Wordless Wednesday

A Sign of the Times

Searching City Directories from Greenville, Greenville, SC, I found my Great-Aunt and Uncle, F. N. "Tootsie" (Albea) and Doyle L. Clary in a number of volumes. In the 1943-44 volume I saw that Uncle Doyle's occupation had changed. In previous years, he had been listed as a worker at Brandon Mill, but now his occupation was "USA" (though his wife did still work for Brandon).

I showed the listing to my mom, who immediately said that it must stand for United States Army! She then pointed out others on the page listed with "USN" (Navy). I checked my files and, sure enough, Uncle Doyle joined the Army on 6 Oct 1942 at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC.

I then noticed how very many men in the directory had USA, USN or USMC listed as their occupation. With WWII well under way at this point, it makes sense that so many men would be in the military - but it's another thing to look through a city directory and see the names of those men (and women). So many! It really shows how many folks were affected by the war and makes me wonder how life in this town was affected. I wonder how a person might feel to be looking through the directory and see their spouse's name listed with there own, while they were actually half-way around the world. It makes me sad to think of it.

In the abbreviations section, the different military abbreviations are listed, though I imagine no one would have needed to look up these particular abbreviations at the time!

Also, under "U" (United States Government), interested individuals could find out where to sign up for their military unit of choice and find the listing of the local Army Air Force Base.

And proof of World War II wasn't limited just to official government and civilian listing. Throughout the directory, there was proof of the war effort in advertisements. Patriotism was at an all time high, and you could "take a direct part in building the defenses of your country" by purchasing War Bonds, "needed so urgently for Victory."

Images and information from Hill’s Greenville (Greenville County, SC) City Directory 1943-1944, Hill Directory Co., Inc., Richmond, VA., Ancestry.com

My Great-Uncle, Doyle Clary, passed away on 19 January 2008. His obituary:

The Greenville News: 01-21-2008
“Doyle L. Clary
Greenville

Doyle L. Clary, 86, of Greenville, died at his home on January 19, 2008, following an extended illness.

Born in Greenville, he was the husband of Frances Albea Clary and a son of the late Shuman Luke and Mattie Allison Clary.

He was a member of Brandon Baptist Church for 51 years, where he served as a deacon and the director of the Joy Group. He was employed by Brandon Mill for 41 years and Brandon Baptist Church for 15 years. He was a volunteer with the Woodside Crisis Center.

Mr. Clary was affiliated with the Southern Textile Tournament for 50 years and the ASA Umpire Association for 40 years. He was a US Army Veteran, having served in World War II.

Surviving in addition to his loving wife of 66 years are two daughters, Linda M. Pannell of Greenwood, Tracey Ligon and her husband, Richard, of Greenville; a son, Ray Clary and his wife, Sandra, of Easley; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Clary was predeceased by three brothers and a sister.

Visitation will be at 6-7:30 p.m., Monday, January 21, 2008, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest.

Funeral Services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at the funeral home, with burial in Graceland West Cemetery.

Reverend Wilton Maxwell and Reverend Clyde Wright will be in charge of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brandon Baptist Church, 16 Calder Street, Greenville, SC 29611.

The family will be at the home at -----.”