Nothing like gettng to know your hometown by making it a character in your novel. Same is true of your childhood street. On both my recent research trips back to Albany I walked up and down the old Hazard Drive (now College Drive) mourning the houses and people that populated it in the 1960s. The Culpeppers had a goldfish pond in their yard; Mrs. Clemy got mad when we picked plums from her tree (even though the tree dropped fruit ON the sidewalk), and our house was lively with college students my parents took under their wings.
Like the houses and the name, so many of the people of Hazard Drive are also gone—including my parents and sister—but luckily stories have the power to live on especially with the help of photos like the one below.
My sister Betty left many little stories scribbled on Post-it notes and the backs of photos. Years ago I found this one amongst her things in a manilla envelope bulging with pictures. She had written on the envelope: (all labeled and identified as much as possible; ready for photo album). Because of Betty’s detailed attention I’m able to share so much of Hazard Drive with you. She continued the story on the back of this picture:
Left: Henry Green’s grandson
Right: James “Bubba” Johnson pitcher for the Albany Tigers
Hazard Drive
(Silas Jones {our dad} was Business Manager and Sylvester Dukes was Asst. Business Manager for the Albany Tigers)
My search continues to learn more about the Albany Tigers, a local black baseball team. Part of the Negro league? I wonder.
I can hear the sounds of the street and feel the time and place Thanks for sharing
I love your connection with your sister! Her sweet notes flow through your being. What a blessing for us all.