Treasure Chest Thursday: 1940 Census - Happy Birthday Aunt Mary

What a way to honor a great lady on her birthday, my Aunt Mary.  As I perused through the 1940 Census I came across my Aunt Mary living in NJ with other relatives.  A story I heard early in life and through the years, this document puts things into perspective.

In conversations with Aunt Mary, she said her mom's sister "Aunt Teen" short for Murteen,  raised her.  I found the reference to Murteen as her mother in a family Bible after Aunt Mary passed.  So, to come across this information 72 years later takes you back a little bit.  As Aunt Mary would sing, "Only A Look"  it was a peak for me into my families history.

Jersey Gems - 1940 Federal Census 

Jewels in the Treasure Chest 

Enumeration District 25-258 in  Newark, Essex County, NJ
S.D.N. 12 - Sheet# 5B
Enumerated April 4, 1940

1940 Census Record Household Details: 
 Address: 74 Brunswick St. - Rented Property = $25
Augustus and Murteen Hill (my aunt and uncle)

Mary Baylor,  daughter, age 5 , Place of Birth: Virginia,  School= G,  (my aunt)

Happy Birthday Aunt Mary (The Songbird)
 R.I.P.
April 12, 1934 - December 10, 2001
1940 Federal Census Source of information: Ancestry.com and National Archives

Tombstone Tuesday Reflections: Baylor/Vaughan

Reflections from the journey home gave me the opportunity to visit a few gravesites of family members.

Family is remembered in many different ways; a headstone, a marker; a space without a name. Finding these sites has been an incredible journey. You meet nice people who are willing to help, and you certainly run into barriers. The road is unwinding slowly but one continues to forge ahead.

Gravesite of my maternal aunt and uncle. 

Ada (Baylor) Vaughan and  Asbury Vaughan both born in Pt. Royal, VA.

African American History Gems of Time: Augusta Christine Savage

Augusta Christine Fells Savage

Artist of the Harlem Renaissance

February 29, 1892 – March 26, 1962

We remember Augusta Savage, Sculptor, Educator and Civil Rights Activist. Works included a sculptor known as " The Harp". It was influenced by spirituals and hymns, most notably James Weldon Johnson's "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
 

Born on February 29, 1892 in Green Cove Springs, Florida and seventh of fourteen children to Edward and Cornelia Fells.  Most of Augusta's sculptures, in some way, reflect an aspect of African-American culture. Augusta Savage a pioneer a legend in time.

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Remembering Our Hometown Lady Whitney " Nippy" Houston

Whitney loved the Lord, and we loved Whitney.  When she raised her hands, stretched out her arms, she always pointed upward giving praise to the almighty God.  

Whitney touched us all, her presence, gracefulness, her smile, her voice. She was down to earth, personable and just real.  A mom, sister, daughter and friend to many.  Whitney and her daughter Bobbi Kristina were inseparable.  Her mom will be guiding her through life's journey; an angel watching over her as mom's do. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of all. Her legacy, and music is timeless. 

On a personal note, a close friend of our family knew the Warwick's, Whitney’s cousin.  She invited my brother to one of Whitney’s concerts in the early part of her career.  They went backstage after the show, and she introduced my brother to Whitney.  Well, he was speechless…didn’t know what to say but "very nice to meet you”.  He came home and told us the story…we just said wow.

I remember my brother saying if there is one concerts you need to see it's Whitney’s.  We went to Radio City Music Hall in 1993 to see Whitney.  The place was packed.  It didn’t make a difference where you sat, when she bellowed out the notes, they just bounced off the walls.   As he would say her signature song “I will Always Love You” brought the house down; the hometown girl from Newark, NJ "Whitney".

Well my dear brother, Whitney is now amongst some of finest, and will be in God's heavenly choir.  No ticket needed - the "Voice" lives on.

Nippy, We Will Always Love You! 

Whitney Elizabeth Houston

August 9, 1963 - February 11, 2012

R.I.P.

The Pearl: Historic African American Section in S/W Florida

● The Pearl ●

(A symbol of love and purity, perfection, high value – the greatest treasure in Paradise, a rare gem.)

It’s said that deals are written on a napkin.  While having lunch yesterday with friends/co-workers, we got into a discussion about mustard on fish.  Ms. G. said, "it’s a tradition in the South to put mustard on fish."  I then asked her where was she from.  She stated, “I was born and raised in Florida,” a place called Pearl City.  Clueless to the name "Pearl City," I asked where it was.  She said, “It’s in Boca Raton, Florida; you never heard of Pearl City?" I said no.  The story starts to unfold.

Right in front of me, I was in the presence of history, African American history.  She proceeded to talk about her parents and grandparents and how the town was formed and designated as an African American section in Boca Raton during early 1915.  Her grandfather was the first resident of Pearl City.  

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Four Generations of Birthdays - Celebrating Life - Celebrating Memories

Looking at the September Birthday's, it's a celebration of life, and memories of  four generations of my family who share a common thread.  Mother, Daughter, Granddaughter, Great Granddaughter and Great Great Granddaughter is the relationship in this maternal generation line (all females) who have birthdays this month.  

Happy Birthday ladies.  To my mom and grandmother we love and miss you; Happy Birthday.

We Remember: 10th Anniversary of 911.

Remembering all on this day 9/11. My ♥heart & prayers✞ go out to you. 

A typical a.m. conversation with my daughter on her way to work in NY...the phone lines dropped. She was in the WTC area heading for her subway ..the feeling of not knowing, panic, the expressions on faces of ppl, silence. The joy of hearing her voice later was truly a blessing. I can never forget that day in time.  God Bless!