The Unforgettable Years : a Record of the Activities of the First
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DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/unforgettableyeaOOmatt_0 The Unforgettable Years by Clara Pugh Matthis Div.Sch. 285.1756 U561W DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THE UNFORGETTABLE YEARS by CLARA PUGH MATTHIS A Record of the Activities of the First Presbyterian Church Durham, North Carolina, During the War Years, 1941 -- 1945° 3 / cl2 Y 5. (7 5k u q it \*\Ml DEDICATION To the Nation's Finest the Service Men of the First Presbyterian Church both sons and visitors, this volume is affectionately dedicated. Getting into it. Everything has a beginning and it is an old custom to have an introduction: While to those familiar with the war work of the First Presby- terian Church this book needs no introduction, there are others to whom its title will have little or no meaning, so for their benefit a brief explanation is in order. There were a number of friends who beguiled me in to writing this story. Their arguments were that while I was con- stantly on the scene of action I could give them an eye witness account of the work done by the First Presbyterian Church for Service men in those epochal years 19^1-19^5° For the past year as I have worked long but pleasant hours on this Manuscript I have forgiven them, but I have also realiz- ed that writing is a profession and it is not mine, however in- stead of attempting to acquire a literary style I have tried to tell in an informal way of our efforts for the Service men. To revive memories dear to many of us, to reflect the spirit with which we worked. Also to recount interesting events and to recreate the atmosphere as far as possible in which they occurred. In writing I have mentioned many persons who assisted in the program. There were many others without whose assistance we could not have carried on and whose names are not mentioned, but whose services are warmly remembered and deeply appreciated- however those who contributed to the success of our work really need no words of mine, for they have their reward in the joy of their service and in the knowledge of a job well done. Throughout the book there are many letters - to those who wonder why I use them, let me say that this book would never have been written were it not for the large number of letters from persons more important than the author. In this instance the scripture text is reversed; the letter giveth life. For verily those letters were a "bright interlude" amid the darkness, keeping our spirits and our hopes high and our faith verdant, infusing life into the entire program. Clara P. Mat this « „ Acknowledgements Many new words were coined or perhaps it would be more accurate to say "expressions were coined "during the war - Such as "Ground Forces," which designated those men who aspired to fly, nevertheless stayed on the ground and kept the wheels oiled, the machinery in order and were most essential to every flight made and every air battle won., So it is with those who kept the "home fires burning," working indefatigably on the home front, while they too longed to do something more glamorous and excitingo Our members were leaders in the Civilian Defense Program, which was recognized as the most efficient in the country; in The Red Cross and all of its branches of Service-such as Canteen, Surgical dressing, Sewing Room, Transportation and Home service Many of our women took the course and qualified as Gray Ladies, giving a day each week to the hospital at Camp Butner,, The American woman's volunteer Services, was led and largely staffed by members of this church, they acted as hostesses at the U.S.O,; chaperoned groups of girls to dances at Camp Butner; sold War Bonds; served on the Draft Board, and assisted in registering men for the various drafts 0 Indeed we might continue indefinitely, listing their deeds for so many and praise worthy were the services which our members rendered during the war 0 But that is another story which will perhaps be written someday, and which we hope will do justice to that great civilian army the "Ground Forces „" This is merely an acknowledgement of their splendid con- tribution to our Defense Program, and a passing tribute to their sacrificial service After completing the Manuscript I ask Douglas Morehead whose journalistic experience and ability are only exceeded by her kindness - to give it the benefit of her "Master Touch." And then Dr„ C, S. Sydnor cast his kindly approving eye over the whole and suggested a few changes which I am sure have added to the effectiveness of the work and for which I am most grateful. As for the preparation of this book, my indebtedness to my friends "the Business Women" for their stenographic assistance in giving of their time and talents they made possible the several typings necessary before the manuscript was ready for the printer. Zoe Young, Clara Murray, Virginia Antrim, Betty Rogers, Marjorie Scarlett, Julia Tilley, Aurelia Dukes. In all stages of preparation for the printer the contribu- tion of Marie Penny, who spent long hours typing the original draft is also valued. While acknowledging special services in connection with this volume, I cannot fail to say that it never could have been pre- pared without the encouragement and approval of the Session and the full cooperation of the Board of Deacons. Finally, the author wishes to record her debt of gratitude to Dr. Regen who helped and sustained her at every stage of its formation; contributing ideas and suggestions. Also, for his many stimulating, illuminating discussions concerning the book and for encouragement to place on paper its contents. Now for fear of an omission the author desires to express her sincere and grateful thanks to all those who assisted in the completion of this book. CONTENTS Page Camp Butner Opens 6 Divisions ................. ...... 18 They Come and Go 30 They Also Serve Who Wait 34 Youth Activities ...............a.............. 39 Aspects and Phases of '44 and '45 43 Correspondence ................................ 48 Th 6 P X 000000000,0 00000000000000000000000000000 6 0 E !X. |D 0 IT* 1 G .Ci C S 0000000 ooooooooeso^oooooooooooooeo 6(3 Unique Services . .............................. 80 Our Own Service Men.... 82 Records of Honor 87 In Memoriam. 129 MANEUVERS It was in the fall of ' 4l , when the First and Fourth Array Corps came to the sandhill area of North Carolina on maneuvers, that we had our initiation in entertaining "soldiers", as they were called in that day. These young men, giving a year of service to their country, literally poured into our city over the weekends and were received so cordially that "Southern hospitality" ceased to be just a phrase and became a reality to those who had come to the South for the first time. While the visitors did not find the traditional Southern plan- tations with white Colonial mansions - much of the material splen- dor of the old South having passed away - they did find the tradi- tional Southern spirit still very much alive. And they responded to it as evidenced by the fulsome praises, which if not entirely sin- cere showed that they had lost no time in adopting Southern ways,, Nowhere else, they said, had they been received so cordially; in no other state had they been helped along the way by automobile rides or given the freedom of homes as in North Carolina. Greensboro, ac- cording to one man, was a "soldier's heaven" - a remark which imme- diately aroused the greeneyed monster in our bosom, nor did -it sub- side until they said even nicer things about us, the First Presby- terian Church of Durham. But we worked for our plaudits - we, our Church that is, imme- diately assumed responsibility for placing fifty men in the homes of its members for each week-end during that period. We entertained from seventy to one hundred fifty guests at supper in the church house on Saturday evenings. We set up extra beds in the Prophet's Chamber and guest rooms, so eight could be slept in our building, then we always had gracious hostesses wait- ing in the vestibule after church to take our guest home for dinner. This sometimes brought on housekeeping dilemmas, for the soldiers traveled in tribal fashion, so when four men were invited by one hostess she often found herself taking six home. But every one from children to grandmothers clamored for soldiers - the more the mer- rier - even if food ran short. However the Saturday nights were the real gala events. We had plenty of food - the day of ration points was yet to come. We had girls, perhaps not always enough to go around, but at least a suf- ficient number to give the feminine touch. "The Parson" was always present, and extended a cordial greet- ing to the men. "You are all welcome here", he said, "and we want you to have a good time. We'll have another affair like this next 1 . Saturday and we hope you will come back, and if you haven't a place to stay let us know and we will arrange for you to be a guest in one of our homes for overnight and dinner tomorrow." After supper a friendly familiarity prevailed as some played games, and others gathered about the piano for singing. Conversa- tion, however, seemed to head the list in entertainment; good na- tured jibes were exchanged; some engaged in heated discussions as controversial subjects arose, but always with a lively, intelligent patriotism.