This is the first trip I took to dig a little deeper into the life of my mother and her parents. The trip was life-changing for me. Here is a slide show presentation that I did for research group, “The African American Genealogical Research Group.” It is very long, but I hope you enjoy it.
Tag Archive | African American
Amanuensis Monday: There’s REAL Progress in San Diego
A few years ago, the ProQuest Historical Newspapers database was offering free access for a week. I took advantage of it and inputted family and close friends of the family names to see what articles I would find. I had found about 80 articles that I felt were relevant to my family and historical research.
The article below had my father “Wally Porter” and my Uncle, “Henry Hodge” along with some of the community leaders of San Diego that I knew, of which I bolded their names.
Wash’s Wash
Col Leon H. Washington Jr.
Los Angeles Sentinel (1946-2005); Feb 11, 1971
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Los Angeles Sentinel: 1934-2005
pg. A6
Wash’s Wash
There’s REAL Progress in San Diego
Col. Leon H. Washington. Jr.
Several days ago I rode down to San Diego to see some old friends and to get a firsthand view of the growing city and its community activities. Accompanying me on the trip was my assistant, Bill Robertson.
I was amazed at the building program now under way. In practically every commercial area of the city you will find ultramodern facilities going up.
The recently built 1-1/2 mile toll bridge is a sight to behold,as the beautiful man-made island that has several famous-name restaurants on it. The new airport is practically in the heart of the city. There is no doubt that San Diego is fast becoming one of California’s most progressive cities.
Many years ago when I used to go to San Diego there were few Negroes in the city. Now, I am told, there are more than 60,000 Negroes residing in the town.
My longtime friend, Atty. Al Montgomery, told me Negroes are really advancing and obtaining better paying jobs than ever before, in spite of the tight job situation. Like in most places in recent years they had to do a bit of protesting and voicing their demands.
Montgomery, according to a reliable source, is reported in line for a judgeship. The longtime Republican is one of the most prominent attorneys in the state. I hope the governor appoints him very soon.
Leon Williams, a very likeable young man, is the only Negro city councilman there. Report on him is that he is doing a commendable job as a lawmaker.
We saw Wally Porter, a former Angeleno, who now lives there and is with the San Diego Adult School System. Also learned that Henry Hodge is making his home there and is holding a big county position.
Understand there are quite a number of young lawyers, teachers and administrators there now who formerly lived in Los Angeles, Porter and Hodge are said to be among the top young men of leadership in the city.
While at Montgomery’s law office, my old friend H.W. Ragsdale came in. He is the owner of the Anderson-Ragsdale Funeral Home. He was looking fine and is still active in the progressive community programs. He told me that confirmation for approval of San Diego’s first black bank had recently been made.
The proposed directors and organizers of the Community Bank of Sand Diego are: Richard A. Bland, who is also president of the Logan Heights Realty Board; George Walker Smith, member of the San Diego School Board; Charles T. Robinson, captain of the San Diego Fire Dept.; Hartwell W. Ragsdale, Atty. Alpha Montgomery, Mrs. Valleta Linnette, San Diego faculty member and Hayward Bland, real estate investor.
The trip was most delightful and I was pleased to see some of my old friends and spend the day looking at progress being made in the border city that will benefit the majority of its residents and visitors.
The community progress campaign continues!
Document Day: Sylvester W. Carter Death Certificate
Sylvester Wallace Carter was born on May 15, 1880 and died according to his North Carolina Certificate on June 2, 1943 at 6:00am of a cerebral hemorrhage. The River Funeral Home provided its services of care. He was buried next to his second wife Olivia W. Martin at Evergreen Cemetery in New Bern, NC On June 4, 1943.
At the time of Sylvester’s death, he was married to his third wife Izora (Whittington) Carter who was my 1st cousin 2x removed. Sylvester’s parents are listed as Henry & Harriett Carter. The informant was Sylvester’s son Caswell M. Carter from his second marriage with Olivia W. Martin.
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| Sylvester W. Carter Death Certificate Ancestry.com |
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| Sylvester W. Carter Evergreen Cemetery, New Bern NC findagrave.com |
Document Day: Sylvester W. Carter WWI Draft Registration Card
“Document Day” is a daily post for any day of the week. I have a large saved collection of Shoebox Documents from Ancestry.com to be evaluated over time as I am building my family tree. I felt it necessary to share and post what I have so that it might be helpful to myself and to those who might be searching the same surnames in the same locale.
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| Sylvester W. Carter-WWI Draft Registration Card Ancestry.com |
Sylvester W. Carter was the husband of my 1st Cousin 2x removed, Izora C. Whittington (1884-1974).
Sylvester was born May 15, 1880, and was a resident of New Bern, Craven Co., North Carolina on September 12, 1918 when he completed his WWI Registration Card .
At the time of his registration, Sylvester was married to Olivia W. Martin. According to their marriage certificate on FamilySearch.org, they were married on May 15, 1907.
Sylvester was listed as Negro, Native Born. He also was listed as being of a medium height, medium build, and having Brown eyes and black hair
Sylvester was a Carpenter for a company in New Bern, Craven, NC. (Had difficulty making out the name of the company he worked for.)
Document Day: Tom Paulette World War I Registration Card
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| Tom Paulette My Paternal Great Grandfather (Photo from Debra Mitchell) |
My Great Grandfather Tom Paulette was born on February 17, 1873. On September 12, 1918, Tom registered and completed a World War I Registration Card. Tom was 45 years old at the time. He was living in Schlater, Leflore County, Mississippi with his wife Georgie [Howard] Paulette. His occupation at the time was that of a farmer. His employer was R.B. Scheaten. Tom was of a medium height and slender built. He had grey eyes and Black Hair.
Tom Paulette was my dad’s (Johnny Roy Mitchell) Grandfather.
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| WWI Reg Card-Side #1 Ancestry.com |
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| WWI Reg. Card-Side #2 Ancestry.com |
Copyright
The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore
© 2010-2011
Treasure Chest Thursday: Alan Greenspan
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| Alan Greenspan Photo from Time.com |
A treasure is a thing or a person highly valued. I believe that what is considered valuable may vary from one person to another. I have been on this long journey to learn more about my mother, and in doing so, I have been reaching out to people I would not normally contact. One of those such persons was Alan Greenspan. Alan Greenspan is the former chairman of the United States Federal Reserve Board, which oversees the Federal Reserve Bank from 1987 until 2006.
Before I went to New York for my research trip, I was interested in learning more about my mother’s High School. My mother attended George Washington High School located in the neighborhood of Washington Heights in Manhattan, NY. So as I was searching the internet, I came across Wikipedia that had a listing of noted individuals that attended GW High. On the list was Henry Kissinger, Harry Belafonte and Alan Greenspan. I had remembered my mother stating that she attended the same school with Alan, but she was not too keen on him, so I did not push her.
So, I decided to locate Alan Greenspan, and this is the transcribed letter I wrote him:
September 7, 2009
Mr. Alan Greenspan
Greenspan Associates
Washington DC 20036
Mr. Greenspan:
My name is Yvette Porter Moore and I am doing research for a book that incorporates some of the writings of my late mother, Betty Mae Peters who was born in Manhattan, New York in 1926. She grew up in the Sugar Hill area to to 1950 at which time she moved to Los Angeles. My mother attended Washington High School and was a graduate of NYU.
During my research for the book, I discovered that you were born in 1926, raised in the Washington Heights neighborhood and also attended the same schools as my mother. These little known facts really intrigued me, and this is when I read a short biography about you online. My mother spoke of the cultures that resided in the neighborhood. I remember her telling me she went to school where it was predominately Jewish. I could truly see the cultural influences of her upbringing as I was exposed to Kosher foods growing up and also lived in a predominately Jewish neighborhood in San Diego, California. My mother was fond of the Jewish culture.
My mother also stated that she resided in “Sugar Hill” and that it was considered a posh African American neighborhood that has deep historical roots during the period of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1910’s, 20’s and 30’s. I’ve also read her journal that made mention of World War II, and the Air Raid drills that occurred in New York. My mother was going to write a book of her memoirs in Manhattan, but she died before her dream was realized. As her daughter, it is my desire to writer her story.
This is why I have written you this letter. I humbly come to you requesting that you would share with me, from your perspective what Manhattan was like growing up. What were the race relations between the Jews and the Blacks during the 30’s 40’s and early 50’s? I would like to know what the environmental landscape was in Washington Heights, Manhattan. I understand that we may never meet but anything you can share with me would not only be wonderful, but I would be eternally grateful to you.
I am including my mother’s obituary in hopes that you will feel compelled to write me back personally or possibly call me. [Contact info removed for privacy]. If you would like to meet in person, please also let me know so I can arrange my travel. I appreciate anything that you can do to help.
Humbly Written,
Yvette Porter Moore
Mr Greenspan responded to my request quickly:
September 18, 2009
Dear Ms. Moore,
Your letter brought back many memories. I wish I had the time to sit back and chat about my growing in Washington Heights, but my schedule is so tight that I am unable.
My best wishes on your project
Sincerely yours,
Alan Greenspan
Even though he graciously declined my opportunity to interview him, I decided to read his books. By doing so, I learned as much as I would have if I had the chance to speak with him. I feel that this note is treasure for my chest as he still gave me well wishes for my continuing project, (this is how I took it) because no matter how disappointed I was, he did respond back to me.
Copyright
The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore
© 2010-2011
Tombstone Tuesday: Halloween Decorations Forever
Christine Gilliard Culley
January 3, 1930-September 1, 2009
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| Forest Green Park Cemeteries & Mausoleums Morganville, New Jersey Grave 34D: Row E, Grave 10 (Volunteer post on Find-A-Grave) |
In June of 2010, I went to New York for a family research trip to find out more about my mother, Betty Mae Peters life growing up in Sugar Hill. I also went with the purpose of finding and visiting my mother’s first cousin, Christine G. Culley, who is the only child of Violet Jones & Wendell P. Culley, a trumpet player who played in Count Basie’s band.
I was saddened by the fact, that when I arrived at her apartment (she had lived there since her birth), that she had passed 9 months prior to my arrival. I realized that it was going to take me some time to find out who handled her affairs, and get more information on who Christine Culley was.
Within a few months, I was able to make a connection with the executor (Karen) of her estate, thanks to the owner of the apartment. Since that time, Karen and I have kept in touch, as she has become most helpful to me and the history of Christine & her family.
I have found Christine to have been an interesting soul, and pray that she is resting in peace.
(Portion of an email sent to me by Karen)
August 31, 2010
She loved all holidays — but Halloween was an esp. fav of hers, and I’m sure much of that was connected with its spiritual associations. She frequently joked about still having the decorations up all over apt. — it became a running joke with us, and why I felt (unconventional Bohemian that she is) it would please her to have the headstone read “Halloween decorations forever” (although I didn’t discuss the headstone with her since the brief discussion I precipitated on the subject upset her…but I had to get some idea of her wishes).
Chris had vaguely indicated she would like a priest (the local parish ended up graciously giving her a FULL high mass, even bringing in an organist and singer who performed one of her favs and mine, Schubert’s Ave Maria— 3 of the nuns closest to her and I were her pall bearers; I also half-teased if she’d also like a wicha service and she’d brightened: “THAT would be nice, too!” but we feared her befriended nuns would be scandalized, LOL) — and that she wanted to be buried “somewhere with a lot of nature and green” (not much to go on, LOL) — but it was indeed comforting to see all the trees and wild geese strutting around the grounds out there when the day came.
A few of the 200 photos sent to me of Christine’s apartment
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| Wendell Culley’s trumpet in the background |
More about Christine (Past Post)
Yes, Christine may have been different than the “norm” but isn’t that what makes our family stories so rich with flavor?
Yes, Christine may have been different than the “norm” but isn’t that what makes our family stories so rich with flavor?
Copyright
The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore
© 2010-2011
Family Friends Friday: Muriel V Arrington & Betty Mae Peters
It is so true that Genealogy is the Study of our own ancestry…but our families are not on an Island all their own. Family Friends Friday is a prompt that I will use so I can incorporate other individuals that interacted with my family and had major impacts in my Ancestors, and family’s life. This is where many of the stories come from as we all know some friends are closer than family.
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| Muriel V. Arrington & Betty M. Peters with their dates |
Before I went on my trip to Sugar Hill, New York City, I contacted some of my mother’s friends that grew up with her. I wanted to get a full picture of my mother, and how New York was when she was growing up.
I wrote Muriel Ferguson, one of my mother’s closest New York friends to see what type of response I would receive. Included with the letter, I added a questionnaire. (not included in this post).
[Transcribed]
September 7, 2009
Mrs. Muriel Ferguson
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
It was a pleasure speaking with you the other day about my mother Betty Mae Peters and the few things you shared with me about the two of you growing up in New York.
I had been thinking about you over the years as my mother told me that you were one of her dear friends from her childhood. She shared with me the photo of the two of you with your dates. Wow! What a wonderful picture.
As you should already know, my mother enjoyed writing and she shared with me years before she passed that one day she would take the time out to write her memoirs. She left me with some notes, journals and some things that she wrote down on paper, but she never completed her story.
As her daughter, I am researching and interviewing individuals so I may add to her story as I would like to write her book. I am hoping that you might be able to help me by sharing with me stories of your life with my mother growing up in Manhattan. Anything that you might have to share would help tremendously. I have included some questions that might spark some stories. You can answer some of these or tell me whatever you like. I appreciate all that you can do to help.
I would love to come visit you, but will have to plan it for after the New Year. I promised you my contact information, so here it is:
Yvette Porter Moore
xxxx xxxxx xxxx
xxxx xxxx xxxx
619-xxx-xxxx
With much Love,
Yvette Porter Moore
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| Muriel V. Arrington 1945 George Washington H.S. Year Book |
[Muriel’s Response]
Page #1
Dear Yvette,
Memories
The three of us, Betty, Joyce and I were like sisters. That phase of our lives was happy.
I don’t know why Betty did not mention our third friend (it may have been due to something later in life that occurred. I know that Aunt Edna and Joyce went to visit Betty and Aunt Agnes in California probably in the 70’s and there was some problem??)
Anyway-to continue-
Did your mom ever mention her elementary school? I went to Public School (PS) 186 on 145th St. between Amsterdam and Broadway. It was an old school and may have been torn down by now.
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| Public School 186 Photo by Vanessa Moore |
We three all lived in 460 West 147th St. (3 blocks from PS 186) an old apartment building, once inhabited by whites. The apartments all had one room with tiny wash room sinks, toilet for a live-in servant!
The entrance to the building was brick paved and led to about 3 steps to a wrought iron and glass doors, when we lived there, there was an elevator man waiting to take you up to the floors. Around the elevator on each side were marble steps leading up or down.
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| Apt at 460 West 147th Street Photo by Vanessa Moore |
Betty and Aunt Agnes and “Uncie” lived on…
[Page 2]
…either the 5th or sixth floors. I don’t remember the apt number. You entered a front door that went down a long hall. The apartment had several rooms, maybe 6. The living room and dining room was separated by French doors (or maybe it was pocket doors) was full of fabric and a dress form and spools of thread, scraps, ironing board + iron. Aunt Agnes was a magnificent seamstress. Nothing she made looked “Mammy Made”.
In fact when I went away to Howard University in 1945, she made me 2 beautiful suits, which I wore one, a light pearl grey wool suit when I got married in 194_/. PS. Uncie had been a problem?
Joyce and Aunt Edna (also a seamstress for a designer house) lived on the 3rd or 4th floor of the building.
My mother and I lived on the second floor with my aunt and uncle-They were seldom home (They worked “in service” and my mother took care of me and my aunts 2 children).
Getting back to Betty’s and our activities-We three were the 3 Musketeers. I believe Betty was 8-I was 7 & Joyce 6? (let me know how old Betty was and then we will know the correct ages.)
[Page 3]
We bought small dolls at Woolworth and Aunt Agnes would always give us scraps of used materials to make dresses (No pants then!) for our dolls and we would set on the steps of the building and sew our creations.
As we grew a little older we created our own language (on the order of pig latin). Each of our parents would get annoyed because we wouldn’t and they couldn’t tell what we were saying.
Some Saturdays my Mother (Aunt Tillie) would take us to the movies close by on Broadway to see cowboy pictures etc.
We three played 24-7. We were happy together.
When I was about 12 years old, yes, after I graduated from elementary school in 1939, My mother and I moved to 153rd St. 7 blocks North of 147th St. I went to Edward W. Stitt Junior H.S. My memory quits there-Where was Betty? I do know that sometime later she and Aunt Agnes moved to California to be near Aunt Zara.
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| Stitt Junior High School Photo by Yvette Porter Moore |
You asked about George Washington HS. I went there in the Ninth grade & graduated in 1945, then to Howard-Betty and I always kept in touch but we were far apart.
[Page 4]
Joyce and I remained close, she moved into the same brownstone house (153 st.) Owned by a policeman, when her mother met and married him he and his children/grown, Joyce and Aunt Edna all lived on the lower 3 floors. My mother and I lived on the top floor. Joyce had twin boys November of 1953 and I had my twins (identical) in January 1954. Your mom, My Betty, still kept in touch with us.
In 1972, I married Richard Ferguson, my 3rd marriage, and in 1984. We moved into our own home in Englewood, New Jersey.
I have forgotten the year, but in the 1980’s the phone rang, I answered and it was Betty and Walter Porter! I was having a Birthday Party for Richard in the backyard, Betty and Walter joined us and I spent most of my time with my dear friend.
When we moved to our 1st home in Virginia, I spoke to her regularly and I was with her by phone up to the end. I have been blessed with so many friend through the years and Betty was at the top of the list. (over)*
Betty always spoke of you and your brother. You filled her life with joy.
Yvette if I think of anymore, I will call or write you.
Don’t forget to let me know Betty’s birthday year. I know it was 11/17/? Our phone is xxx-xxx-xxxx. I have your number and I promise I will call.
Lets continue what your mom did 🙂
Love “Aunt” Muriel
PS. Let me know about your brother
(Since this letter we have spoken on a few occasions, while I have pen and paper in hand. Her memory is not what it used to be as she is 82 years now. My mother did attend Stitt Jr. High and she graduated the same year Muriel graduated from H.S. in 1945. While Muriel went to Howard U., My mother attended NYU.)
© Yvette Porter Moore-All Rights Reserved
Tombstone Tuesday: Dorothy Lee Bradley
Aunt Dorothy Lee [Mitchell] Bradley was my [birth] father’s, Johnny Roy Mitchell, Sr sister.
Dorothy was a sibling of 10 children, born to Jesse E. Mitchell and Frances May Paulette. She was born in Mississippi, but raised in Los Angeles, California. Dorothy was married to Judge C. Bradley, and they added 8 children to their union. Dorothy was a very attractive woman. She succumbed to breast cancer after a long battle.
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| [courtesy of Lisa Bradley] |
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| Dorothy Lee Bradley |
[Photos courtesy of Lisa Bradley]
Copyright
The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore
© 2010-2011
Sundays Obituary: John Allen Buggs
I loved this man dearly. John Allen Buggs was one of my favorite cousin’s father. He made the best pot of blue crabs when I visited Maryland at 15 years old in August of 1983. I remember him being one of the kindest and most intelligent men I have ever known. John had a great sense of humor.
I attended Cousin John’s funeral in Los Angeles. The late Mayor Tom Bradley, a family friend spoke at John’s Funeral.
John Allen Buggs; Led U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
Los Angeles Times
March 11, 1995
March 11, 1995
John Allen Buggs, former director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights who was a leading advocate for the black community after the 1965 Watts riots and then an adviser to three Presidents, has died.
A daughter, Zara Gale Taylor, said her father was 79 and died Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Buggs began his 53-year career in community relations in Florida and moved in the early 1950s to Los Angeles, where he rose to national prominence as a peacemaker in the aftermath of the Watts riots.
He served under Presidents Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford and Jimmy Carter as executive director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and as staff director of the Model Cities Administration at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
He came to the federal commission in 1971 after serving on the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission from 1954 to 1967. Buggs retired in 1978 after a stroke.
Born in Brunswick, Ga., Buggs was the son of southern Georgia’s first black physician, Dr. Charles Wesley Buggs, the family said.
He served as executive director of the NAACP in Marion County, Fla., and was co-chairman of the Florida State Committee on School Integration before moving with his family to California.
In addition to his daughter, Buggs is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Gale (Polly) Buggs, another daughter, Diane D. Dix, and two grandsons.
Funeral services are scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m. at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church at 2800 Stanford Ave., Los Angeles. The family has suggested memorial donations to Dillard University, Buggs’ alma mater in New Orleans, where a scholarship fund is being set up.
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| (l to r) Diane, Zara Cully Brown, Zara Gale, John Allen & Mary Gale |
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| Cousin John & me in 1978 |
Copyright
The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore
© 2010-2011
ette Porter Moore-All Rights Reserved
Digging Roots: My Family History 