The Heart Break continues

Eva is still helping with running the house at Belle Alliance and teaching Mr. Kock's children.  Dodd is up river (Mississippi) in Illinois and Iowa buying and selling cattle for the farmer he is working for and both of them are apparently pining for each other.  Dodd is said to have Eva's picture with him everywhere he goes and Dodd's picture is on Eva's desk.  In today's world they would be writing letters to each other.  In the 1890s, most contact was through a third party.  Thus Anais, Dodd's sister and Eva's 'Pard' (friend), was the source of contact for Eva and Dodd.
   Eva claims that Dodd is "dead to her" now, but her diary entries tell a different story.  She calls it being blue, today we know it as heart broken.

January 23, 1899 – Mon. (diary page 167)

   We’ve had several cloudy days, and now we are getting the rain.  Mama is still in bed, but is better tonight.    Aunt Frank is still sick, and gets no better.  She is so old, that it’s bound to go hard with her.    Had a letter from Pard today, written Saturday.    They’ve never had but the one letter from D-.    Is he giving up his family already?

   OH! for one hour of the past!  To be once more with the Dodd I used to know – the Dodd who is dead to me now!    His picture stands before me, on the desk, looking at me with those “dark, mesmeric eyes” that bring back the moments we have spent together.  How tenderly those eyes have looked down on me – what a love-light shown in their dark depths!    But this is madness!

World War II Soldiers from Pearl River County

During WW II a large number of young men from Pearl River County, Mississippi enlisted in the military.  Many of them served in Europe and Africa and others served with the Army, Marines, and Navy in the Pacific Theater.  One of the sailors serving on the USS California during the attack on Pearl Harbor was Seaman1c Charles H. Byrd.

Charles H. Byrd

S1c, later Boatswain Mate 2c

   In the course of the attack at Pearl Harbor on the U. S. S. California, 98 men were killed and 61 wounded. One of the sailors wounded was Seaman 1c Charles H. Byrd of Pearl River County Mississippi. He was first reported as killed but was later found alive and hospitalized at the U. S. Naval Hospital – Pearl Harbor. Released from the hospital on 28 February 1942, Charles returned to duty with the California. On 30 March 1944, Charles Byrd transferred to the newly commissioned Patrol Craft Escort USS PCE (R) 848 with the rank of BM2c.

   PCE ships were converted to communications centers and USS PCE (R) 848 sailed to Hollandia, New Guinea, in late September 1944. The ship was damaged by a horizonal bomber (kamikaze) on 27 October 1944. The ship was present in Tokyo Bay during the surrender ceremony in September 1945.

Eva Greenwood Diary -- Part IV

A visit by Eva across Bayou Lafourche to visit her friends the Smiths.

June 13^th 1897 – Sun.

  Yesterday Leo said he wouldn’t be using his horse in the evening, and I could have it to go to Smiths. He sent a boy with me, and I left here at 4-o’clock, expecting to come back before dark. But before I got there I met La. Coming to get me to spend the night. So I sent the boy back, and went with her. It was so good to be there again, and they made so much of me. When it got late enough we went for a walk. As we were going out we met Dodd coming in. He did not know I was there, and his eyes flashed with surprise and he seemed glad to see me.

   After our walk we all sat on the gallery, and I told them of my trip. Dodd asked lots of questions, and seemed much amused at some of my tales. We sat there talking ’till  11 o’clock and then La. drove us all to bed; but it was after 1 when Pard & I went to sleep, we had so much to talk about. We had planned to go black berrying the next morning, so got up at 5 o’clock, and started as soon as we got ready. La. loaned me some of her clothes, as I had only my good ones. Anais, Lillie, Dodd, Guy, Allan & myself were the party, and we drove in the spring wagon back to the woods. We found plenty berries and filled all our baskets, and left when the sun began to scorch us, getting to the house at 9 o’clock. We had a nice time and enjoyed the ride very much. We spent the rest of the day in trying to keep cool and in the evening went to see Clerence (?). I had to wait ‘till Mr. Smith came from town with the buggy for them to bring me home so it was after sundown when I left there. It was too late for the girls to come with me, so Mr. Coous (?) brought me back. They expected Dodd to bring me, but he went walking with the Ayrauds and didn’t get back in time. I was a little put out with him at first, but after thinking it over, concluded that he expected me to stay later. For as we were coming, we met them on the levee, and he stared at me in utmost surprise, and almost forgot to bow. It was supper time when I got here, and tonight I am played out.

Eva Greenwood Diary -- Part III

There is a break in the diary at this point because of lost pages. Pages 5 – 10 are missing. Page eleven begins with comments about arriving in Amite, LA in the pouring rain. The first dated entry is on page fourteen and is noted as June 11, 1897, Friday. We will pick up the transcription on page 11, but we can only guess as to the date. This entry is rather long.

   . . .Amite, and got here in a pouring rain.

   I have been three months writing this, for it was an opening of old wounds, and now I cannot go back and enumerate all the objects of this visit. But it has been a pleasant and happy one. It had been months since I had been so contended as I’ve been here. Were it not for longing for the folks, I could be content to stay much longer. Every one has been so good & kind, and made me feel as if I was somebody. All the family gave us clothes and things – especially Uncle Henry and we’ve been serving steadily every day. I found B. B. quite grown up, and we are regular chums. She is very lively, and a favorite with everyone. She has more beaux than she can manage. She and I get out on “a lark” about once a week, and have lots of fun. Corinne Gervin, an old friend of ours, spent a month here, and she kept things lively. She is as full of live as a cricket and had us in an uproar all the time. Every night she gave us some special performance. We were sorry when she left. Since we’ve been here we have not had one Sunday without company. The Hendry boys were regular visitors, and Phillip McMichael has been here a number of times. Then several times we had visitors from the city and Independence.  The day Corinne left her sister, brother & a friend – Mr. Rene Lavillboevre spent the day here. We were all charmed with Gus Gerine, he was so handsome, so refined, and had such perfect manners.

Our time has been fully occupied with work and pleasure, and my thought will often turn back to these three months at “Hillsdale Farm.” When we first came, we girls hired ourselves to a neighbor to tie radishes, for shipping. Emma & Corrine did right well at it, but it made me sick, and I had to stop, after making $8.10. We had to stand by a table from 7 o’clock in the morning until 6 in the evening, and used to get soaking wet. It made our hands sore, too. We were paid .10¢ a crate for tying. Oh, me! I can’t write anything. Last Sunday Seaton came over and I was the only one of the girls here, so he asked me to take a ride with him. We drove about twelve miles altogether, and saw a good deal of the country. I love the scenery here, -- the pine woods, the wild flowers, the smooth roads winding up and down hill – oh! It thrills me through with a feeling I haven’t words to express. It was 8 o’clock when we got back from our ride, and the girls have been teasing me ever since – that is they’ve tried to, but I enjoyed it more than they knew. While riding we proposed getting up a surprise party for Emma Wednesday night, her birthday. Seaton proposed it, and I would not be disagreeable about it, just because I was in no mood for such things, so helped him get it up. I told no one and all here were surprised indeed when the crowd came in. I remained in the room till dancing began, and then I went to our room.

Now our visit is drawing to a close, and we leave Sunday, May 30^th for the City. Emma will go with us, and spend a couple of weeks at Corrine’s. Mama will go right on home, but I will stay a few days at Aunt Jennie’s, to have some teeth fixed. I long to go on home when I start, and as the time draws near I get more & more homesick.

   Since we’ve been here, the Smith’s have lost their grandmother. I felt there would be some changes. The whole country has been in danger from high water, and it has been a hard fight – to keep the frail banks of dirt, which alone were between it and destruction. Leo worked so hard that he came near dying, but God in His goodness preserved him to us.

Anais writes that everyone misses me very much, and says the strengths of seeing me soon is the one bright spot in the clouded sky.

   All the boys have sent me messages, and Dodd has sent several. I thought being here so long, would drive the memory of those times I shared with him, but I was mistaken. I think of him constantly, and long to see him once more. His image is too deeply rooted, for time or distance to efface it.

   Well our trunks go to the depot tomorrow, so this is the last I’ll write from here. God grant that the rest of my life be as peaceful and quiet as these three months have been.

June 11^th 1897 – Friday

   Back on the Bayou again! We left Amite Sun., the 30^th.  Mama came on up Tuesday morning, but I stayed in the City until Monday, the 7^th.

   The last day we were at Hillsdale Seaton spent the day there, and went with us to the train. Aunt Jennie met us at the depot in the City, and Corinne and Gus were there for Emma. Monday Mama & I went down town, and when we got back to Aunt Jennie’s found Emma and Corrine there. Mama left the next morning. The two nights she was here we rented a room across the street, but after she left I bunked with Aunt J. There wasn’t room there for both of us.

   I was going to the dentist the whole week, and hadn’t much time to go anywhere else. I went to Dr. J. G. Mcbullock, (?) who lived right close to Aunt Jennie’s and I liked him so much – he was so kind and gentle. He filled my three front teeth for $12.00, and I hadn’t the money to have anything done to my jaw teeth. Two of the cavities he filled were small, but the third tooth he had to make half gold. He extracted the nerve in it, and put in a little bar of platinum to hold the gold. I did not mind the work at all, and everyone was surprised because I did not feel any distaste about going.

It hurt at times, but I just shut my eyes and stood it. I am so glad the work I done, for I’ve been worried about those teeth for a long time.

   I spent Fri. night with Barbara, and Saturday at the Genius’. Had a nice time both places. Mr. Kracke came to see us Wed. night, and was to return Sat. night, but had a meeting to attend Thurs. evening. I went to the Malorey’s, (?)and saw Dora, Hattie, & Paul.

   I learned to go about a good deal by myself, and love to ride in the electric cars. Emma and Estelle Geniro (?) came up Sun. to tell me goodbye, and I left the next morning. I was glad to get out of the City, but I hated to leave the folks, for there’s no telling when I will see them again. Emma is to go to Uncle Henry’s, when her visit to Corinne is over. Leo met me at the train in D’ville (Donalsonville), and it did me good to see him, though he is looking bad. He has those attacks of his heart whenever he exerts himself much. Mama has been suffering with her stomach ever since she returned. The others are well. The new house is so beautiful and large. It is cool and comfortable, and is fixed up nicely. We have a room upstairs, and a nice set of furniture in it. But all looks strange, and I miss the old familiar objects.

Leo’s friends gave him lots of things and Mr. Kock fitted out the dining room and kitchen completely.

   Already I’ve settled down into the old dull, monotonous, routine, and it seems strange after the stirring times I’ve had. I’ve had no way to get to Smiths’ & they’re in the same fix, so I haven’t seen them yet.

Note: When I began reading and transcribing Eva's diary I was expecting an insight into plantation life in the late 1890s. It is true that a good bit of the story is about the life of a young woman living in a house with servants to do most, if not all of the work. But the main theme was mentioned a few paragraphs earlier and will carry through until the last entry on September 30, 1899.

Eva Greenwood Diary Continued

Diary entries of February 13th, 17th, and 18th, 1897.

February 13, 1897 – Saturday

   It didn’t rain yesterday nor today, and this evening I went for a solitary walk in the field. But I couldn’t go far, for it was muddy, and besides I hadn’t walked for long that my legs ached. Yesterday I was right cheerful all day, but this was one of my dark days, and I’ve felt my dependence so much and have been miserable. Then, too, I have not felt well. I want to see my Pard so.

February 17, 1897 – Wednesday

   Poured down rain Sunday and Mon., but the sun came out Tues. today it began clouding up again. I do wish the weather would stay good, so the girls could get over. This evening I took a long walk in the field – Leo says I walked nearly three miles altogether – for I want to get my legs limbered up, so I can walk over home as soon as the roads permit. Besides my health depends on it. I’ve gotten into such a nervous state, and suffer so from my limbs jerking, that I’ve written to Duncan to see if he can help me. Mama is just up from one of her spells.

February 18, 1897 – Thursday

   Felt much better today from yesterday’s walk, and this eve took another, but didn’t go as far, as it was late. I spent most of my time in sewing, so by evening felt the need to exercise. Had a letter from Pard today, and she wants me to go over Sat. So I’ll go, if it doesn’t rain; but, oh! I’m mightily afraid it will. Mr. Gassic is come up that same day. Mama has been feeling miserable all day.

(to be continued)

Diary of Eva E. Greenwood

The Pearl River County Historical Society Museum recently came into possession of a diary written by Eva E. Greenwood in 1897. The diary was written in a 177 page record book as shown in the photo below.

   Eva E. Greenwood was born 12 August 1870 near Pointe Coupee, Louisiana and died June 1967 in Picayune, Mississippi, age 96. Her father was Alfred Johnston Greenwood, who immigrated to the United States from the West Indies and became a naturalized citizen. Her mother was Camilla Stevens, maybe from Yazoo City, Mississippi. She had an older brother, Alfred Lionel Greenwood, born in 1868. According to early 1900s census records, Eva's mother gave birth to six children, only two of which apparently reached adulthood.
   Eva Greenwood was a school teacher in the area of Louisiana known as 'White Castle' for many years. In addition to writing in her journal she was also a prolific reader. The inside back cover lists 45 books she read in 1898. A note at the bottom of the page gives the total books read as 90. A family story indicates she became almost totally blind in her later years.
  Research has not turned up any information about when Eva moved to Picayune, Mississippi or exactly where she lived. Her brother's son, Alfred Lionel Greenwood, Jr. was apparently caring for her in Picayune. The records indicate that he passed away in Picayune in 1973. Since her nephew was a 'sugar chemist' there is some speculation the he may have moved to Picayune with his Aunt Eva to work for Crosby Chemical Company. To date, no evidence has been found to confirm or deny this speculation.
   As the diary is transcribed, excerpts will be posted on this blog, so check back from time to time.

February 7, 1897 -- Sunday

   I’ve been so long without a book that I couldn’t keep up my record and now it’s too late to go back and gather up the threads. In my last book I said I’d write here an account of our moving, but it’s so hard to open old wounds and go over painful scenes. The leaving that old house where the happiest days of my life were passed was the most painful event of my varied life. My heart seemed torn asunder, and I felt I was leaving life, youth, and happiness forever behind me. The last day I was at the house alone, for Mama came over here in the morning, and I was miserable enough. But I had one ray of sunshine – Dodd and Jack Booth came to tell me goodbye, and stayed with me nearly an hour. They hated to go then and leave me alone, but had to go to their work. As they went out, I saw Dodd’s eyes rest on the little gate, where we’ve spent so many happy hours, and I know his thoughts and mine were the same. In the evening when the last things were out of the house, I went to tell everyone goodbye, and then started off alone for this place and a new and strange life. As I turned the key in the door of that dear old house, I felt as if I was locking happiness behind me – shutting myself out into a cold and desolate world.

   Life here is a dreary monotony, a dull and uneventful existence. There is nothing to do, and the bread dependence is hard to eat. Were it not for Mama I would not stay; for while Leo is a s good as he can be, Daisy is nearly always cross and grum, and makes us feel miserable. But Mama is never well, and she is all I have left, so I cannot leave her. Ah! Well, perhaps God will have mercy on the fatherless.

   I always clean up our room myself, so the servants will have nothing to do for us, and I took all the lamps in charge. So I am not perfectly idle.

   We have an upstairs room, and our own things in it, so it is the only part of the house that seems like home, and in it I spend all my time.

   I’ve been over home (that neighborhood will always be home to me) twice, to see the Smith’s. The first time I spent the evening. Anais came home on the 29^th (Fri.) and I went over Sat. and stayed ‘til Tues. evening. It was so good to be there and to have my Pard back again. They were all so good to me, and seem to love me so. I would have stayed longer but was worried about Mama. The children being around me, and Charlie especially was devoted to me. Pard has gotten stout but does not look well. I did not get to see D—alone, for some of the others were with me always, but he was mighty nice to me. Mr. Judice as there Sunday.

  After they brought me back, I was lonelier than ever for a few days. La. was to have come over yesterday, but bad weather prevented. I am longing to see some of them again. When grinding was over, Seaton came to see us, before he returned home. He still writes, and sent me his picture Thurs. It is a splendid one. Miss Julia and Lila were her today.

February 9, 1897 -- Tuesday

   What is there to write about? One day is so like another, that when I’ve written one I’ve written all. Every morning I get up with the determination to conquer my feelings – to be cheerful & hide my discontent, all day it is a hard fight, and every night finds me beaten. Oh! I dare not think; for when I do, I feel as if my very heart will burst. Will I ever know real happiness again? My heart answers “Never.”

   I had a letter from Pard today. She is spending the week in town, as she begins teaching Monday. She says she nearly went crazy Sunday, at the thought that I was not there for her to go see. How many Sundays, and other days too, have I felt the same!

February 11, 1897 -- Thursday 

   Have been dreadfully homesick today; but tonight had a romp with Ivey, and it made me feel better. Leo went to the City today, to see Kracke on business. Somehow I hated to see him go and it has seemed lonely since, without him. Mama has been right sick with a headache. It has been raining all the week, & there is no getting out. I’m pining for a walk. Leo weighed me yesterday & I weighed 93 pounds.

(to be continued)

The USS California at Pearl Harbor

   On the morning of December 7, 1941, California was moored starboard side to Berth F-3 on the southeastern side of Ford Island. California was the southernmost ship along Battleship Row. The ship was undergoing preparations for material inspection and therefore the normally closed watertight doors were open on that fateful morning. At the time of the attack, two of her 5-inch guns and two of her .50-cal. machine guns were designated as ready guns
California sounded general quarters at 0750, and all hands began to man their battle stations and to set Condition Zed. Lt. Cmdr. Marion N. Little, the ship’s first lieutenant, was the senior officer present on board, and immediately took command and ordered the gunners to man their guns, and for the ships company to make preparations to get underway.
   As the gunners opened fire on the Japanese attack planes, a pair of Nakamima B5N torpedo bombers, approached the California and released their torpedoes toward the ship. Both hit the ship, one forward and the other aft. Because of the open doors and manholes the California began to fill with water and list to port 4 to 6 degrees. An order to counter-flood on the starboard side to help counteract the listing to port was given. However, the flooding on the port side continued to spread.
   At 0845 a bomb, believed to have been one of the modified 16-inch (410 mm) armor-piercing shells, struck on the starboard side. The bomb penetrated the upper deck, ricocheted off the second deck and detonated in the interior of the ship, causing extensive damage and killing about 50 men. The flooding continued and the California settled into the mud of the harbor.
   In the course of the attack, 98 men were killed and 61 were wounded. One of the sailors wounded was Seaman 1c Charles H. Byrd of Pearl River County Mississippi. Seaman Byrd enlisted in the Navy on 17 June 1941 and following basic training was received on board the California on 14 August 1941. Following the attack he was transferred  to the U. S. Naval Hospital -- Pearl Harbor where he remained until transferred back to the California on 28 February 1942. While he was in the hospital, the hull was patched, water pumped out and the ship finally re-floated on 25 March 1942.
   Charles continued in service with the California as the ship was repaired and moved out of dry dock under it own power and remained in port until 10 October 1942. Departing Pearl Harbor, the California met the destroyer Gansevoort at sea and the two vessels proceeded to Puget Sound, where the California would undergo major repairs and renovations, returning to service in the Marshall Islands on 8 June 1944.
   On 30 March 1944 Charles Byrd transferred to the newly commissioned Patrol Craft Escort, USS PCE (R) 848 with the rank of BM2c. The navy converted the hospital space on the PCE ships to communications centers and the USS PCE (R) 848 sailed to Hollandia, New Guinea in late September 1944. The ship was damaged by a horizonal bomber (kamikaze) on 27 October 1944. The ship was present in Tokyo Bay during the surrender ceremony in September 1945. Returning home at the end of the war, Charles Byrd was a survivor of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the kamikaze attacks on the American Navy at the close of the war. [1] [2]


[1]  (https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/c/california-v.html). Dictionary of American Naval fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
[2]Fold3.com. Retrieved 15 May 2019.

Kanteen Girls of Picayune

Kanteen Girls Enjoy Voyage on S.S. President[1]  

   “The finale for Kanteen Picayune took place in New Orleans last Saturday night with several Kanteen girls and their guests attending. Nine Kanteen girls attended this function, as follows:

Acel Ross Mitchell, director; Sue Goodwin, assistant director; Mary Jane Moore, first lieutenant; Marie Smith, second lieutenant; and Margret Bently, Bobbie Skinner, Virginia Wells, Marion Rowell and Lenore Ross.”

   The Kanteen Girls of Picayune were young ladies, sponsored by the City of Picayune and who worked with the USO organization during World War II. They provided social events and entertainment for the soldiers during the war. Many of the events the Kanteen Girls participated in were held at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg. It is also rumored that the Kanteen Girls participated in a talent show for the German and Italian POW’s at Hillcrest. The rumor has neither been confirmed or denied.

---

[1] Picayune Item, July 4, 1946, Vol. XLII, No. 27, page 1