In my new batch of photos, I found another photograph in the #160 series that I showed in my last post, here. I didn’t notice, until after I posted this photo a few minutes ago, that there were words on the building, “Levy Bros.” “Falls City Ferry and Transportation Co.” Looking at the landscape, behind the ferry and building, I saw a distant shore. No longer looked like Athens, TN! Which is why I deleted that post and started looking things up.
I googled “Falls City Ferry and Transportation Co.” and found this entry in ‘The Encyclopedia of Louisville’ page 286. “The last ferry operation was between Louisville and Jeffersonville. The original company, facing difficult competition from electric interurban car service over the Big Four Bridge beginning in 1905, was reorganized as the Falls City Ferry and Transportation Co. in December 1920, with David B.G. Rose as principal shareholder. Among the minority shareholders was Harland D. Sanders, later of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame. Though the passenger load declined through the 1920’s vehicular traffic increased as automobiles proliferated. There was as yet no vehicular bridge between Louisville and Jeffersonville. Fares were low. During the 1920’s pedestrians were carried for five cents. Once aboard they could ride all day for that modest fee.”
Louisville is not on the Detroit, MI to Athens, TN route. It is on the route from Athens, TN to Indianapolis, IN, where Uncle Hugh Reed still lived. In fact, I have a photograph of my father and his brothers taken with Uncle Hugh’s sons, perhaps on the same trip. In this photo we have front row, Henry and Hugh Cleage. In the back row, Albert Cleage (my father), Hugh Reed Jr, Thomas Reed and Louis Cleage. About 1921 in Indianapolis, IN. My father is wearing the same outfit.
This is another memory from the December 1990 Ruff Draft, a family newsletter we put out for 5 years. My daughter Ayanna interviewed my Uncle Henry and wrote this from the interview. The photo was probably taken several years earlier than the memory. It was taken by the house on Scotten on the old west side of Detroit about 1925.
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Henry Cleage remembers when his Aunt Gertrude won a nice new shiny bike. He just knew she would give it to him for Christmas. On Christmas Eve he was sitting in the living room with his father after the younger kids had gone to bed. His father said, “Henry, go over to your Aunt’s and get that bike … for Hugh.” Henry thought he would never enjoy Christmas again, but that after seeing Hugh so happy with the bike he decided it was all worth it. Even so he said that Christmas was never the same for him. It had lost some of the magic.
“After all,” said George, waving his drink around impressively, “a rolling stone is worth two bushes.” He finished his drink and swaggered to the couch and sat down.
This bit of logic gave our little party pause. For who could deny it? George and his wife, Vel, Louis and his wife, Melba, and I and my wife, Barbara, and Paul and his girl, Gloria, were gathered together, as was our custom on Saturday nights at George’s house. It had started out like an enjoyable evening. Plenty of liquor and good friends. But then somehow the conversation wiggled around to the girls’ favorite topic. To wit: Why Gloria should not marry Paul. Of course we fellows had a position to defend and we argued, to wit: vice versa.
You see the argument wasn’t really about Gloria and Paul. We all knew they would marry as soon as she graduated from Wayne U. this coming June. The girls just used this discussion as an excuse to get their licks in concerning our husbandly weaknesses.
Like what Barbara said, “How can she marry him?” she shrieked, “always buying boats and fishing poles and shotguns and going away for two months vacations. He’ll never save any money.”
This boat business was their latest and most intense beef. We four fellows had bought a small cabin cruiser together. Everything was fine when we all dressed up in yachting caps and cruised along the Lake Shore Drive and around the Belle Isle Bridge. But when we started going up into the lakes fishing, the girls suddenly tired of the sport. Besides no one could recognize them from the bridge anyway.
And so as the liquor flowed, our little party grew tense. Just like the last weeks’ party and the one before that. Everyone was swelling up. Faces were getting that strained look. Cords were standing out in the girls’ necks as they screamed their illogical accusations. The more they drank, the louder and higher they shouted and also vice versa. They weren’t the sweet little girls we used to know.
We men, I realized, were nowhere. We had logic, truth and compassion on our side. The girls had volume. And what availeth logic against a woman’s hard breathing, shrill and rasping emotional tantrum? I was drinking to escape when George dropped his atom bomb amongest them. You could almost hear the air escaping from their sails.
“I repeat,” said George, pressing home his point, “A rolling stone is worth two bushes.” He blew out a cloud of cigarette smoke. “Even with moss on them,” he added.
The girls looked dazed. Gloria sniffed her drink. She wasn’t married yet.
“Umm,” said Melba pointedly.
Ah,” said Barbara shrewdly.
“Huh?” said Paul. He wasn’t married yet either.
“Of course, as you say,” George continued thoughtfully, “it’s better to have loved and lost, than never the twain shall meet.” He poured himself a drink and I noticed that his hand was shaking. It was strong medicine that he was using, but the case called for it.
“Yeah,” said I.
“Yeah,” said Louis.
“Huh,” said Paul, he wasn’t married yet.
It was unanswerable logic that George was uttering. This was plain to Louis and me in our condition. Maybe Paul too. However, the girls weren’t quite convinced. Their condition was comparable though.
“That’s silly,” said Vel.
George blanched.
“Yeah,” said Melba.
“Yeah,” said Barbara.
“Yeah,” said Gloria. She wasn’t married yet but she was a woman.
“Silly?” George tried to sound preposterous and failed miserable. He sounded silly.
“Who ever heard of two bushes with moss on them?” asked Vel, looking around for help.
“Yeah,” said Barbara shakily.
“Yeah,” said Melba in a daze.
“Yeah,” said Gloria belligerently, she still wasn’t married yet.
The color was coming back to George’s face. “Have you ever heard of one bush with moss on it?” he asked, raising one (left) eyebrow. It was a stunning question.
Vel was plainly confused. She looked around for help, but the girls were very busy drinking and looking the other way. “Why y-yes,” she stammered.
“Just like I said,” shouted George triumphantly. “What’s sauce for the goose is nine sour grapes in time.”
“Yeah,” said Louis.
“Sour grapes, indeed,” said Barbara fighting a losing battle. She looked heavily at Melba. Melba looked heavily at Vel, who in turn, looked heavily at Gloria, who in turn looked heavenly. Gloria was single. They finished their drinks with four gulps and refilled. They hitched themselves closer together. They looked at each other again, this time wild eyed. They had no more to say.
Paul was looking wild eyed too. So we hurried him into the kitchen before he queered the works. We wanted to examine this thing we had discovered, too.
“Sensational,” said Louis, looking admiringly at George, who was leaning against the refrigerator with his hand on his navel, like Napoleon.
Uncanny,” said I, dancing with glee.
“What?” said Paul.
“It will revolutionize men,” said George modestly, looking narrowly into the distance.
“It will revolutionize women,” said Louis in awe.
“It will revolutionize the world,” said Paul who wasn’t married yet.
George held up his hand for silence. “Tell them,” he began scowling with the weight of his message.
“Tell who? Asked Paul.
“Mankind,” shouted George, irked at this ignorance. “Mo,” he retracted, “Just tell the men. Tell them,” he began again, “never to make the mistake of arguing with a woman logically.”
“Hear, hear,” cried Louis and I.
“Hear, hear,” cried Paul, seeing the light.
“For in that direction,” he continued, “madness lies.” He was pacing up and down before us now, filled with the message. “We must talk trash,” he said
“Yes, trash,” he thundered. “Plain, unadulterated trash.” He was winded.
I went to the kitchen table and poured four drinks. With a certain dignity I gave to each his own. We touched glasses.
George spoke. “I firmly believe,” he said firmly, “that we men can be as silly as the next woman.”
“If not sillier,” said Paul. He wasn’t married yet.
Although the paper is dated 1894, the dates within the article are for after 1900. Click to enlarge!
This is a transcription of the article from The Athens Post Athens, Tennessee 21 Dec 1894, Fri • Page 22
The Athens Mission for the Colored People was established is sustained by the United Presbyterian church through its Freedman’s Board. This board spends annually for the support of this station from $2,000 to $2,500. The public school funds, amounting to $450, are used for incidental expenses. The salaries of the missionaries being paid entirely by the board.
The United Presbyterian Church has always been a friend to unfortunate humanity, and has mission stations among all classes of people who need help. The have established thirteen stations for the Freedmen of the South. Eighty missionaries and $55,000 have been set apart to carry on the work. In all of these stations there are churches which are destined to play a conspicuous part in the cultured Christian civilization of the colored race. This church is strong where the negro needs strength. It demands a clean membership and an educated ministry, family worship and Sabbath observance. It minimizes churchanity and magnifies Christianity. As a result of this its growth is slow. United Presbyterians among the Freedmen are made by a very tedious process.
The schools established by this church are open to all who will take advantage of them. Money and clothing are often sent to be used in helping worthy poor students. So thoroughly have these students have been equipped that the young people who grow up within the bounds of the school in ignorance are without excuse. The object of the school is to do for eager, ambitious students what they cannot do for themselves.
At Knoxville College board, tuition and furnished rooms can be had for $6.85 per month. In Alabama, on the plantations, where the people are poorer, boarding, tuition and furnished rooms can be had for $4 per month. In this way school advantages are put in the way of many who otherwise wouldn’t have them.
Athens Academy has its doors open to students from a distance. It places an education within the reach of young people of limited means. We would be glad to correspond with persons who would like to come. We can arrange so that you can attend school here for about what it takes to support you at home.
RELIGION AND MORALS
The aim of the supporters of our school has been to make the institution thoroughly and earnestly Christian. All plans of work are devised for the purpose of making our students strong, earnest, and liberal-minded men and women.
INSTRUCTORS
Rev. Jno. T. Arter, principal, Jas W. Fisher, Henry W. Cleage, Miss M. Lea Jones, Mrs. Louise Collier, Miss Christianita Totten. All workers of experience and ability.
PROSPECTS
The prospects for the. Future of the academy are good. The school is gaining many friends among the citizens of both races. The moral and religious training which are being taught by the teachers are being seen in the homes of the older people, and in the daily life and character of the youth. The parents of this and adjoining counties are earnestly requested to send their boys and girls here for their college preparation.
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING
Instruction in needle work, patching, darning, plain sewing, cutting and dressmaking is given under the direction of an experienced teacher. All desiring to have a practical knowledge of plain sewing, needle work and dressmaking will have ample opportunity to learn during the regular literary course.
DESIGN
The “Academy of Athens” is consecrated to the glory and honor of God and the welfare of a needy race. Its object is to impart knowledge, discipline the mind and train the heart, so that those who leave its walls will be better prepared for the diversified duties of college and actual life. In the course of study the training has special reference to the preparation of students for college and for becoming successful teachers in the public schools of the state. In short, the course is comprehensive and practical and the teachers endeavor to drill the students in the branches taught, that their knowledge will be through and not a mere smattering. Furthermore, this being a Christian institution, parents of the vicinity and adjoining counties may feel reasonably safe in sending their children here for instruction.
This is an opportunity for any young man or woman who is really hungry for an education. We are taking special pains to provide for students at a distance, and as before stated, will be pleased to correspond with those who desire to attend school.
MRS. LOUISE COLLIER
entered the City School In Savannah GA when quite a child. Later she attended the Atlanta University for a number of years. While yet in school she accepted a position as teacher near Americas, GA. She afterwards taught in the city graded schools o Americus where she continued to teach for seventeen years, resigning there to accept her present position in Athens.
MISS CHRISTIANITA TOTTEN
Of the Danish West Indies, came to this country in 1891, entered Knoxville College and graduated from the Normal department in 1885, after which she taught in the Missions for Freedmen for six years. She is now in charge of the sewing department and is very active in the mission work of Athens.
MISS M. LEA JONES
A native of Dallas, Texas, attended Knoxville College for a number of years. She received her appointment as intermediate teacher to the Athens Mission in the Spring of 1900.
JAMES W. FISHER
Attended the public graded schools of Eufaula, Ala, his home town, during most of his boyhood. He next attended Knoxville College in which he pursued his studies for five years. He was in charge of the Mt. Zion District school in Alabama for three years. His present position is assistant principal of the Athens Academy.
HENRY W. CLEAGE
Is a native of Athens. He entered and finished the course of the Athens Academy under Rev. Cook’s administration. He then attended Knoxville College. His teaching one year at Riceville gave him his first ideas of the practical side of the profession in which he is now engaged. At present he is a member of the corps of instructors o the Academy of Athens.
REV. JNO. ARTER,
Principal of the Athens Academy, is a graduate of the class of ’95, Knoxville College; also of the class of ’98, Alleghany Theological Seminary. For two years he served at Catherine, Ala., as pastor of the U. P. (United Presbyterian) Church. He now has charge of the Athens U. P. church.
MRS. MINNIE J. ARTER
In childhood enjoyed the advantages of the public schools of Americus, Ga., her native home. After graduating from Knoxville College, she taught seven years in the city schools of Americus and seven years in the mission schools in Alabama. She is now in charge of the teachers’ home and parsonage.
MRS. MINNIE B. CLEAGE
Is not in the profession now, but she finished the course at the Academy of Athens, and was a student at Knoxville several years. She is now the wife of Henry W. Cleage.
PROF. COLLIER
All of Mr. Collier’s instructors in his youth, except one, both in and out of the Atlanta University, were teachers from the North. He was graduated from the State Normal School at Fayeteville, N. C. Mr. Collier’s experience extends from the rural district to the principalship of graded schools. He is at present substitute teacher in the Athens Academy. Mr. Collier is in very feeble health.
Top row: The Meadows; John Mullins; Henry Cleage, Pearl Cleage (their mother, my grandmother); Albert Cleage Sr (their father, my grandfather) Center – Barbara & Gladys Cleage Lower row: Hugh Cleage; Louis Cleage; Albert “Toddy” Cleage Jr (my father), Minnie “Girl” Mullins; Bill Mullins, Anna “Pee Wee” Cleage.
Since posting Henry’s Diary from 1936, I’ve gotten several questions off of the Blog so I’ve decided to add an explanation entry. Some of the information come from transcriptions I made of conversations with Henry during the 1990’s and some are new from today via my aunt Gladys Cleage Evans memories.
First Question was about the band: Ben said “Enjoyed reading his journal. It sounds like they played in a band. Do you have info about the band?”
I sent out the call to two of Henry’s sisters via their daughters and got the following information back:
From my Aunt Gladys via her daughter Jan: “okay, Gammie can’t remember what Hugh played, but Toddy was the manager, and booked the gigs and whatever they needed, he switched everybody around to accommodate … Louis on piano, Henry on sax and bass, cousin John on sax and soprano sax, cousin Bill on trombone, maybe cousin Harold was there, can’t remember, if anyone sang it was Henry… she’s still thinking I’ll get back as more is remembered! I didn’t even know they had a band… sorry as Gammie says, combo! 🙂
And from Aunt Anna via my cousin Anna: “Hi there! I had a chance to get Mom’s remembrances on Uncle Toddy’s band. This is what she recalls: Uncle Toddy was trying to establish the business of being an agent where he would send singers and instrumentalists to different clubs etc. to perform. If he couldn’t get enough players, this is where he would ask Uncle Louis (player of drums), Henry (sax player, bass violin and vocalist), and sometime Mr. Hand (Oscar) – not really sure what he played – to fill certain jobs. Uncle Henry was a really good sax player and he had a great voice. Some group called the Vagabonds wanted him to play the sax for them. Mom thinks that Henry actually joined their band for awhile.”
From Henry, told in the 1990’s: “John was pretty good on the saxophone. He turned out to be pretty famous on the West Side of Detroit.” Henry says “When I played with John, he was so temperamental until he wouldn’t play. I remember a couple of times he didn’t like the set up. You know, at that point he was a jazz musician. I was more a Johnny Hodges type. We were playing at some big thing and he didn’t like to play outside, it was cold, So I played the whole thing myself. All the parts. He wouldn’t play.”
Second Question from my daughter Ayanna: “What does he mean when he says that his parents went to the show. Was it movies?”
Yes, going to the show was going to the movies. There was a segregated theater on Grand River, which was a big business street several blocks from their house. Black people had to sit in the balcony. This was in Detroit, Michigan.
Henry in the 1990’s. Once he was going to the show with his cousin, Minnie “Girl” Mullins (she was named after her mother Minnie, hence the “girl”). After they purchased their tickets, the man was standing there directing them towards the balcony. Minnie put her nose in the air, said she wasn’t sitting up there and went and sat downstairs. Nothing happened, they weren’t thrown out or arrested or anything. He admired Minnie for her boldness.
And from my aunt Gladys again via cousin Jan again: “She doesn’t remember a segregated theatre! She doesn’t remember being in the balcony! JUST remembers Hugh taking her and Peewee to the show which was in walking distance! probably the same theatre…this is getting sooooo intriguing! anything else you need, let me know.”
Henry mentioned The Meadows several times. “The Meadows” was a former farm within driving distance of Detroit. They used to go out there and fish and camp out. I need to get more information about who owned it and where it was. More to come. Back to the Aunts!
And the reply arrives – got to love the internet!
From Aunt Gladys via FB message and her daughter: “Albert Senior and a bunch of fellow doctors bought it. It was to be a place where everyone could get away and the kids could meet and play.. big house on the property with a porch that wrapped around 2/3 of the house… (Plum Nelly was the conscientious objector farm) … dances on the porches… near Capac Michigan… Apparently they sold it later. she kind of remembers parties on the porch… a get-a-way other than the Boule or Idlewild. Mom remembers the boys spending a couple weeks at the meadows during the summer and Louis packing the provisions.”
Henry Cleage was my uncle and also my step-father. He was a great thinker and during his life did a variety of things. He kept this journal while he was a freshman at Wayne State University in 1936. He did eventually graduate and got a law degree. He was also a printer and a publisher, publishing the Illustrated News, a radical black newsletter during the early 1960’s with family and friends. During WW2 he and his brother Hugh were consciencious objectors and spent the war farming in Avoca, Michigan.
January 1 Had argument with Toddy about pay for gig last night. Led me to believe I would receive 1/3 of pay and then tried to pay me 5 dollars. He eventually paid. (Not like a gentleman) (7 dollars)- worked on English paper – decided to take Mama to show and see “Peter Ibbettson” tomorrow.
January 2 Did not go to show, rain, snow, and slush. Bought this diary today- got up about 4:00 o’clock today on account of having gone to bed so late last night – Toddy stays up late and I have to stay up too-not being able to sleep with light on and cigarette smoke. Mama and Daddy went to show tonight -I spent night writing on 16,000 word English paper – am worried. Have so much schoolwork to do. Will take Mama to show tomorrow.
January 3 Went to see Peter Ibbertson”- bought “Rodget’s Thesaurus” at “Demings Bookstore” – It was nice out today. Wind was strong, skies overcast – seemed kind of wild out. Sat up all night talking about Book to write with Louis, Toddy. About Negros flying through fogs and dropping bombs, revolt, tom toms woods! Swamps, conquerors! (bog water)
January 4 Rainy, slushy, dirty out, then at about 7:00 got cold and froze over-stayed home all day – tooth swelled up again – wrote a bit on speech. Worried about tooth, and schoolwork. Have Economics test Wednesday. – Luck!
January 5 Weather was chilly and windy. Awoke this morning with swollen tooth. Went to Y.M.C.A. to hear Tompkins (Negro) recorder of Deeds (WA) Such abysmal ignorance for one in a high place!!! Said Negros should not be ungrateful!!!! (imagine) it was funny. Have a cold too now and must go to school tomorrow. Worried about speech and physiography
January 6 Chilly in morning began to snow about 11:00 AM good packing snow. I watched it from my physiography class window. Furry and ? First day at school since vacation. Was returned. Not so bad. work not so close as I thought should get it. However will have to give 2-minute speech Wednesday. Slept after school till 7:39 – going to bed now at about 2:30 – started ‘Magnolia Street” Good if I have time to read.
January 7 Snow on ground – test tomorrow in Economics – must make speech tomorrow – Momma and Daddy went to show. Nothing much.
January 8 Snow melting slow – dirty and slushy again. Gave speech and wonder of wonders I received an enthusiastic applause. Spoke on The World is Flat. Took test in Economics. Pretty good I think. Now about 4:00 children coming home from Wingert. Fighting with snow! “Man and War” inseparable. I wonder if I ever acted as they. I know I did. Heaven forbid, though! Going to bed at about 1:00 o’clock.
January 9 After school I went to see “Captain Blood” Very good. With Brewer. After dinner wrote some on theme. Mama, Daddy, went to a show, returned at 1:35.
January 10 Went to school at 11:30 on account of I didn’t go to speech class – no speech to give. Have felt much better after giving 2 min speech on Wednesday. Still worried about Geology report. Went to show tonight saw “I live my life” Joan Crawford and Brian Ahern – “Special Agent” Came home – wrote on theme. I have thought of spring tonight.
January 11 Awoke to find that I had lost 2 dollars very depressed. Wrote on theme. Played tonight at Quinn’s Lone Pine with Duke Conte, played bass, terrible night. Fingers sore. Noticed how good-looking Lene is… Ought to throw a line – Police stopped us at about 1:00AM. No permit to play until two. I was glad. Very animal acting bunch in River Rouge. Most of them seem friendly though.
January 12 Played matinee dance at Elks rest with Heckes, Toddy and Bill – Dracee’s band came in and sat in awhile (no trouble) Kenneth was there. Too tired and sleepy to study history. Get up early tomorrow (no English) Toddy is going downtown to get some books is supposed to get me ‘American Tragedy” and ‘Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations”
Click to enlarge
January 13 Haliver Greene died this morning -spinal meningitis. Didn’t get up early to study History, however there was no class – lecture tomorrow so I won’t slide, tonight. Toddy bought back two books about lives of Educators (putrid!!) only 25 cents a piece though – awfully windy out today-not so cold thought – like March. I would like to have been in the country, wrapped up good, walking into the wind at the Meadows, down the road towards the sand pile or over the hill to the creek – zest, spice, life, health, clear eye, firm step and all that sort of thing.
January 14 Cold out this morning although it became somewhat spring like after school. Went to show after school. Another big fight this morning, I think they think I skip classes because I am sleepy, nonsense. Bought ‘Bartlett’s Quotations” $1.53. Seems worthwhile. Read one of dictator books – Good – tonight as I was going to the store the weather brought memories of spring. Roller-skating in street, if not roller skating then walking. Everybody walking and friendly. The crowd at Krueger’s and the tent. Perhaps riding through Belle Isle – water, boats.
January 15 Awoke looked cold out but it wasn’t – nothing happened at school- after had hamburgers and coffee and then went to Public Library to get my Geology report. Will have to go back tomorrow. After dinner went to sleep about 3 hours. Then got up and studied until 3:00 – oh yes, I bought Emerson’s “Conduct of Living” 25 cents. (Hal Green’s Vagabonds) Haliver Green’s Funeral today.
January 16 Got to history late, about 10 minutes. (No English) don’t know whether was marked absent or not. Had hamburgers, coffee and then to the library to study Geology report – think I’ll trying to memorize some of it instead of writing it all out. Got haircut today. Mama just went over to Aunt Minnie’s. John is here now. Mama’s gone so now I’ll smoke!!
January 17 Went to school at 11:30. No speech to give, my report is Monday. Alas! After school – hamburger and coffee. Went to library to get Geology report will go back Sunday, I think. Makes me feel good to study hard – feel like I am going somewhere – hope it all comes out alright – A’s and B’s I mean. Joe Louis knocked out Retzlaff after 1 min and 25 seconds of fighting. Listened to Times Golden Belt tournament. Negro’s didn’t do so good. Won 2 or 3 or 4 fights though. However Mt. Olive (Negro) won tournament.
January 18 Awoke and found it had been snowing – cleaned snow off sidewalks and took out ashes _(my week) – wrote notes on English paper as far as I have written on it – went to hippodrome (Rodgers) saw “Fighting Youth”. Stayed over.
January 19 Awoke about 2:30 – still cold out. Snow on ground. Went to main library to finish geology report – came home with Andrew Prue – he was reading Bible (researching the scriptures). Find that my report which is to cover Canadian Rockies just covers small part of them, worried. However I must five it tomorrow. Took Mama to Aunt Minnie’s when got home. Margaret called me Claire S., Marion’s Smith – took them for 1/2 hour ride – thought much of show last night
Wayne State University – Old Main
January 20 Awoke at 7:30 to school at 8:30 no English Class, no history nor did I go to speech went to main library to add to my report morning reading and it was inadequate – gave report – we both finished in little more than a half of an hour – Pastrcer talked about 5 minutes imagine! Tooth swelling again. Will be terrible about time I have to give speech Friday. Toddy told me of some boy who told him of how nervous I am when I speak. Has made me nervous again. (Playing Elegy on radio. Beautiful) Contented hr. Singing contented – reminds me of day (long ago) when I played with the Vagabonds.
January 21 8:30AM cold, snow on ground- had to go to public library to read 25 magazine articles for English. After this came home and took a nap. Awoke about 8:30, ate and then started studying – went to bed about 3:30-
January 22 Awoke 9:30 – cold!!! – Tomorrow will be 10 below. After school came home and went to bed. Slept till about 9:00- up date – wrote on my theme- studied speech a – a little more confident that I shall do alright- thought of Meadows to day – horses, dogs, – live there and come into city about once a week – country gentleman and all that sort of thing – Gladys has been helping me with my copying English theme.
January 23 Cold!!! After school went to sleep- awoke about 8:00 could not eat right away because we had company after dinner. Wrote summaries of the 25 and 27 for economics – then finished preparing my speech – must give it tomorrow! Alas.
January 24 Cold out at 10:00- Gave speech, not as good as it might have been, not as bad either. Sprinkled applause! After school came home. Went to bed – woke about 6:30 – played to night at Quinn’s Lone Pine – River Rouge. I don’t think I’ll ever play there again. “Pap” Cootes seems more and more to be a good fellow.
January 25 Awoke about 3:00 – not quite so cold – got book at library for English paper. After dinner I thought I would go to the show, but didn’t. Louis was going too, but didn’t. Have written about 600 words on theme today – might go to main library tomorrow study for Geology final – not sure – Toddy has ruined ?my pen? He’ll pay for it. O |/ (Oh boy that’s good) /\
January 26 Awoke late today – didn’t go to library. Did nothing all day but write on English paper – finished it. 13000 words. Not finished copying it though. Think maybe I will go to show tomorrow. Don’t know – will however go to the library (at school) to study physiography for final.
January 27 went to library but couldn’t study – went to show with Daddy and Barbara and Pee Wee- came home and studied for Physiography a bit – Will have final tomorrow at 12:30 – will go to school at 8:30 and study till 12:30.
January 28 Had Physiography final terrible very doubtful whether I’ll get a C – home and work finished up my English theme and notes. Hand in tomorrow – final in English tomorrow. Haven’t studied – nothing to study. Luck!
January 29 Warmer, about 10 above. English test today – nothing to get excited over – English teacher informs me that he lost my first theme (6,000 words) adds thought that although he hasn‘t mark for it, he has read it. I had better get credit for it – !!!
Daddy and I received comic valentines today – don’t know who from – family thinks Louise sent them – somehow I don’t – test tomorrow in speech. Here’s luck!. Pee Wee’s birthday.
January 30 Cool – 6 below tomorrow test in speech – but it was not test. Told us our marks – C. I came home today – studied all day for finals in History and Economics finals tomorrow – didn’t study Econ much. must study tomorrow between tests. Here’s to luck!!!
Had history test and economics test. Last night had indigestion or something didn’t sleep but about two hours – don’t know how I did on test. Economics was pretty bad. History might be alright received my last paper in economics 100% – test are all over – just wait now – must have tooth pulled next week.
February 1 Not so cold out – awoke about 3:30. Have done nothing all day. cleaned out my drawers tonight I wrote of Spring in my journal. Am worried about marks. woe is me!!! tooth will come out next week. (Happy am I.)
February 2 Not cold out- supposed to get warmer. Have done nothing all day – restless – test over. Worried about economics mark. Average so far is a B (87+) But I’m afraid that my final will bring it down. About 2:15 now. Going to bed. Going to school tomorrow to see about Economics grade.
February 3 Went to school and tried to jive myself a B in Economic – 67 on final!!! 89 average. I thought it would be bad. Told Goodman to disregard final!!! said he would remember to remember that I was sick during final. Wouldn’t promise but would do what he could. After this went to show with Margaret and 7 or 8 Negroes. After show didn’t have money to get home -? Dillard’s girl got ticket from someone, boy in Frank Sedor – I used it. Dillard and Margaret went home with some girl who they would meet somewhere.
February 4 Awoke at about 2:00 – after Breakfast went to Dentist. didn’t know whether to have tooth pulled or not – taking speech. Said come back Saturday was cool and windy – snowy.
Tonight have worried over my program and requirements going to school tomorrow to see adviser and etc.
February 5 Cold and icy out. I did not go to school today, nor will I go until Monday. My tooth is swelling again. I have done nothing all day – seems that I having been driving to store etc. all day. I did go to show and saw “The return of Peter Grimm” and “I live for love” all-
February 6 Not so cold out. Awoke at about 3:00- nothing much happened – went to library. Saw George and Paul there. Paul was getting more lessons, studies hard -smart. I have been looking at outdoor life magazines tonight – boats – guns- fish etc. Wish I had money enough to buy tackle and go fishing this spring.
February 7 Not so cold out – awoke at about 3:30. Nothing much happened all day. I went to library after dinner with Paul, George and Morocco. got “Jean Christophe” – Toddy wanted it. Tomorrow I shall go to dentist. I guess that’s all.
February 8 Fair out. Awoke too late to go to the dentist did nothing much all day. Just before dinner I helped Uncle Jake to fix his tire – gave me a quarter. Shouldn’t have taken it, but I was broke. So I went to show tonight – saw Bing Croby in something I forget and Jane Withers in ‘There’s the life” the last was probably not a good picture but it was good entertainment. Tonight it was real windy and snowy, mellow.
February 9 Cold out all day – I suppose (haven’t been out all day._ Have done nothing today but read some of “Jean Christoph” by Rolland -I must go to school tomorrow and register – finished Jean Christophe. I hope none of my classes are closed.
February 10 Awoke at 9:00 arrived at school at about 10:30 to register – registered not taking public speaking 2 – taking En. Hygiene instead. Also taking Geology II under Mosley instead of Mac Lachten – tonight I went to Oscar’s. Listened to him and Arther Thompson lie. Lied a bit myself. Tonight I have thought again of the “Outdoor Life” No school tomorrow. school starts Wednesday.
February 11 Awoke at about 3:30 – did nothing all day. Must start school tomorrow. If I get 3 B’s and 2 C’s this semester I will have an honor pt average of 1 (better than .6, which I had) But I am not sure of 3 B’s and 2 C’s. woe! woe! woe! But I am hoping.
February 12 Well today after school to find my marks had arrived. 3 B’s and 2 C’s just what I had hoped for on the other page- H*A*P*P*Y happy am I – B in Econ, B in History, B in Eng. C in speech and C in Geology. Seems that this is the first time I have ever planned something that came out exactly as I planned. I saw little Harlem today (at school)
February 13 Snow storm today. Rode to school with Daddy. haven’t gotten my books yet. Have a class tomorrow from 7-9 Might go to show after school and wait there for class – Saw “Metropolitan” tonight very good. Lawrence Tibbett.
February 14 After school (3:30) I went to Madison and saw “Littlest Rebel” and “Mary Burns, Fugitive” – arrived after show back at school in time for 7 o’clock class in Diction and Usage -after class 3 crowded street cars passed by – finally had to catch a bus.
February 15 Awake late and did nothing all day. Went to show and stayed over – nothing.
February 16 Woke late – nothing. Took Mama to Aunt Minnie’s came back and took Margaret to club meeting at Nacirema. Margaret is a nice girl. We listened to radio, mystery – George Beagle.
February 17 Awoke too late for 10:30 history class – I told Mama she didn’t wake me – she’s been mad all day – slept downstairs on couch until 1:00. Nothing else.
February 18 Unable to attend accounting lab because I had no book. Came home and slept until about 12:00. got up and ate something and went back to sleep again.
Dinner table on Scotten. L>R Louis, Pearl (aka Mama), Albert jr (my father) Gladys, Anna (aka Pee Wee) Albert Sr (aka Daddy)
February 19 Late to history (haven’t a book as yet) and quiz Friday. Home. Tonight had argument with Mama, Hugh, Barbara, Pee Wee, Gladys – are Negros inferior to Indians. I said they were superior. Obstacles etc. have worked and accumulated some degree of wealth – Indians, no obstacles, live on reservations and have no wealth etc. Toddy and Louis settled it – all races are equal – sociology.
February 20 Just two classes today – is my hygiene teacher ignorant!! seems nice though. No geology tomorrow. Go to show at 2:30. Stayed up late to get ready for history quiz (oral) tomorrow.
February 21 Flunked out on History quiz (oral). Lent Ed Carson 20 cents. Owe Hugh 20 cents. Went to show at 2:30. Saw “Magnificent Obsession.” (Irene Dunne and Robert Taylor) Good! “Collegiate” (Jack Oake, Joe Kenner, Betty Grable) English class 7-9. Haven’t book yet.
February 22 spent all day driving Mama and trying to get Hawks for Toddy’s gig. Went to show – ‘Crusades – ???? (Ginger Rogers)
February 23 Sunday. Washed my hair. Hugh took all my Vaseline. After dinner I took car for a little ride. Got ice cream. Took Margaret, Marian, Elaine to store too in car.
February 24 Wore my gray suit today – the first time in quite awhile. Toddy’s racial inventory test is on display at school. Was warm, relatively – water, water, everywhere.
February 25 I skipped hygiene today. continued warm. I have forgotten to write. Went to Oscars. Am sick, oh so sick, going to bed early. Woe! My head.
February 26 Awoke to find it had snowed – but not cold – after my 10:30 class it began to rain – hard. So fellow who used to be in my chem class said that one had to have 90 hours, no D’s to get in law school under combined curricula – woe is me. I thought it was 60 hours and a 1.3 average. Maybe he was talking about University of Michigan Law School (I’m speaking about Detroit City Law School) Rebellion in Tikoo(?) militarist tried to coup d’etat. Don’t know whether successful.
February 27 Only two classes at school today – stayed down in lobby and talked from 11:30 until 2:30. I had, by the hardest, managed to save a dime, to help go to the show with tomorrow – I lost it at Carne’s store across the street.
February 28 Wasn’t called on at history quiz today – borrowed a quarter from Ed Carson to go to the show – I ate today at Vinion Lunch Room. Nice. I bought sandwiches and ordered coffee. They serve sandwiches and pie etc. too. Saw “The Bride Came Home” and “Dangerous” at Madison. Went back to school for my 7-9 class at 5:45. (Mistook times at show)
February 29 (leap Yr) Sat – nothing happened.
March 1 Went to spinn meeting this evening in V8 had to leave before meeting was over to get the car home at 3:30. Pres etc. stated that some action is going to take action against those who don’t pay assessments (me). took car for rides.
March 2 Snowed, went to school – I am not studying. nothing to study (I think) I’ll get a jolt when my first test comes. I must remember that I have got to get all A’s this semester – well, not all A’s, but good marks at least – accounting lab tomorrow.
March 3 Went to school to find that my hygiene field trip was scheduled for today – borrowed 10 cents from Brewer. I collected fares for my bus. Went to library with Margaret (she’s writing something about the social securities act) a big fuss at home. Tonight I went to the hockey game Wayne vs Michigan. Michigan 7-1. Not as bad as it sounds – after game a fight. Had Michigan players piled up like a pyramid – good night.
March 5 I didn’t write this time (mar. 5)
March 5 Been all day trying to do my accounting problems. I’ve done 4 of 6 and one doesn’t balance – I have history quiz tomorrow. I shall try to get up early tomorrow and study. Fire next door to Mary Jones house tonight.
March 6 Handed 4 of the 6 assigned problems in acct. Miss Armstrong copied 3 of mine and I balanced my first one by hers. I didn’t go to the show after 3:30. No money. found a dollar at Oscar’s. Nobody knew who’s it was – I think I’ll take it back tomorrow. It isn’t mine. Daddy met me waiting for street car at 9:00 – saw “Night at the Opera” 4 Marx brothers.
March 7 I gave Oscar the dollar back today – he said they were three dollars short. Took out the ashes. Nothing much to write.
March 8 I have worked all day on 1 accounting prob – however I don’t think the other two will be so hard – due Wed. Nothing else. I wish I had a car. I would like to ride out into the country now.
March 9 School – home – did an accounting problem this makes two due done- borrowed 25 cents from Hugh to go to a show. Toddy had gone but I didn’t know which one to go to, so I stayed home.
In my new batch of photos, I found another photograph in the #160 series that I showed in my last post, here. I didn’t notice, until after I posted this photo a few minutes ago, that there were words on the building, “Levy Bros.” “Falls City Ferry and Transportation Co.” Looking at the landscape, behind the ferry and building, I saw a distant shore. No longer looked like Athens, TN! Which is why I deleted that post and started looking things up.
I googled “Falls City Ferry and Transportation Co.” and found this entry in ‘The Encyclopedia of Louisville’ page 286. “The last ferry operation was between Louisville and Jeffersonville. The original company, facing difficult competition from electric interurban car service over the Big Four Bridge beginning in 1905, was reorganized as the Falls City Ferry and Transportation Co. in December 1920, with David B.G. Rose as principal shareholder. Among the minority shareholders was Harland D. Sanders, later of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame. Though the passenger load declined through the 1920’s vehicular traffic increased as automobiles proliferated. There was as yet no vehicular bridge between Louisville and Jeffersonville. Fares were low. During the 1920’s pedestrians were carried for five cents. Once aboard they could ride all day for that modest fee.”
Louisville is not on the Detroit, MI to Athens, TN route. It is on the route from Athens, TN to Indianapolis, IN, where Uncle Hugh Reed still lived. In fact, I have a photograph of my father and his brothers taken with Uncle Hugh’s sons, perhaps on the same trip. In this photo we have front row, Henry and Hugh Cleage. In the back row, Albert Cleage (my father), Hugh Reed Jr, Thomas Reed and Louis Cleage. About 1921 in Indianapolis, IN. My father is wearing the same outfit.
