hunting, so when Cader and Mrs. Aplin got here, we let the men go to the fox chase and we all went to see “Power Drive,” a very good light show.  Earl thinks maybe William Peck will buy our car, the old one.  I do hope so, I’m so anxious to get rid of that last note.  Then I guess we can manage the rest somehow til Earl gets work.

August 29, Friday

Plenty hot.

Jo Anne and I went to Harrisonburg about ten o’clock, which was a s soon as I could make it, with cleaning up to be done first.  We worked on the abstract for D.T., and finished it up, but still could not find about 25 years between 1819 and 1846.  I wish I could work in the Clerk’s office, it’s very interesting work and I could find out so much I’d like to know.  Letter from Velma.  Jo Anne and I went to Margaret’s and she surely looks as if she is going to have twins, she’s huge, with three months yet to go.

August 30, Saturday

Cooler morning and evening, Hot midday

Worked at the shop all morning making bills and posting, in fact it was 4:45 when I finished and came home to wax the floors.  Card from Lillian inviting us to another picnic with Mr. Tucker and crowd.  Letter from Florelle.  She’d been to Leesville and didn’t come on to see us.  Kidd and Edward were here for dinner, she’s better.  We went swimming close to dark. Card from Lil asking us to supper Sunday night, but I wrote her we couldn’t make it, I don’t’ feel like it.  Went to Mamma’s too.

August 31, Sunday

Cooler, Cloudy

Jo Anne and I cleaned up and hung the curtains this morning. Cecil and Margaret came and stayed awhile.  Earl worked nearly all day.  Roy Strickland came with Carter, bought our old Ford, or bargained to, with $25 down.  That certainly does relieve us, because it clears our car completely, and we’ve nothing left to pay except $45 on this roof and life insurance.  Oh, I wish Earl could go to work right away.  If he were working, we could go on and pay these bills, but as long as he’s only making expenses, we are afraid to spend all we have.  Saw “A Woman’s Face” to night.

1941 (Oct. 1 – Oct. 15)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham. References to WWII are in red.]

October 1, Wednesday

Hot

This has been a long hot day, but I’ve been right busy.  I did the usual housekeeping chores, cut Jo Anne’s dress, and started sewing it by hand.  It will be quite a job, but I guess I can make it.  Went to town with the Mrs. Whittons, and helped Glyn and Jo Anne get their home work.  Roy and Floris came just as we finished supper, but didn’t stay so long.  We started “Botany Bay”, and read the rest of “District Attorney” – No mail.  Everybody’s forgotten us.

October 2, Thursday

Hot, but cloudy partly

I was sick this morning, stomach upset and feeling pretty badly, but a little girl brought me a letter from Mamma saying Minnie Lea’s baby has come, a boy, on Sept. 26, and that made me feel well again.  A letter from Velma, too – I’m so glad about the baby.  I wrote Lil, Florelle, Pop, Mrs. Peck and Commercial Securities.

October 3, Friday

Hot

Well, one day is so like another that there is practically nothing to say.  Get up in the morning, make coffee, fix lunch while the water boils.  Fix breakfast while Earl dresses.  Get Jo anne off to the bath house, and clean up the beds, make room to eat.  Wash, iron, fix supper and wait for Earl and Jo Anne.  Roy was here tonight, said he was going to send Commercial Securities a check for the balance he owed them.  We went to town, deposited $40.00 and went to see and Andy Hardy picture.  Took Mr. Luther with us, somebody ran over a soldier, Roy’s car was parked there, but we didn’t stop.  An ambulance went out after him.

October 4, Saturday

Hot, shower in afternoon

We went to town with Whittons this afternoon, fooled around about three hours.  When we got back we had a letter from Mamma, and one from Margaret.  The doctor told her she wasn’t going to have twins.  Cecil is still working at Camp Polk.  I had hoped Kidd and Edward would come and bring Mamma and Joe, but I guess they aren’t.  Earl had a fever when he came home tonight, felt awful, didn’t eat a bite of supper and I had cooked chicken, too.  We can’t get a Post for this week, got one for next , but that leaves us wondering about our stories.

October 5, Sunday

Cloudy and cool, slight shower

Jo Anne and I both had an attack of dysentery today, she was worse than I.  Earl went to work, but I know he didn’t feel very well.  They didn’t pay him all of his check, missed last Sunday.  He complained to the proper authorities so I’m hoping he will get it straight.  We didn’t even have a story to read tonight, decided to go to town and get a coke.  Earl met a man he knows and he had another man with him who turned out to be from Jonesville, named Richards.  We took them riding a while, they were lonely and had no car.

October 6,  Monday

Hot, shower in the afternoon

Jo Anne still was upset today, and since she said she wasn’t able to go to school, I didn’t make her go, not being about to tell just how badly she felt, but she could have very easily gone.  We went to town in the afternoon, saw a doctor about those shots for diphtheria again and about typhoid shots.  Also complained to the Health Unit about these toilets out here.  When Earl came we went to town again, and to see “Blossoms in the Dust.”  It was a good show had some of the cutest babies imaginable in it, but we’ve had too sad and experience to be completely sympathetic to it.

October 7, Tuesday

Hot

I got Jo Anne off to school today in spite of her objections, washed the dirty clothes and tried to work on our family tree, with very little accomplished.  Went out and talked to the Whittons and while I was out there, saw a trailer that looked much like Mrs. Boyett’s come in.  Finally saw her, and went over and spoke to her.  I am so glad they’re here, it’s awfully lonesome with as few people you know, and more that you know intimately.

October 8, Wednesday

Hot

Passed the morning in the usual manner.  Went to town with the Whitton’s, and when we got back had a letter from Kidd.  She said Mamma had sent my comfort by Carter, so as soon as Earl came and we could eat supper we went to Doyline and got it.  It’s the prettiest one I ever did see.  Everybody raves over it.  Now I’ve got to get Mamma to fix the other one for Jo Anne.  I hope I can keep it from getting dirty in this tent, but that’s going to be a problem.

October 9, Thursday

Rainy and threatening

Letter from Florelle

Charlie Whitton was sick today, so he and his wife left, and Edna came over here and spent the morning.  I enjoyed talking to her, she’s had a hard life in a way, in the worst way, the way it hurts her pride.  I hope all that is over for her.  We went to school, and Jo Anne’s teacher said Jo Anne was an excellent pupil ( I knew that!) and she enjoyed teaching her.  A class of Jo Annes would be a teacher’s heavenly dream, only she’d better not be lazy, they’d work her to death.  We played dominoes with Walter Whitton and Mr. Luther til nine.

October 10, Friday

Rain in the night, considerable wind; cooler.

I wrote Mamma and Florelle today, and went to visit Mrs. Boyett a little while.  Crocheted some, and did the regular work. I am planning to go to Shreveport tomorrow.  We went to town when Earl came, his check was $10 short this week, and they paid him the $15 he was short last.  We went to see “Shepherd of the Hills,” it was only fair.  I got a “Time,” too.  I’m afraid it’s only a matter of days until Germany will have Moscow in her hands.  It’s dreadful.

October 11, Saturday

Cold

We left as soon as we could get ready, went to Mrs. Boyetts aunt in Shreveport, then finally found Belle’s house, but nobody was at home, so we came on to town and did our shopping, which was quite unsatisfactory.  Our chairs are to be delivered sometime next week, and that’s about the only purchase I made of any consequence.  Our radio has gone hay-wire, I suppose we will have to send it to Dabbs.   We took it to town, but the man was out of reason about it.

October 12, Sunday

I read” Time” today.  Mrs. Boyett came over for a while, and I had a nice long letter from Mamma.  Wrote to her, Minnie Lea and Kidd.  I’ve felt wretched all day long, this last day business is quite as bad as the first.  Jo Anne has been playing with Barbara June back of the camp on some sand hills, seem to have been having a good time.  The Whittons have been gone all day.  We all went to church tonight.

October 13, Monday

Cooler, sunny

I had a lot of clothes to clean this morning, and it took a good part of the day to wash and iron them.  Mrs. Boyett and I went to town, mailed letters and bought groceries.  I had a letter from Kidd, Velma,, and a card from Julia today, which helps a lot when you’re homesick.  When Earl came he wasn’t to go to a Union meeting, — rather he thought it would be good policy to go, so then he and the Whittons went, and the women wet to the show, “Bad Men of Missouri.”

October 14, Tuesday

Warmer

This morning we found that Belle and Sidney had come last night while we were gone.  Earl seems to be feeling better, but Jo Anne doesn’t.  She is too edgy and nervous.  I had letters from Kidd and Fay today.  Kidd said Miss Lula Garner died Saturday.  Faye said Marcia [my grandmother whose husband died three weeks earlier] was going to make an apartment in part of the house and rent it so she wouldn’t have to be alone.  Poor Marcia.  Without Earl I’d be completely useless.  As it is I’m only useful to him, seems like I can never accomplish anything on my own merits.  I wish I was some good, but I’m not – nothing whatever can I accomplish.

October 15, Wednesday

Rain in the afternoon

Mrs. Boyett sent us some fried apple pies, and they were surely good.  Didn’t get any mail.  I was busy most of the day, but goodness knows what I did besides write letters.  I mailed seven tonight.  Earl, Jo Annd and I went to town and got a Post, and Outdoor Life, and Agatha Christie mystery, and a Mickey Mouse for Jo Anne.  We read “Botany Bay.”

Our Family Bible That Was Not Our Family’s Bible

It was found in a drawer of an antique dresser that was given to my grandmother by her friend.  The lady had bought the dresser from an antique dealer in coastal Mississippi who told her it had come from a New Orleans home that was slated to be torn down.  My grandmother eventually gave the dresser and the Bible to my childhood family sometime before 1969.

When we first received the dresser we took out the Bible and looked through it to see what may lie between its pages.  Located between the Old Testament and the New Testament were several pages reserved for the recording of family history.  In brown faded ink were written the names of several members of the Street family.  Also tucked within these pages were three swatches of yellowed white fabric.  Could they have been from the wedding dresses of the three Street daughters listed on the family pages?  In addition to the fabric swatches there were a couple of newspaper clippings and a calling card.

For years the Bible sat on top of the dresser in our living room. Each Christmas Eve my siblings and I would take turns reading the Christmas story from it by candle light.  Its yellowed pages and old cover just added to solemnity of the occasion.  After my siblings and I grew up, the old Bible continued to wile away the years in my parents’ home.

Since moving away and rearing my own family I have gained a keen interest in genealogy, history, and old things in general and that made me begin to wonder about the old Bible.  How old is it? Who was the Street family?  When did they live?  In these days of the internet and its abundance of information I realized I could probably find some answers to these questions, or at least understand more than I did.

My first quest was to find out when the Bible was printed and who published it.  In Roman numerals on the title page the date was listed as 1847 and the publisher was J.B. Lippincott & Co.*  I then began to research the the names in the Family Record pages.

On the first page were Nicholas and Penninah and their marriage date of 19th September 1841.  Their birth dates were also listed as April 11th 1814 and August 29th 1816 respectively.

On the following page their children are listed as:

Florida Jane Street born 25th July 1845 and married May 23rd 1867

Mary Hunnewell Street born 29 Sept 1846 and married Oct 23th 1866

William Rupell Street born 17 Nov 1847 (died 7 December 1847)

Gertrude Alice Street born Feb 17th 1851 and married Dec 11 1870

With this information I began my search.   Through census records I discovered that this Street family lived in Columbus, Georgia and that Nicholas was born in Connecticut.  He had moved to Georgia from Connecticut sometime between 1850 and 1860.  His wife Penninah was born in Florida.  Their oldest two children were born in Georgia and their youngest was born in Connecticut.

Further research revealed that the roots of this Street family go back to the early days of America.  The progenitor was one of the founding families of New Haven, Connecticut.  (New Haven is the home of Yale University.)  He was also named Nicholas Street.  The Massachusetts Historical Collection has a letter from Rev. John Davenport, the founder of New Haven, to John Winthrop, Jr., stating that Rev. Street was installed in New Haven on November 23, 1659.  Several other family members I discovered in this family’s line were pastors as well, and some were soldiers and patriots.  Many generations of Streets lived in New Haven.  Some Street families still do.

Because of my research into this family and because of the sentimental value I have for this old family Bible, I feel like my family and the Street family have a kinship.  I would love to know how this Bible made its way into the dresser drawer of a home in New Orleans, Louisiana.  But to do that I would need to know the married names of the three daughters.  I have searched all resources available to me at this time.  If you are a member of the Street family from Connecticut or Georgia, I would love to hear from you so that this mystery of the family Bible can be completely solved!

*J. B. Lippincott & Co. was an American publishing house founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1836 by Joshua B. Lippincott. Joshua Lippincott’s company began by selling Bibles and other religious works then successfully expanded into trade books, which became the largest portion of the business. — Collection 3104  J.B Lippincott Company Records – Historical Society of Pennsylvania

1941 (Sept. 16 – Sept. 30)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham. References to WWII are in red.]

September 16, Tuesday

Hot

Wrote Marcia and Florelle, read “Time” all morning.  I wish we had a way to get to town, everything is closed by the time we get there in the evening, and I can’t even mail my letters.  Earl screened the front of the tent this evening and put up my other shelf.  He tried to fix the iron, but the element wasn’t right.  In a few more days we ought to be fairly well straightened out.  We have got to buy chairs, a rug, some paint, and a folding outfit in which to hang our clothes.  I think I can make the tent pretty nice if I could go to Shreveport for two or three hours some day.

September 17, Wednesday

Hot

This has been a terrible day for me.  I’ve felt awful all day long.  I stayed in bed most of it, but when Earl came I had fixed supper and we went to Minden, swapped irons, and decided to see Clark Gable in”They Met In Bombay.”  It was nothing, hardly light entertainment.  Jo Anne has been pretty lonesome today, there are no children her age, and she doesn’t care much for spoiled ones, anyway, so she doesn’t have much association with them.

September 18, Thursday

Hot

Today we washed everything that was dirty, and when I started to iron the iron wouldn’t heat. Mrs. Gorey was over here, and offered hers, so I got the clothes all finished.  Read an old cheap novel “Jungle Captive” by E.M. Hull, in the afternoon, simply because I had nothing else to read.  It wasn’t diverting in the least.  After supper we went to town and swapped for a new iron, then drove down to Roy’s a few minutes.  Earl fixed the funnel in the floor for me when we came in, after we had watched the stars awhile.

September 19, Friday

Hot

Today was pay-day, Earl got $30.94 for 2 ½ days last week.  We went to town and cashed his check, bought groceries.  School will begin Monday, I guess Jo Anne will go.

September 20, Saturday

Hot

We fixed up a place to iron and I crocheted the last medallion for the set, washed and put away everything.  When Earl came we played dominoes awhile, read the Post stories and went to the store.

September 21, Sunday

Hot

We only fooled around today.  Mrs. Whitton and I took Glenn and Jo Anne to the park and let them play, also to the school house to see it. We drank coffee with the Whitton’s (Charlie) when Earl came in.  I got a nice letter from Mamma, Mrs. Culbertson brought it down, We read the rest of the Post stories.

September 22, Monday

C.L. (my grandfather) and Anna Claire (my mother)

Jo Anne went to school today, so did I and stayed until 12, when they let them all come home.  Around three Mr. Culbertson came, said I had a long distance call.  It was Edward, Nelson had called him and told him C.L. died today.  Earl hasn’t come in yet, and I don’t know what to do.  Poor boy, he had just got ready to live, it is terrible.  And his poor kids will never know what a Daddy means.  Marcia must be completely bewildered.  Edward is taking Mamma and Joe down.

September 23, Tuesday

Clear, hot

[Nothing else is written for this day.  The photo to the right was taken in May of 1941.]

September 24, Wednesday

Rain, Gulf storm

The last days have been a kind of nightmare of long grey roads stretching toward something I didn’t want to reach, yet which I found myself frantically trying to get to.  The pity of young death, of young families torn and the aching hurt is always more than I can bear if I’m not personally concerned, and C.L. is the nearest to a brother I ever had.  Poor Marcia, she loved him to the exclusion of any other interest, and the little girls are too young to realize what is it means to them.  Though children suffer far more keenly than grown-ups realize, as Anna Claire, “Why couldn’t God let my Daddy live to be an old man like Uncle Joe?”  Their hearts will ache many a time for him.

September 25, Thursday

Cool

Jo Anne went to school today, I wrote Marcia, Faye, Mamma and Velma.  Then washed all our soiled clothes and pressed them.  When Earl came we went to Roy’s and got other references.

September 26, Friday

Cold

Jo Anne started to school, decided she was sick and didn’t go.  I was terribly angry with her when I found that she wasn’t actually sick, and disappointed, that she’d pretend to be something she wasn’t.  I know it’s hard to change schools when she knows not a single soul, but she needs some adjustments like that, she hangs too closely to grown-ups, and it will be good for her to learn to rely on herself, and make her own way among strangers for a little while.

September 27, Saturday

Warmer

I did nothing today except read “Time,” rinse out the clothes Earl wore yesterday, and sit around talking.  I bought $6.64 groceries and had a band put on Earl’s watch.  After supper we talked to the Whittons awhile, and read the Post story –

September 28, Sunday

Hot

The big “Red” and “Blue” battle ended today, and there has been a constant sound of guns, planes, and of equipment being moved all day.  We did nothing all morning, sat and talked to the Whittons all afternoon, and when Earl came home and got his supper and bath, we went to Church with the Walter Whittons.  It was right enjoyable. I had a letter from Velma, but nothing from Mamma.

September 29, Monday

Hot

Paid the rent, $2.50, and washed, ironed and cleaned.  I had supper ready when Jo Anne came, helped her with her lessons, and after Earl came we rushed and left at 6 o’clock to go to Shreveport to the circus [Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey}.  The traffic was awfully heavy, but we made it fine, and I think Jo Anne thoroughly enjoyed it all, but most especially the horses, The crowd was immense, and Lt. Gen. Ben Lear was there, but we didn’t see him.  We saw the famed apes, Gargantua and M’Toto, and very good tight-rope, acrobatic and animal acts. It was after twelve when we finally got home.

September 30, Tuesday

Hot

The days are so much alike. Only mail helps.  Mamma and Kidd both wrote today.  Lil said Marcia had her mother with her, which is good for a little while.  I wrote Mamma, Kidd, Minnie Lea and Marcia.  There is nothing to change the monotony of the days, I guess I should try to make Jo Anne’s dress, but I dread making it on my fingers.  We read “District Attorney,” and sat out on the grass talking to the neighbors until around nine o’clock.  Jo Anne got her lessons.  She seems a little better about school.

1941 (Sept. 1 – Sept. 15)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham.  References to WWII are in red.]

September 1, Monday

Rain

We got up at 4 this morning, got ready by five, and went to Mildred’s.  There were fifty six at the picnic, and we had a very nice time.  Mr. Tucker didn’t know any more about a job than he had known though, and we are no closer to work than before.  Thank goodness the car is paid for though, which makes everything much easier than it was.  So many people were at the picnic – Tuckers, Sid and Buck Smiths, Demaggios, Ed Smith and Ed Guss, Sonny Smiths, Sumners, John Crawford, Yelvie Bondurant, Joe Enright, Leo Hardin, Carter, Red Francis, Owens and Irma’s and Ethel’s families, Coney’s, Orrey’s, another of Tucker’s sisters, Albritton.

September 2, Tuesday

I cleaned the house, Jo Anne did the dishes and we had just finished bathing when Mrs. Peck came.  She brought me a book to read and I sent Barbara Jane four, she’s sprained her ankle.  We went to Mamma’s, and stayed awhile.  Jo Anne had a crying spell because she wants to be grown, and she is still a child.  We had a long talk, but I don’t feel like I did her much good.  She feels like I can’t understand and that discounts anything I might say.  Hubert Garner was here for coffee.  We read all the continued stories in the Post and Country Gentlemen.

September 3, Wednesday

Rain, much cooler

Patsy spent the day with Jo Anne.  I finished the Post, and went to Mamma’s. Two years ago today the war began; it has now completely enveloped Europe, parts of Africa and Asia.  And with the passage of the new tax bill, there will be left no American who does not feel its scourge.  What foods, medical care, even luxuries to make life more pleasant, could have been furnished the world’s millions with the billions which have been squandered on this awful denizon (?) of War!

September 4, Thursday

Hot, clear

Kidd came before we finished cleaning up, asked us to supper tomorrow night for Edward’s and Mamma’s birthdays.  Also said Nita is coming Saturday, and asked us to go to Alexandria with her to meet Nita.

Earl worked on Mamma’s pump, but didn’t do it any good.  Joe is turning corn, and was completely exhausted when he came in.  I read Time today, and it must be simply awful in France, where there is no unity, and even one’s own family may be in favor of Vichy France, or outright German collaboration.

September 5, Friday

Hot and clear

Joe had cramps all night, didn’t get up til noon, but he felt well enough to go with us to Kidd’s, for Mamma’s and Edward’s birthday supper.  We enjoyed it, and it was grand to celebrate it.  We got the car note back from Roland, have to change some of it and go to Monroe, and then to Shreveport, I guess.  Earl is talking of going on to Texarkana, Monday.  Oh, how I wish he could get something else good to do.  We are going with Kidd to Alex tomorrow to Meet Anita, and Mrs. Aplin is to go, too.  I wish Love would come back, and would help Mamma with Jo Anne when we leave but there’s no telling how long she will stay in Leesville.

September 6, Saturday

Hot

Letter from Florelle.  Earl took us to Harrisonburg and we left to go to Alex about 9:30.  After dinner we window shopped, and we got Edward and Earl a letter opener, one a sword, the other a rifle with bayonet.  Also got two patterns, a book “Bambi,” and pair of shoes for Jo Anne, and a piece of punt for Mamma.  Anita has grown awfully tall, and is very thin.  Myrtle didn’t meet her at all, didn’t see her.  I don’t understand how a mother can so neglect her own child, the kid has not clothes, their shoes are too little, and she looks really badly, but Myrtle hasn’t seen her since March, not even written to them.

September 7, Sunday

Hot

Earl worked all day, Alvin made him mad this morning, and he said he was going to straighten up.  This water question once and for all, so Alvin came over and we finally threshed it out, he paid his interest in it for the eleven years’ water bill he owed.  Kidd, Nita and Edward were at Mamma’s for dinner, and Jo Anne and I went over there and we stayed until nearly dark, then I came home and pressed what clothes we had that needed it, so we could go to Shreveport with Earl tomorrow.  We took Bep and Tuffy to Mamma’s and ate supper there, came home about nine and I packed our suit cases, but Earl and Jo Anne both went to sleep before I could get through.

September 8, Monday

Hot

We left home around six, had to wait about an hour to see Mrs. Woods, get our papers straightened up, and Earl decided it would be better to have our speedometer fixed here in Monroe, because we’d have to wait somewhere anyhow.  Met Ernest Kiper and talked to him awhile.  We ate dinner in Ruston, went on to Shreveport, and back to Roy’s, where we spent the night.  The army was passing right in front of the house, and we sat up til one o’clock watching them.  There were jeeps, armored trucks, a sort of cross between a truck and a tank, and several sizes of tanks, motorcycles, ambulances, wreckers, all types of armored equipment, moving south for a battle with the Blues:  we saw soldiers constantly, it was all most interesting.  My greatest consolation was that so far, it’s all sham except the training.

September 9, Tuesday

Cool, shower

We came to Carter’s for breakfast, Earl went in at the plant and saw all the Camp Polk bunch, then we went back to the Union office and spent the day.  Clark never did come in.  Earl feels terribly badly because they haven‘t given him work, it’s awfully discouraging.  It’s depressing to go to the Union office, see all those men sitting helplessly around, waiting and wishing to go to work, and can’t even see the man to get “no,” much less “yes.”  We brought a little boy (man) home from the office who is broke, says he’s been there six weeks, and he’s more despondent than Earl.  We will stay at the Mason’s tonight.

September 10, Wednesday

We sat all day at the Union office waiting for Clark, I read the two continued Post stories to Earl and Jo Ann, crocheted, and we killed time every way we knew and were so very discouraged after talking to Clark late in the afternoon, but we were so persistent that he finally have him an order out as a mill wright.  Jack Hale told Clark so many nice things about Earl Clark couldn’t very well not send him out.  He got his August union stamp, too, and we brought the little Martin boy back out with us, I’m sure he’s broke, and still not on.  I hope he gets on soon, there’s nothing any more wearing than this waiting.

September 11, Thursday

Cooler

I wrote Mamma and Pop this morning, it’s so cool it’s uncomfortable.  Earl left at seven.  When he came in about 4:45, he said he’s got along nicely, made 5 hours today.  I think it’s decided that Jo Anne and I go home in the morning and move, be back Sunday morning.  We listened to Roosevelt’s speech tonight, and we are undoubtedly quite as near to war as I expected that we were.  We went to town and bought groceries, something to fix lunch with, took Lawson Mason and the two little girls. The day wasn’t as long as I expected it to be, I’ve read, slept and crocheted some more.

September 12, Friday

Warm, clear

Jo Anne and I left at 7:15, after Earl had gone to work, and made pretty good time.  Looked at the trailer camp we expect to move into and got mixed up in army maneuvers, too.  Stopped at Lil’s about an hour, and got home at 12:05.  Found we’d just missed Flossie, Herbert, and Mrs. Hobgood.  Ate dinner at Mamma’s and came home to pack up.  I got a lot done, but I’m so tired.  Delita and Kidd came by for awhile.   I got all our dirty clothes washed, and worked til after nine marking off the wool comfort Mamma is making for us. She gave it to us Christmas, and it is surely pretty.

September 13, Saturday

Hot

I pressed all we had washed yesterday, went to Mamma’s and packed all day.  Kidd and Edward came right after dinner, and Edward and Joe loaded the trailer.  Pop and Julia brought us coffee, Margaret came for a little while.  Cecil and John got terminated Monday, rehired Thursday, after they had moved home.  We decided to leave about seven tonight, and came by Jena, Winnfield and Ringgold.  It was a real trip, trailer driving was new to me, but we made it all right.  I don’t know what I’d have done without Edward.  We got to Mason’s about one o’clock, to find Earl has to work tomorrow.

September 14, Sunday

Cloudy and warm

Edward and Mr. Mason have certainly worked today.  They got the tent up and the top on by noon, screen and all.  Then Edward hung the door, and put up two of my shelves, we hung the curtains, and moved everything in.  It’s still pretty well messed up, but I guess I’ll be several days straightening up.  Earl put the wire in as we could get lights.  We ate supper after Mrs. Walter Whitton left, up town, and hunted something to fix lunch with.  I am certainly ready for bed this night, and awfully glad to get settled once more with Earl making some money.

September 15, Monday

Cool and cloudy, shower at night

I’ve felt so tired today I’ve accomplished very little, but did get the things put out of sight, and the clothes washed.  I mopped the floor, and cooked supper, too, besides writing to Mamma, Pop, Minnie Lea, Velma, Faye and the Commercial Security Company.  There is a fair little store with meat counter and milk across the street, which is a good thing, since Earl has to take the car.  We went to town and got a few little things we needed, and came home too late to do anything.  Sat in front of Whitton’s trailer and talked a little while, but I’m glad to get to bed, I’m so worn out.

1941 (Aug. 1 – Aug 15)

[...the continuing 1941 diary of Sicily Island, Louisiana native, Bea Bryan Denham.  References to WWII are in red.]

August 1, Friday

Terribly hot

I’ve been crocheting.  Went to Mamma’s twice.  Earl decided we’d go to Baton Rouge Sunday, asked Pop and Julia if they wanted to go.  He’s been awfully busy all week.  I think he will go to Minden Monday.  Mamma had a letter from Minnie Lea, Lorraine is going to stay with Bruce and Mary while she is in the hospital.  I do hope she will be all right after it’s over, and not have to have any operation.  Ted and Hazel are having another baby, too.  Miss Mollie came home from the hospital today.

August 2, Saturday

Hot but cloudy

We got things lined up to go to Baton Rouge, Julia cooked two chickens, and I got cheese & pimento, cakes and tomatoes.  Rowland called Earl, told him the man he wanted to see would be in Minden Monday, so Earl is going up there.  We also told Rowland we were coming down tomorrow.  I had just sent a wire when he called. We washed the car and fixed up everything to leave.  Oh, how I hope Earl gets the job!  It seems like a dream for us to be hunting a job, and to get on that may lead to somewhere seems even more fanciful.

August 3, Sunday

Rain all morning, sunny afternoon.

We left here at 5:15, got to Rowland’s at 8:05.  Had the very nicest day imaginable, because Velma decided she’d call Nelson and ask them out in the afternoon, and they came, also Quitman and Essie, and Jewel and her kids.  But to have the feud end between the R.C.’s [Rowland] and the N.O.’s [Nelson] was more than worth the trip.   Rowland was so glad, and I’m sure they all were, I do hope nothing will come up again to keep them from being at least on speaking terms, it’s such a terrible way to live like they’ve been doing.  We got home around ten, Jo Anne and I both have taken bad colds.

August 4, Monday

Hot

Earl and Carter left for Minden at five, took Joe as far as Ruston to see Mrs. Kiper.  I went to Mamma’s to canvas the living room, but felt so badly, and it was so uncertain about how long we’d be here we decided not to do it.  Edward came after Mamma and she went home with him.  Earl came about 9:30, saw the man, but couldn’t get any satisfaction out of him, he told him, he was too early yet.  Earl is afraid the job won’t pay very much.  He was awfully tired, and discouraged, too, I guess.  Said he left a message for the man to call him at Sicily Island, he couldn’t get any satisfaction out of him, and didn’t think it worthwhile to stay in Minden.  I hope he will go back Wednesday, when Drexler is there.

August 5, Tuesday

Hot

We slept late, Earl worked at the shop and late in the afternoon he put creosote and black oil on the blocks of the house, hoping to get rid of these termites.  We went down to Kidd’s and stayed til about ten o’clock.

August 6, Wednesday

I mailed the check to Commercial Security for $175 on the car, which only leaves that same amount left to be paid.  I wrote to Minnie Lea and Velma, and didn’t nothing much the rest of the day except crochet a little.  Earl had to go to Peck’s, so Jo Anne and I went with him.  Mrs. Peck loaned Jo Anne seven more books, so she won’t be a problem any longer.  We read “Let the Gun Talk” by Lucian Cary.  Kidd and Edward were here for a little while, she looks terribly badly.

August 7, Thursday

Hot

Undoubtedly this must be our age of Distemper, (foot line).  Mamma is sick today, stomach upset.  Earl is worried and unhappy over this job business.  I do wish he’d go to Minden tomorrow, but he won’t.  Jo Anne and I went to Mrs Peniston’s, we hunted a negro for Kidd, but failed to find one.  I had a letter from Velma today that Earl said was a since as any Bippie ever wrote.  I made two crochet medallions.  I’m so anxious to get settled on what we’re to do, this suspense is nerve racking to Earl as well as to me.

August 8, Friday

Hot.  90 degrees at dark

It’s so hot I haven’t done a thing today except what I just had to. Earl worked at the shop, Jo Anne played with Patsy, and we went to Mamma’s after coffee.  Wrote to Aunt Leona, and crocheted three more medallions.  Mamma feels better.

Mussolini’s oldest son was killed in a plane crash yesterday.  But his son is no dearer to him than all these others father’s sons, whom he has helped to bring to death.  We took Mamma to Kidd’s for a while, she looks better.

August 9, Saturday

Jo Anne and I cleaned up the house for Sunday, I ironed all we had that needed it.  Had just got my bath and clothes on when Mrs. Kiper, Bob, and Theodore came.  I made coffee, but they didn’t stay very long.  Read Edgar Allen Poe and crocheted awhile. Mamma was ironing when I went over there, so I helped her, and crocheted afterwards.  Earl is getting things together to go to Minden.

August 10, Sunday

Hottest day yet

Earl has spent nearly all day at the shop.  Velma wrote that they are going to be at Decimal until Wednesday.  We read awhile in the afternoon, went after Mamma and Joe and went to Kid’s awhile.  They came back to Mamma’s and we all ate supper there.

August 11, Monday

Hot, cool shower in the afternoon,

I woke up at 1:45 and never could go back to sleep, so I got up at 4:00, and Earl left at 5:00 for Minden.  He took clothes, bed, etc., said he was going to stay until he got something worth having.  Poor pig! He hated to go without us and believe me, we hated it, too.  I wrote Velma and Florelle while Jo Anne went back to sleep.  Mamma, Joe and I almost canvassed the living room at Mamma’s today, Kidd and Edward brought dinner, but they didn’t stay, both were sick, they said.  Thank goodness Eula May and Carter left today, supposedly for good.

August 12, Tuesday

A little cooler.

Letter from Earl today.  He had good luck in finding his men Monday, but he’s to see another one and he was out of town.  My! How I hope he lands something soon.  And how I do miss him!

We went to Mamma’s about nine, and worked like pups all day long, but we finished the room.  Mamma and Joe were tired, too.  The parlor looks really nice though. Jo Anne and I came back by Pop’s to tell him that we heard from Earl.  I read the Post awhile, but I’m so tired bed is the only place for me.

August 13, Wednesday

Hot

No letter today.  Oh, I do hope Earl was too busy to write, had too much to do getting lined up.  This job business is serious.  Jo Anne and I went to Mamma’s, we cleaned up the living room and it looks awfully nice, there’s not a wrinkle.  Kidd and Edward came by, were astonished that we were through.  After dinner we went back home and rested, then to Mamma’s again and clean up her room, figured on papering it, but we haven’t decided definitely.  Kidd is going to buy Mamma a linoleum rug to put in the parlor.

August 14, Thursday

Hot

I began mopping the house this morning when Annie didn’t show up, swept down all the walls and gave everything a pretty thorough cleaning, but Kidd and Edward came after I had begun mopping, brought paint and wanted me to come on to Mamma’s so we did, painted all the woodwork in the parlor and Mamma’s room.  Mamma is going to order canvas and paper for her room and if we can, we will do it.  Jo Anne and I had gone to bed, I with “Time,” and she with a book, when someone knocked and Earl was at the door.  And were we glad to see him!  Seems like about half of myself is dead when he’s away. [I love this about them!]

August 15, Friday

Hot

Today has been a real scorcher.  Earl went to work, and when Jo Anne and I finished cleaning up we went by the shop, picked up Earl and Pop, and took them to Mamma’s to show them our work.  It really does look nice.  Had a letter from Bessie, and also wrote her, I thought it might be possible for Anna Bess to get a place here.  Read “Time.” Buck and Mildred came by, we went to the camp, they are expecting Mr. Tucker and the rest of the gang for a fish fry tomorrow and asked us to go.  We went to the show, “Wagons Roll By Night.”