...there was one part of President Obama's inaugural address I especially liked.
"In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom."
My coworker, Ann, who works in genealogy, recently handed me an article about the Founding Fathers of the Declaration of Independence. It told about those men after the signing.
Many of us studied the history of the Declaration in school, but let me briefly refresh your memory. A resolution came before the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, PA, on June 7, 1776. There was a great debate over it and its adoption was postponed until July 1. John Adams, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman set out to reshape the resolution in order to present it again. That happened on July 3 and further corrections were made. Finally on July 4, 1776, the Declaration was adopted without a dissenting vote.
The Declaration of Independence - the birth certificate of a New Nation - had been signed with full knowledge that this was an act of treason against England for which the universal penalty was
hanging.
What sort of men were these who pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor with a British fleet already at anchor in New York harbor? And what became of them after the signing?
All signers were marked men and objects of vicious manhunts. None were actually hanged, but many suffered physically, emotionally and financially.
Only a few became well-known. Jefferson and John Adams became Presidents. Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Josiah Bartlett, Oliver Wolcott, Edward Rutledge, Benjamin Harrison, and Elderidge Gerry lived to become state governors. Gerry also became Monroe's vice-president. Charles Carroll founded the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. But many, many others suffered greatly.
Philip Livingston of New York, the richest merchant in the colonies, instrumental in establishing King's College (Columbia University), the New York Library and Chamber of Commerce, had all his property seized. His family was driven out and became homeless
refugees.
John Hart of New Jersey, a farmer who was called "Honest John," had all his property destroyed. His wife was dying and in heading to New Jersey to reach her, he was betrayed. He slept in caves and woods. Finally he was able to sneak home, but found his wife long buried and his 13 children taken away. He died never finding his
family.
John Morton of Pennsylvania was totally rejected by neighbors, friends and family when he came out for Independence. Many believed this rejection killed him. His last words were, "Tell them that they will live to see the hour when they shall acknowledge it (the signing) to have been the most glorious service I ever rendered to my country."
Georgia had three signers. One, Button Gwinnett, who had been born in England, came to America and settled in Savannah as a grown man and a merchant. After returning to Georgia from the Second Continental Congress, he helped write Georgia's first Constitution in 1777. He died several years later from wounds received in a duel. The site of his grave was forgotten, but in 1964, bones believed to be his were reinterred in Savannah. His signature is the rarest of any of the signers and reportedly worth in excess of $50,000.00.
There are many more signers to tell you about. Those whom the war did not kill or injure lived beyond the normal span of life. It was no idle pledge these 56 men made on that 4th of July 1776. Nine died of wounds or hardships during the war. Five were captured or imprisoned with brutal treatment. Wives, sons, and daughters of others were killed, jailed, mistreated, persecuted, or left penniless. The houses of 12 were burned; 17 were left without anything. Not one defected or went back on his word. Their honor and the Nation they did so much to create is still intact. But freedom on that first 4th of July came high!
If you'd like to find out more about the signers of the Declaration, stop by the Odom Genealogy Library and ask Irene or Ann about the article. There's more interesting information about freedom for you to read.
Showing posts with label Odom Genealogy Library. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Odom Genealogy Library. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Back From Vacation. . .Like A New Bookworm!
I know that I can go on vacation for four to six days and come back just fine. But I'm coming back from three WEEKS off, and I feel just like a new bookworm at a new job!
I noticed today that a few things have changed here in my box of books. All for the good, of course. Three of them I'd like to share with you today. . .those being in the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogy Library.
Our genealogy librarian, Irene, told me she is so proud of the new reader/printer for microfilm. Made by Konica Minolta, it's a good-sized piece of equipment hooked up to its own printer. It's the same equipment that the National Archives Southeastern Region in Morrow, Georgia, uses. Irene said they have been waiting for years for a new one and this one is a doozie! She said it will make a copy of a whole page of a newspaper, 11 by 17 inches or 8-1/2 by 11. And the patrons can use it themselves, after a tiny bit of instruction. I could see why Irene was so excited about it.
Another change in the genealogy library is that the Clan newsletters are being bound, as well as some of the journals. Irene said they are being sent to a bindery in North Carolina. They are being bound in hard covers to keep them from being lost. Some of the North Carolina and South Carolina journals have already been bound, and now she is sending off the Clan newsletters, little by little, for their binding. I looked at the bookshelves. . .there are lots of Clan newsletters to do! And it will take a while.
Irene said she is still ordering books, amongst all her other duties. She was especially proud of one. . ."Dog Tags." It's "A History of American Military Identification Tags 1861 to 2002" by Paul F. Braddock. It tells what the tags were made of and how they were used and there are tons of pictures. Very interesting!
Well, by the time I'd roamed all around the genealogy library, I realized it was time to get this blog up and running.
Next time I talk to you, I'll be in some other part of the library, digging in books, checking out all the new stuff, talking to staff members about what's been going on during the past three weeks. There are some times when it just doesn't pay to hibernate for very long. You miss out on too many good things!
I noticed today that a few things have changed here in my box of books. All for the good, of course. Three of them I'd like to share with you today. . .those being in the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogy Library.
Our genealogy librarian, Irene, told me she is so proud of the new reader/printer for microfilm. Made by Konica Minolta, it's a good-sized piece of equipment hooked up to its own printer. It's the same equipment that the National Archives Southeastern Region in Morrow, Georgia, uses. Irene said they have been waiting for years for a new one and this one is a doozie! She said it will make a copy of a whole page of a newspaper, 11 by 17 inches or 8-1/2 by 11. And the patrons can use it themselves, after a tiny bit of instruction. I could see why Irene was so excited about it.
Another change in the genealogy library is that the Clan newsletters are being bound, as well as some of the journals. Irene said they are being sent to a bindery in North Carolina. They are being bound in hard covers to keep them from being lost. Some of the North Carolina and South Carolina journals have already been bound, and now she is sending off the Clan newsletters, little by little, for their binding. I looked at the bookshelves. . .there are lots of Clan newsletters to do! And it will take a while.
Irene said she is still ordering books, amongst all her other duties. She was especially proud of one. . ."Dog Tags." It's "A History of American Military Identification Tags 1861 to 2002" by Paul F. Braddock. It tells what the tags were made of and how they were used and there are tons of pictures. Very interesting!
Well, by the time I'd roamed all around the genealogy library, I realized it was time to get this blog up and running.
Next time I talk to you, I'll be in some other part of the library, digging in books, checking out all the new stuff, talking to staff members about what's been going on during the past three weeks. There are some times when it just doesn't pay to hibernate for very long. You miss out on too many good things!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Our Heroes
There is a group of people here in town that almost everyone knows. However, many people might not know they are library board members. They are the people that set the policies for the library system - the main library, the Doerun branch, and the Odom Library. They are the people responsible for overseeing the director for hiring and firing, submitting budgets, and general administration of the libraries. They oversee the investing of monies and spending of the endowment that runs the Odom Library. They are the people who request monies from the Board of Education, County Commissioners and State, and advocate on the State level for more funds.
These people come from all walks of life: business executives, insurance agents, homemakers, retired (and not retired) educators, a farmer, a mayor, and a pastor.
Library Director Melody S. Jenkins said: "As the economy fluctuates, the Trustees always have to be big advocates for the library. Some people feel you don't have to have a library, that it's not a necessity, but when the economy is low that's when library usage is at its height. People use it more to find jobs, learn about a new trade, take online classes or borrow books on ways to improve their lives, and they check out more movies and DVDs, etc."
That means the Trustees, who persevere in advocating for the library by finding funds and continuing to seek increases, are our heroes! They are the people who run the gauntlet to keep the libraries operating. They are the seekers of the funds. They help give life to our community libraries.
So, I'd like to tell you who these heroes are.
The Odom Genealogical Library Board Members are: Brooks Sheldon, Merle Baker, James Jeter, Jack Bridwell, Virginia Horkan, William McIntosh and Lauren Howell.
The Moultrie-Colquitt County Library Board Members are: Diane Stephens, Sharon Demott, Joanne Smith, Sharrod McCall, Jr., Terry R. Clark, Dr. Michael Helms, Alice Slocumb, Melinda Wright, Ed Willis, Jimmy Taylor and Jim Soos.
Doug Strange is the chairman for both Boards.
I hope if you see these people in town, you'll take a minute and tell them you're glad to know that they are the heroes for so many library patrons and staff members. We need to let them know we're glad they are the people who make sure our town continues to have these fine libraries: The Moultrie-Colquitt County Library, the Doerun Municipal Library, and the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library.
Remember, they're your heroes too!
These people come from all walks of life: business executives, insurance agents, homemakers, retired (and not retired) educators, a farmer, a mayor, and a pastor.
Library Director Melody S. Jenkins said: "As the economy fluctuates, the Trustees always have to be big advocates for the library. Some people feel you don't have to have a library, that it's not a necessity, but when the economy is low that's when library usage is at its height. People use it more to find jobs, learn about a new trade, take online classes or borrow books on ways to improve their lives, and they check out more movies and DVDs, etc."
That means the Trustees, who persevere in advocating for the library by finding funds and continuing to seek increases, are our heroes! They are the people who run the gauntlet to keep the libraries operating. They are the seekers of the funds. They help give life to our community libraries.
So, I'd like to tell you who these heroes are.
The Odom Genealogical Library Board Members are: Brooks Sheldon, Merle Baker, James Jeter, Jack Bridwell, Virginia Horkan, William McIntosh and Lauren Howell.
The Moultrie-Colquitt County Library Board Members are: Diane Stephens, Sharon Demott, Joanne Smith, Sharrod McCall, Jr., Terry R. Clark, Dr. Michael Helms, Alice Slocumb, Melinda Wright, Ed Willis, Jimmy Taylor and Jim Soos.
Doug Strange is the chairman for both Boards.
I hope if you see these people in town, you'll take a minute and tell them you're glad to know that they are the heroes for so many library patrons and staff members. We need to let them know we're glad they are the people who make sure our town continues to have these fine libraries: The Moultrie-Colquitt County Library, the Doerun Municipal Library, and the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library.
Remember, they're your heroes too!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
We'll Treat You Like Royalty!
There's a newsletter put out for friends and employees of Georgia's public libraries. We get it here at our library. It's published bi-monthly by the Georgia Public Library Service, the state agency that supports public libraries and works with them to improve the quality and variety of library services available to Georgia citizens of all ages. That means YOU!
The October issue highlighted the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library as one of the three libraries in Georgia that reign as "the Georgia public library system's genealogical crown jewels." Now, to those of us who work for the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System (of which the Odom Library is a part), that just made our eyes sparkle!
The article stated that the Odom Library, "founded a scant 17 years ago, is a relative newcomer to the spotlight." Director Melody Jenkins stated: "Prior to 1990, we had a small Georgia history collection -- maybe 2,000 volumes. It was so small, my office used to be the history room!" When Mrs. Odom's bequest of $1 million was received, the south wing of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library, which became the Odom Library, was built to house several collections, including the Emmett Lucas Collection. Mr. Lucas of Southern Historical Press was planning to retire, and he was interested in selling his collection about the southeastern United States, the Civil War and migration routes west.
Melody Jenkins said, "We purchased it as a whole, quadrupling the size of our collection in the process."
The collection took another giant leap in 1994 when the local high school's Class of 1944 held a reunion in honor of the 50th anniversary of D-Day and invited everyone who had graduated within four years of 1944 to attend and bring pictures related to their or their loved ones' armed service. The majority of this material was copied, the information identified, and placed in the library. That collection became the Veterans' History Project and was recently named for Catherine Bryant, who began her career with the library in 1944 and took over the project.
In addition to these collections, the library is perhaps most famous for its collection concerning Scottish genealogy. According to Ann Glass, genealogy clerk, the Odom Library is the archival home for more than 130 Scottish clan organizations, and houses many rare books including an original edition of Scottish Perrage, as well as The Highland Papers, and several Gaelic Bibles.
Genealogist Irene Godwin notes that American highlights at the Odom Library include original bound volumes of The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, as well as colonial and state records for both Georgia and North Carolina, and historical records from many counties in Texas.
Melody Jenkins also said, "The Odom Library has earned an approved attraction rating from the American Automobile Association, which features the library in its AAA Tour Guides for Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina.
If you're out there, somewhere other than Moultrie, Georgia, and you're interested in genealogy and you haven't been to the Odom Genealogical Library, now's the time to make the trip. We draw local, regional, and worldwide visitors. All the time! Come be one of them!
We'll treat you like royalty! After all, we're a crown jewel of genealogy libraries! (Source: Georgia Public Library Service)
The October issue highlighted the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library as one of the three libraries in Georgia that reign as "the Georgia public library system's genealogical crown jewels." Now, to those of us who work for the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System (of which the Odom Library is a part), that just made our eyes sparkle!
The article stated that the Odom Library, "founded a scant 17 years ago, is a relative newcomer to the spotlight." Director Melody Jenkins stated: "Prior to 1990, we had a small Georgia history collection -- maybe 2,000 volumes. It was so small, my office used to be the history room!" When Mrs. Odom's bequest of $1 million was received, the south wing of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library, which became the Odom Library, was built to house several collections, including the Emmett Lucas Collection. Mr. Lucas of Southern Historical Press was planning to retire, and he was interested in selling his collection about the southeastern United States, the Civil War and migration routes west.
Melody Jenkins said, "We purchased it as a whole, quadrupling the size of our collection in the process."
The collection took another giant leap in 1994 when the local high school's Class of 1944 held a reunion in honor of the 50th anniversary of D-Day and invited everyone who had graduated within four years of 1944 to attend and bring pictures related to their or their loved ones' armed service. The majority of this material was copied, the information identified, and placed in the library. That collection became the Veterans' History Project and was recently named for Catherine Bryant, who began her career with the library in 1944 and took over the project.
In addition to these collections, the library is perhaps most famous for its collection concerning Scottish genealogy. According to Ann Glass, genealogy clerk, the Odom Library is the archival home for more than 130 Scottish clan organizations, and houses many rare books including an original edition of Scottish Perrage, as well as The Highland Papers, and several Gaelic Bibles.
Genealogist Irene Godwin notes that American highlights at the Odom Library include original bound volumes of The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, as well as colonial and state records for both Georgia and North Carolina, and historical records from many counties in Texas.
Melody Jenkins also said, "The Odom Library has earned an approved attraction rating from the American Automobile Association, which features the library in its AAA Tour Guides for Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina.
If you're out there, somewhere other than Moultrie, Georgia, and you're interested in genealogy and you haven't been to the Odom Genealogical Library, now's the time to make the trip. We draw local, regional, and worldwide visitors. All the time! Come be one of them!
We'll treat you like royalty! After all, we're a crown jewel of genealogy libraries! (Source: Georgia Public Library Service)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Early Physicians Still Live Here
Sometimes it's hard to stay out of the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogy Library.
Ann, our genealogy clerk, showed me an interesting article the other day and said, "This newspaper clipping talks about a record book of early physicians and dentists in Moultrie. There's a copy of the book, Superior Court Physicians Register 1886-1966, on file in the genealogy library. When I looked through it, I saw we still have some early physicians living here."
The article dated November 28, 1941, talked about "the little well worn record book in which early physicians and dentists were required to register in the office of Clerk Superior Court. It also serves as a valuable recorded history of this great community."
So, I decided to go to the genealogy library and take a peek at this book.
Ann took a minute to put the film in the reader and spun the wheels for me. Lo and behold, there ARE two physicians still living here whose names we recognized in the little well worn record book. . .Dr. Walter E. Harrison and Dr. John Newton!
The newspaper article of 1941 mentioned the name of J. S. McKenzie who registered here March 3, 1892. Also Dr. C. C. Fletcher came to Moultrie from Fitzgerald during the naval stores and lumber days. He registered here in February of 1900. The writer of the newspaper article promised to talk about another local physician in the next installment of these authentic historical records. I think I'll have to go back and see who is mentioned.
If you have an interest in the history of our medical community, ask Ann to show you these records. They are a fascinating read. (Source: Superior Court Physicians Register 1886-1966)
Ann, our genealogy clerk, showed me an interesting article the other day and said, "This newspaper clipping talks about a record book of early physicians and dentists in Moultrie. There's a copy of the book, Superior Court Physicians Register 1886-1966, on file in the genealogy library. When I looked through it, I saw we still have some early physicians living here."
The article dated November 28, 1941, talked about "the little well worn record book in which early physicians and dentists were required to register in the office of Clerk Superior Court. It also serves as a valuable recorded history of this great community."
So, I decided to go to the genealogy library and take a peek at this book.
Ann took a minute to put the film in the reader and spun the wheels for me. Lo and behold, there ARE two physicians still living here whose names we recognized in the little well worn record book. . .Dr. Walter E. Harrison and Dr. John Newton!
The newspaper article of 1941 mentioned the name of J. S. McKenzie who registered here March 3, 1892. Also Dr. C. C. Fletcher came to Moultrie from Fitzgerald during the naval stores and lumber days. He registered here in February of 1900. The writer of the newspaper article promised to talk about another local physician in the next installment of these authentic historical records. I think I'll have to go back and see who is mentioned.
If you have an interest in the history of our medical community, ask Ann to show you these records. They are a fascinating read. (Source: Superior Court Physicians Register 1886-1966)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Technology Lunch Bunch Meets Tuesday, October 23rd
Did you get to go to the first meeting of the Technology Lunch Bunch? If you didn't, you missed some important information about how to check on your children's school work. But you're going to have another chance to join us and this time it's for genealogy.
The Technology Lunch Bunch, sponsored by the library, will hold its second meeting on Tuesday, October 23rd, in the library's Willcoxon Auditorium. And this program is really user-friendly. It will be held two times on the 23rd; one meeting from noon to 1 p.m. and the second meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. So, you have no excuse about not being able to attend. Besides, you really don't want to miss this one!
Aileen McNair will present the 30 to 40 minute program, Free Online Genealogy Databases. She is a DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Field Genealogist and a Library Information Specialist at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library.
The program will explore several FREE online genealogy databases that anyone with a computer and Internet access can use. (If you don't have a computer at home, you can use one of the library's computers by just showing your library card at the circulation desk.) Participants will preview the Odom Genealogy Library website, as well as the websites of World Connect, GenForum, and Family Search. They will also discuss how to use search engines as an aid to genealogical research.
After the presentation session, participants will be able to spend 20 to 30 minutes online with the presenter available to help explore the resources previously introduced.
If you're BIG into genealogy and want to know more about research, or if you're just starting your genealogy tracking, this is the meeting for you. Aileen's got loads of neat ideas to help you!!! And a major bonus of this meeting is that it's FREE! Another service provided by your local library. See you there!
The Technology Lunch Bunch, sponsored by the library, will hold its second meeting on Tuesday, October 23rd, in the library's Willcoxon Auditorium. And this program is really user-friendly. It will be held two times on the 23rd; one meeting from noon to 1 p.m. and the second meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. So, you have no excuse about not being able to attend. Besides, you really don't want to miss this one!
Aileen McNair will present the 30 to 40 minute program, Free Online Genealogy Databases. She is a DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Field Genealogist and a Library Information Specialist at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library.
The program will explore several FREE online genealogy databases that anyone with a computer and Internet access can use. (If you don't have a computer at home, you can use one of the library's computers by just showing your library card at the circulation desk.) Participants will preview the Odom Genealogy Library website, as well as the websites of World Connect, GenForum, and Family Search. They will also discuss how to use search engines as an aid to genealogical research.
After the presentation session, participants will be able to spend 20 to 30 minutes online with the presenter available to help explore the resources previously introduced.
If you're BIG into genealogy and want to know more about research, or if you're just starting your genealogy tracking, this is the meeting for you. Aileen's got loads of neat ideas to help you!!! And a major bonus of this meeting is that it's FREE! Another service provided by your local library. See you there!
How Did Spence Field Get Its Name?
Yesterday I told you about the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo being held at Spence Field. Today I remembered our genealogy clerk, Ann, showed me an article a couple of months ago about how Spence Field got its name.
From the November 21, 1941, newspaper, The Moultrie Observer, an article was headlined: Moultrie Base May Get Name "Spence Field." The information from Washington read: "'Spence Field' has been recommended to the War Department as a name for the flying school at Moultrie, Ga., army officials said today. Before final adoption, the name must be approved by a special board, the next meeting date for which has not been set. The name was proposed in honor of Second Lieutenant Thomas L. Spence, Air Corps, Thomasville, Ga., who was killed in the World War (WWI)."
Spence Field was previously called the Moultrie Air Base. It's obvious the name was approved by the War Department's special board. So, now you know the rest of the story and how Spence Field got its name. (Source: Odom Genealogy Library)
From the November 21, 1941, newspaper, The Moultrie Observer, an article was headlined: Moultrie Base May Get Name "Spence Field." The information from Washington read: "'Spence Field' has been recommended to the War Department as a name for the flying school at Moultrie, Ga., army officials said today. Before final adoption, the name must be approved by a special board, the next meeting date for which has not been set. The name was proposed in honor of Second Lieutenant Thomas L. Spence, Air Corps, Thomasville, Ga., who was killed in the World War (WWI)."
Spence Field was previously called the Moultrie Air Base. It's obvious the name was approved by the War Department's special board. So, now you know the rest of the story and how Spence Field got its name. (Source: Odom Genealogy Library)
Thursday, October 11, 2007
How Just One Librarian Met The Challenge
Elois is our reference clerk. We were chatting the other day when she told me about a real challenge she'd recently encountered.
She said a young man came to her for help. He asked for information about the Brady bunch. Of course, Elois did what I would have done and thought he meant the television comedy, The Brady Bunch. But that wasn't what he wanted. In the course of conversation with her, he asked about the Griffin papers. Elois suggested he talk to the librarian in the Odom Genealogy Library, but he said he'd already been there and Ann suggested he talk to her, Elois. Finally, the young man said he was a Brady and was looking for information from Berrien County.
Ah ha! Elois thought (can't we just see the light bulb come on in her head!). She said, "You need to go back to genealogy and ask for the census of Berrien County from the year you need." And so, away he went.
Elois later checked on him, and there he was sitting at the computer, just working away.
Now, talk about meeting a challenge!
Every staff member here in our library, not only the Moultrie-Colquitt County Public Library but the Odom Genealogy Library, can tell you a story like this. Answering questions to help patrons can be quite a challenge for us, but that's why we're here. All you need to do is just ask. And like Elois, we all do our best to meet the challenge. Every day.
She said a young man came to her for help. He asked for information about the Brady bunch. Of course, Elois did what I would have done and thought he meant the television comedy, The Brady Bunch. But that wasn't what he wanted. In the course of conversation with her, he asked about the Griffin papers. Elois suggested he talk to the librarian in the Odom Genealogy Library, but he said he'd already been there and Ann suggested he talk to her, Elois. Finally, the young man said he was a Brady and was looking for information from Berrien County.
Ah ha! Elois thought (can't we just see the light bulb come on in her head!). She said, "You need to go back to genealogy and ask for the census of Berrien County from the year you need." And so, away he went.
Elois later checked on him, and there he was sitting at the computer, just working away.
Now, talk about meeting a challenge!
Every staff member here in our library, not only the Moultrie-Colquitt County Public Library but the Odom Genealogy Library, can tell you a story like this. Answering questions to help patrons can be quite a challenge for us, but that's why we're here. All you need to do is just ask. And like Elois, we all do our best to meet the challenge. Every day.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
See Me About General MacArthur
That's what the note on my desk read. I picked up my spiral notebook and headed for the Genealogy Library. Ann showed me an ancient scrapbook about General Douglas A. MacArthur. It came from Mary McArthur Lander of Mississippi. It contained crisp, brown, disintergrating pages of old newspaper articles and pictures that dated from 1946 to 1964. One article that caught my eye was titled Why MacArthur Said: "I Shall Return." It was written by Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, special and personal envoy of the President of the Philippines to the U.S. General MacArthur was famous for a lot of things: his tall erect stature, dark aviator sunglasses and strong chin, as well as his favorite long-stemmed pipe. He fought in three major wars (WWI, WWII, Korean War). He was the central figure in a plan to stem the tide of Communist advances in the Far East and build a new first line of defense in the Pacific. He was the commander of occupation forces in Japan. Even Ripley's Believe It Or Not recognized his fame as:
- The first of his class at West Point
- The first Sergeant at West Point
- The first Captain at West Point
- The first American to be full General at 50
- The first American to become Field Marshal
- The first to be a 4-star General twice
- The first member of the Rainbow Division
- The first Chief of Staff ever reappointed
- The first son of a Chief of Staff to occupy the same post
- The first American to lead the Armies of Nation, and
- The first white man to rule over Japan in 2600 years.
And General MacArthur was famous for quoting a ballad that became his battle hymn: "Old soldiers never die; they just fade away." He died April 5, 1964, at the age of 84.
You can see this great scrapbook in the Odom Genealogy Library. Be sure to look for the answers to these questions: Why did then-President Harry S Truman fire MacArthur in 1951 from his command? Why did General MacArthur say all pets, with the exception of goldfish, were banned from Army-run hotels and apartments in Japan? There's lots of interesting reading in this old scrapbook . . . . Just ask Irene or Ann where it is.
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