The

Gerald and Barbara Dowdy Collection

Processed by Joan Cannon 2013

Memphis and Shelby County Room Memphis Public Library and Information Center 3030 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38111

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTES GERALD AND BARBARA DOWDY COLLECTION

The Gerald and Barbara Dowdy Collection was donated to the Memphis and Shelby County Room in January, 2013 by G. Wayne Dowdy. Comprising one 2 ½ inch box, the collection contains letters written by Gerald McLain Dowdy to his wife, Barbara Ann Nance Dowdy, and his parents John and Lucile Dowdy while he was on active duty with the Tennessee Army National Guard from October 1960 to July 1963. Also included in the collection are a letter and postcard to Barbara Ann Nance Dowdy from Myra Gale Brown Lewis, wife of rock ‘n’ roll performer Jerry Lee Lewis, as well as photographs and other miscellaneous items. The Gerald and Barbara Dowdy Collection provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of a soldier during the Cold War years of the early 1960s. The letters chronicle many of Dowdy’s day-to-day activities during Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and while he was on active duty at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Fort Stewart, Georgia. Gerald M. Dowdy was born on October 17, 1942 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Moving to Memphis with his parents during World War II, Dowdy joined the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 115th Field Artillery Regiment, 30th Armored Division in July 1960 after graduating from Whitehaven High School. Achieving the rank of first sergeant, he served on active duty at several posts including Camp Shelby in Mississippi and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Later he served in the Army Reserve where he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal. In a letter to his wife written in July, 1963 he described a typical day in an artillery regiment: “I fired 61 rounds at the forward position, the others fired 88 rounds. We went tactical at 1700 (5:00 PM) today and will be tactical until tomorrow at 1700. Tactical means no lights (I’m using a flashlight to write by)...no noise, wearing helmet, gas mask, rifle, canteen, first aid pouch and raincoat. Well, the capt. just came in and said to turn out my light.” Barbara Ann Nance Dowdy was born in Ripley, Mississippi on July 3, 1943 to William Herbert and Lurline Griffin Nance. As a young girl Barbara Nance Dowdy relocated to Memphis where she graduated from South Side High School in 1962. In addition to raising her sons Gerald Wayne and William Johnathan, Barbara Dowdy worked as a legal secretary for 24 years before her death on November 8, 2010. Researchers interested in the Cold War and Memphis during the 1960s will also want to consult the Jerry Lee Lewis, Everett R. Cook Oral History, John William McAfee, Hunter Lane, Jr., Marvin and Mary Bazemore and Memphians during War collections which are also housed in the Memphis and Shelby County Room.

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CONTAINER LIST

Box One

Folder 1 Items 10 Correspondence October – December 1960

Folder 2 Items 14 Correspondence January – February 1961

Folder 3 Items 4 Correspondence May 20, 1961

Folder 4 Items 7 Correspondence July 15 – 18, 1962

Folder 5 Items 9 Correspondence July 20 – 25, 1962

Folder 6 Items 3 Correspondence July 1963

Folder 7 Items 8 Miscellaneous Items

Folder 8 Items 12 Photographs

GERALD AND BARBARA DOWDY COLLECTION

BOX 1

Folder 1 Items 10 Correspondence October – December 1960

October 26, 1960 To: Miss Barbara Nance, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Columbia, South Carolina

Received your letter today. Surprised to hear from you. Won’t get to come home until Christmas. I get a pass every weekend and go to my Grandmama’s. Heard about Westside High School goofing up and glad to hear South Side is winning, but not really. Begin our work after exercising and eating. Went through the infiltration course and have been in two parades. My rank is corporal and I am a squad leader in charge of eleven other goof- offs. Don’t forget to write and tell everybody hello. With envelope cover stamped October 27, 1960, Columbia, South Carolina. (2 items)

November 13, 1960 To: Miss Barbara Nance, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill, Oklahoma

Did not answer sooner because I was in the field. I will have two weeks off at Christmas and will be out of the army March 10, 1961. Would like to WHS and South Side play. Hope you’ll win the championship. Have to be ready for inspection any time of the day or night. Have a nice day room with pool tables, shuffleboard, ping pong tables, television, etc. Will go to school for six to eight weeks and then assigned to a battle group. Tell everybody hello, especially the girls. With envelope cover stamped November 14, 1960, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. (2 items)

November 26, 1960 To: Miss Barbara Nance, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill,, Oklahoma

Glad to receive your letter yesterday. Presently I am at the guard house (where the guys on guard stay). Walk two hours and then off for four hours. Goes on for twenty-four hours. Had a nice Thanksgiving dinner including the trimmings. Hope to be in Memphis the twenty-second or twenty-third and will ride the train. Tell Donald , Charlie and Tommy to write. Close by saying, “I’m thinking of you. With envelope cover stamped November 28, 1960, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. (2 items)

Barbara Ann Nance, 1962

December 10, 1960 To: Miss Barbara Nance, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill, Oklahoma Glad to hear from you. Got through our weekly inspection by four lieutenants and passed. It is now snowing. Also been raining and sleeting for the last four days. Were out in the field yesterday and almost froze. Snow is falling harder now and is beginning to stick. The temperature is thirty-four degrees. Had a test yesterday morning and made ninety-six. Will get home on the twenty-second. Tell everybody hello. With envelope cover stamped December 18, 1960, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

December 11, 1960 To: Miss Barbara Nance, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill, Oklahoma Glad to hear from you. Hope it doesn’t snow until January 5, because if conditions are bad out here they won’t let us take our leave. Snowed Tuesday night and covered the ground completely. Rough week for classes. Had three exams this week. Were in the field all day yesterday. In less than five days I’ll be home. Will give you a picture of me in uniform when I get home. Be good and I’ll see you in five days. With envelope cover stamped December 12, 1960, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Private Gerald M. Dowdy

Folder 2 Items 14 Correspondence January – February 1961

January 4, 1961 To: Miss Barbara Nance, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill, Oklahoma (Artillery & Guided Missile Center) Arrived this afternoon. Bus was late. Went into town with friends and saw the movie, “Where The Boys Are”, starring Connie Francis. Came straight back to the barracks. Did you miss me not calling and arguing with you? I was kinda mean to you, but I was just aggravating you. I like you a lot and hope you feel the same. Hated to tell you good bye. Thinking of you always and waiting on your letter. With envelope cover stamped January 5, 1961, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

January 12, 1961 To: Miss Barbara Nance, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill, Oklahoma (Artillery & Guided Missile Center) Received your letter today. Before I left Memphis I thought you did care a little bit, but it seems you don’t. Sorry to hear Larry and Sandra had picked up our habit of arguing. Have just five more days in this Battery. Shipping the 20th to the Sixth Battallion. Grade dropped to eighty-eight today. Did you pass your exams? Saw the picture, “Mr. Roberts”, last night and “Where The Boys Are” last week. Some friends and I plan to go to Oklahoma City for the weekend if we get our Class A pass, if not we’ll go to Lawton. We were put on red alert about 4:30 this afternoon and stay ready until taken off or shipped out. I’m sorry if I have written anything to make you mad. If you do not plan to write me anymore, drop me line and let me know. With envelope cover stamped January 13, 1961, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

January 22, 1961 To: Miss Barbara Nance, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill, Oklahoma (Battery “A”, 6th TNG. BN., USATG-FA) Received your letter today. I’ve been shipped to a new outfit and in the last phase of training. I have just six more weeks of training. Our equipment is packed and ready in case of an emergency. We get passes when we’re not on alert or in the field. Told yesterday we would leave on March 3rd and go to the transfer point and be on our way home the next morning. With envelope cover stamped January 25, 1961, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

January 24, 1961 To: Mr. & Mrs. John M. Dowdy, 2711 Merle, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill, Oklahoma (Battery “A”, 6th TNG. BN., USATG-FA) Received Mama’s letter with my income tax return and money. Signed and mailed it tonight. Will send money home when I get paid. Hope Daddy finds a job and gets to make some good time. Hope you get to work more. It was warm yesterday, but this morning it turned cold and the wind was blowing. Started first class in communications this afternoon. Friends and I went to the gym Sunday afternoon and played basketball. Tell everybody hello and to write. With envelope cover stamped January 25, 1961, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. February 11, 1961 To: Miss Barbara Nance, 609 E. Dempster, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill, Oklahoma (Battery “A”, 6th TNG. BN., USATG-FA) Received your letter a few days ago. Also received a letter from Tommy on Thursday. Friends are staying at the Hotel Lawtonian this weekend. Got off yesterday afternoon because our Captain thought we looked sharp in a parade. Weather is warm. Last Sunday it snowed. Glad that you decided to write me. Going to go see “Flaming Star”, starring Elvis. With envelope stamped February 11, 1961.

February 11, 1961 To: Mr. & Mrs. John M. Dowdy, 2711 Merle, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill, Oklahoma (Battery “A”, 6th TNG. BN., USATG-FA) Received a letter from Mama yesterday and Thursday. Hope both of you are getting to work. Marched in a parade honoring the commanding general of the fourth army. Did real well, so our Captain let us have today off. Picked up passes after five. Eight of us came into town and rented a room in the nicest hotel. It cost $4.59 a night for a nice single room with bath and a free radio. Didn’t go to the field yesterday because of snow and iced over roads. Going to rent a car with five more boys in which to come home. It’ll be faster and more comfortable than a bus. Or you could come out here and pick me up and we could look around. I’ll pay the expenses. Talk it over and tell me what you think.

February 16, 1961 To: Mr. & Mrs. John M. Dowdy, 2711 Merle, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill, Oklahoma Thanks a lot for the card. First chance I had to write. I got to drive the other commo truck yesterday afternoon. I am at the laundry. Washed my field jacket, because we’ve have guard duty tomorrow and tomorrow night. I’ll be released in the afternoon of March 3rd. Have you’ll decided if you are coming or not. Hope Daddy got that job. Sorry to hear about Mr. Ellen. Tell him I said I hope he gets along fine if you see him again. If you can afford it, send me about ten stamps.

February 17, 1961 To: Mr. & Mrs. John M. Dowdy, 2711 Merle, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill, Oklahoma (Battery “A”, 6th TNG. BN. USATG-FA) Received Mama’s letter with the money in it today. Thanks a lot. I sure did need it. I’m on guard duty at the airport. Will check further about renting a car. Glad to hear that Daddy and you were working and make some good time. Glad to here that you’re having nice weather. Tornado warnings are out for us. With envelope stamped February 17, 1961.

February 18, 1961 To: Mr. & Mrs. John M. Dowdy, 2711 Merle, Memphis, Tennessee From: Private Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Sill, Oklahoma (Battery “A”, 6th TNG. BN. USATG-FA) Received Mama’s letter today. Glad you decided to come out. I’ll get out of the Army on March 4. Ask for the transfer point. There is a parking lot directly across from it. Real glad to hear that you’ll were working. Turned real cold while we were working guard last night. Hope it warms up before we go to the field Monday. Going to Wichita Falls, Texas with friends in a minute. See you’ll in about thirteen days. With envelope stamped February 20, 1961.

Folder 3 Items 4 Correspondence May 20, 1961

To: Miss Barbara Nance, 609 E. Dempster, Memphis, Tennessee From: Myra Gale Brown Lewis, 50th on the Lake Motel, Chicago, Illinois Didn’t get to call you before we left but we had planned to leave Friday. Tuesday night Jerry called and we left Wednesday morning. Chicago is some BIG! Everyone is still in their winter clothes. Almost everything I bought is white. I stick out like a sore thumb. Jerry has gone to play his last show at the Ritz Theatre. Planning on leaving Monday. Call me on Tuesday afternoon and I’ll tell you all about Chicago. With envelope stamped May 20, 1961, Chicago, Illinois.

Postcard – 50th on the Lake Motel, from Myra.

Folder 4 Items 7 Correspondence July 15 – 18, 1962

July 15, 1962 To: Miss Barbara Nance, 609 E. Dempster, Memphis, Tennessee From: Spec. 4 Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (30th Armd. Div. TNG) Can’t get back to civilization until Saturday. Will try and sneak out and call you one night. It’s hot and dusty here. Forgive my sloppy writing because I’m writing by moonlight. Our tents are already set up and have not eaten as yet. Don’t forget me since I didn’t call. Miss you. Don’t forget that I love you. With envelope stamped July 17, 1962.

July 16, 1962 To: Miss Barbara Nance, 609 E. Dempster, Memphis, Tennessee From: Spec. 4 Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (30th Armd. Div. TNG) Had a rough day. I was on KP duty. Took trash to the dump and went to the nearest service station and called you. I felt better after I walked to you. Got to take a shower tonight. The water comes from a creek. I got to hit the sack, since I’m teaching a class tomorrow. Don’t forget me and write me everyday. With envelope (stamped date is not legible).

July 17, 1962 To: Miss Barbara Nance, 609 E. Dempster, Memphis, Tennessee From: Spec. 4 Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (30th Armd. Div. TNG) Can’t use any light tonight. Have been firing since 7:00 this morning. I’ve got to get my gas mask and start wearing it. It is warm in the daytime and cool at night. Hope to get a letter from you at mail call. Have to go back to work. I’ll write longer tomorrow. With envelope stamped July 19, 1962.

Gerald Dowdy and Barbara Nance

July 18, 1962 To: Miss Barbara Nance, 609 E. Dempster, Memphis, Tennessee From: Spec. 4 Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (30th Armd. Div. TNG) Have to fire again tonight. Didn’t start firing until about 10:00 and stopped about 11:45. Tonight we fire 2 missions. Just finished cleaning my weapon and watched paratroopers jump. Should have brought a pair of long johns to sleep in. Disappointed I did not receive a letter from you. Please write me, it means a lot. Please write me everyday. (No envelope.)

Gerald Dowdy and Barbara Nance, South Side High School Prom, 1962

Folder 5 Items 9 Correspondence July 20 – 25, 1962

July 17, 1962 To: Miss Barbara Nance, 609 E. Dempster, Memphis, Tennessee From: Spec. 4 Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (30th Armd. Div. TNG) Sorry I haven’t written, but I’ve been busy. Received three letters yesterday and one today. Glad to get your letters and enjoyed talking to you Saturday night. A buddy and I agreed to stay out here, so we would not have to take down the big tent. Tomorrow is our last day in the field. Have 101 rounds to fire. It’s been raining two hours, not hard but steady. Still haven’t found my money. It seems like I just can’t get ahead, but as long as I have you, I’m satisfied. It won’t be too long before I’ll be home. One of the officers got struck on the boot by a snake, but it didn’t hurt him. Some of the mosquitoes out here are big as half-dollars. I’ll close and go to bed to try and get some sleep. Please don’t forget me. (No envelope.)

July 19, 1962 To: Miss Barbara Nance, 609 E. Dempster, Memphis, Tennessee From: Spec. 4 Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (30th Armd. Div. TNG) When you receive this letter, I’ll be on my way home if you receive this letter on Saturday. Be home Saturday about 5:00 and have to leave about 6:00 on Sunday afternoon. I was on guard duty after I mailed your letter. When I wasn’t on guard duty, I was catching up on my sleep. Got out of firing, because I was on duty. Hope to find a good job, so that we can get married as soon as possible. I’ll close by saying, “I love you.” With envelope stamped July 20, 1962.

July 23, 1962 To: Miss Barbara Nance, 609 E. Dempster, Memphis, Tennessee From: Spec. 4 Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (30th Armd. Div. TNG) Received your letter. I’m in Dover, Tennessee. Phillip, a Sergeant, and I came to town for ice and stopped to eat and write at a café. People are staring because we are in our fatigues. Worked my rear end off. I dug two holes and the ground was like concrete. Storm warnings are out for this afternoon. Tell your step-grandmother and the rest of our family “Hello.” Call Mama and Daddy and let them know I’m alright. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be alright. I’ll call you one night this week. With envelope stamped July 24, 1964.

July 24, 1962 To: Miss Barbara Nance, 609 E. Dempster, Memphis, Tennessee From: Spec. 4 Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (30th Armd. Div. TNG) Just came back from the mail clerk with your letter. Had to stand guard over a road, we’re firing over and stop all vehicles. Stopped a jeep and saw a boy I hadn’t seen since basic training. Some crazy nut in a tank almost ran over me. Got KP tomorrow, but don’t mind. The time will pass quicker. Just started raining. Can usually sleep if it’s raining. Will get married as soon as I can find a good job. We’re having some entertainment tonight. The movie, Rebel Without A Cause, is being shown tonight. See you on Sunday. With envelope stamped July 25, 1962.

July 25, 1962 To: Miss Barbara Nance, 609 E. Dempster, Memphis, Tennessee From: Spec. 4 Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (30th Armd. Div. TNG) I’m on KP. Got everything ready for supper. I got your letter from the mail clerk. Don’t ever say that you’re afraid that I don’t love you, because I do. Love you more than anybody. Don’t believe that Sandra and Harold will ever get married. Believe that Sandra is using him. Didn’t have our movie last night, because it rained. Convoy is leaving at eight o’clock on Sunday morning. Be home on Sunday morning. I’ll come straight to your house and get you. Have to go back to the Army at 3:30 and help unload trucks when the convoy arrives. Call Mama and Daddy tell them news, so they won’t worry. Don’t forget to dream about me. I’ll see you Sunday. With envelope stamped July 26, 1962.

Folder 6 Items 3 Correspondence July 1963

No letter, only envelope stamped July 8, 1963?

July 9, 1963 To: Mrs. Gerald M. Dowdy, 2161 Monroe, Apt. #4, Memphis, Tennesssee From: Spec. 4 Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Stewart, Georgia (30th Armd. Div. TNG) Received your letter today. I went out again early this morning and came back in this afternoon late. Rained three different times on the way back. Fired 61 rounds at the forward position. Went tactical at 5:00 pm today and will be tactical until tomorrow at 5:00 am. I writing to you by flashlight. Please try not to worry and be careful. I’ll write tomorrow night. With envelope stamped July 10, 1963.

July 10, 1963 To: Mrs. Gerald M. Dowdy, 2161 Monroe, Apt. #4, Memphis, Tennessee From: Spec. 4 Gerald M. Dowdy, Fort Stewart, Georgia (30th Armd. Div. TNG) Didn’t get a letter from you today. I miss you more than ever. Wish you were here. I love you so much. Not much news. Had a short round fall in close to us today, but it was further away than it sounded. Not anything to write. I’ll write Friday night, because we have a night move lasting until midnight tomorrow. May call Sunday afternoon. With envelope stamped July 11, 1963.

Folder 7 Items 8 Miscellaneous Items Whitehaven High School. Baccalaureate Service. May 29, 1960. Program.

Whitehaven High School, 67th Commencement, May 30, 1960. Program. (Gerald McLain Dowdy) n. s., n. d. “Barbara Ann Nance To Be Wed May 10.” Wedding announcement. (2 copies)

Short description about a childhood memory when living on James Street in the summer of 1952. (Barbara Nance)

Obituary for Mrs. Barabara Ann Nance Dowdy. Commercial Appeal, November 10, 2010.

Newsbank. Obituary for Mrs. Barbara Ann Nance Dowdy. (website)

Commercial Appeal, April 10, 2011. “Nothing Left Unsaid During Mother’s Brave Struggle.” (By G. Wayne Dowdy)

Newsbank. Commercial Appeal, April 10, 2011. “Nothing Left Unsaid During Mother’s Brave Struggle.” (By G. Wayne Dowdy) (website)

Private Gerald M. Dowdy

Folder 8 Items 12 Photographs

1 photograph – Gerald M. Dowdy in graduation gown, May 1960.

1 photograph – Gerald M. Dowdy, basic training, South Carolina, August 1960.

1 photograph – Gerald M. Dowdy, basic training photo, 1960

1 photograph – Gerald M. Dowdy, 115th Field Artillery Regiment

1 photograph – Barbara Ann Nance, Senior Portrait, 1962

1 photograph – Gerald Dowdy and Barbara Nance, South Side High School Prom, 1962

1 photograph – Barbara Nance wedding shower, 1963

1 photograph – Gerald and Barbara Dowdy, Oakville Memorial Baptist Church, May 1963

1 photograph – Gerald and Barbara Dowdy, Oakville Memorial Baptist Church, May 1963

2 photographs – Gerald and Barbara Dowdy, Oakville Memorial Baptist Church, May 1963

1 photograph – Gerald and Barbara Dowdy, Oakville Memorial Baptist Church, May 1963

1 photograph – Gerald Dowdy and Barbara Nance, March 1963

Gerald M. and Barbara N. Dowdy