I Came across this photo and my father’s body language of having open arms is exactly how he lived life. His heart was open, he believed in humanity, and he lived life like a millionaire. He was a friend to all, even if you met him once or knew him for a lifetime.
Walter J. Porter in his bedroom at 6066 College Avenue, San Diego CA. Photo taken in 1980’s.
I had expected to accomplish a lot on my genealogy list today, but time just got away from me.
The first thing I did this morning, after my chores was to watch Stella Dallas, a 1937 film based off a Novel written by Olive Higgins Prouty. The leading actress was Barbara Stanwick. The setting took place in Millhampton, Massachusetts in 1919. The reason I chose to view this film, was because I am currently reading Pencil Shavings, Memoirs by Olive Higgins Prouty. The book was suggested to me by Olive’s grand-niece, and the film was discussed in the introduction of the book. I mentioned in my last post that my Cully family worked in the Higgins home, and I am researching the Higgins family in hopes to learn more about my family.
This morning I had the opportunity to go on air and speak with Preacherman of the online radio KLMT103.com. I was asked to speak about last Friday’s Pencil Portrait Unveiling of my late-father Walter J. Porter at the WJP Elementary School. Our family, Community and foundation donated 3 portraits to the school as many of the children really had no idea who Walter was, even though the school was named after him. A news Article in our local Voice & Viewpoint can be read by going to this link, Walter J. Porter Portraits Unveiled..
Towards the end of the day, I went to the mailbox and a large manila envelope with the ten death certificates I ordered from the Secretary of State, Baton Rouge, LA arrived. I read each certificate and began doing some research with them and added some of the info into my family tree. One of the Certificate of Death documents I was excited about was my paternal grandfather’s Harrison Porter. The new information I received from the document was the name of the Plantation my grandfather sharecropped on, “Brown’s Plantation”. I also learned where he was buried, at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Lake Providence, East Carroll, Louisiana. I began looking up the new information, but am discovering that it is going to take some time. I posted to a few genealogy walls, and am now waiting for some responses.
To top my evening off, I listened to Geneabloggers Radio. The discussion for the night was “Do Books Still Matter in Genealogy?” This was a great discussion. I enjoy reading books, but I also have a Nook. I know things are going electronic, but I don’t think the e-books are going to wipe out the use and need for paper books.
To end my night, I will read a few chapters in the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. I am finding this autobiography emotional, and enlightening.
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| Walter Porter in the front and Center abt 1939 |
My mother and father Walter & Betty Porter were well connected to the politics in San Diego and the State of California. These photo’s were taken sometime in the 1970’s.
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| Betty & Walter Porter (middle) Conley Major-Rep for Council Member Leon Williams Receiving a Resolution |
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| California State Assembly Member Pete Chacon (middle) Walter J. Porter (to r. of Chacon) |
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!
This is a proof sheet of photos of my parents, (Walter & Betty Porter) and my big brother, Marshall. Marshall was born in 1966. He was Probably two years old in these photo’s. This was before I arrived on the scene, and he had all the attention until I showed up.
I came across a note that I found in a book that I inherited, and had been placed in my bookcase for quite awhile. The note was dated November 19, 1956. My parents got married August 18, 1957, so they were either dating or they were engaged to be married.
2260 1/2 St.
Los Angeles, Calif.
November 19, 1956
My dearest,
I adore you.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you,
thank you,
thank you,
thank you,
I’ll never forget this birthday if I live to be a thousand, and I shall be yours forever.
Your baby,
Betty
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| Possible year 1953 |
What’s Happening?–Pictured above from left to right are Charles Murphy, Sue Harris, Sybil Thomas, Wally Porter, and they are busy as can be making plans for the “Bermuda Beachcomber” party to be held July 9, between the hours of 9 and 2pm at the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity House, 3069 S. Oxford. The hours for the affair are from 9:00 pm until 2:00 am.
I have inherited a large collection of photo’s and will use the Wordless Wednesday prompt to continue posting photo’s of family and their friends.
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| Vashon H.S. Dance, St. Louis, Missouri, 1946 My Dad, Walter Porter, on far left Other names on back of picture: L. Wright, Edward Tripp, Delores, Trank Mays (Not sure who is who) Porter Family collection |
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| Henry Hodge (Far Back Left at desk) Federally funded program through the Settlement House St. Louis, Missouri Henry Hodge Photo Collection 1940 |
Vashon High School is a public school founded in 1926 in St. Louis, Missouri. The School was named in honor of two African American educators: John B. Vashon & his son George B. Vashon.
My father Walter J. Porter, who they referred as “Cisco The Kid,” and his best friend Henry Hodge (Uncle to me) played the same year on 1946. My father was 2 years ahead of Henry in High School. My father was #31, and in 1946 was the Vashon High Football captain.
My father did not play football after H.S. as he said he had a bad knee and really wasn’t that big; but my Uncle Henry played for the U.S Marines in the 1950’s while he was stationed in San Diego.
[After I posted my Uncle Henry said he rode the bench the 1st 2 years he played football, and frankly doesn’t know how he even got picked to play with the military].
(The collection of photo’s are from Henry Hodge’s scrapbook)
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| Vashon H.S., St. Louis, MO Football Team Walter J. Porter #31-Football Captain Henry Hodge #26 |
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| Letters Certificate for Vashon H.S. 1947 Presented to Henry Hodge |
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| Henry Hodge on the field of Vashon HS for Practice (on the visible far right) 1947 |
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| Vashon H.S Football Team 1947 Henry Hodge #41 (sitting directly in front of #51) |
Digging Roots: My Family History 