The Golden Summers of the 1930s, Part I
by H. Bishop Holliman 2011
"Several years ago, my great nephew, Clayton Herrin, suggested I
write a few words about trips my sibilings and I made to Florida with Clayton's mother, Mary Daly Herrin, and his grandparents,
Robert W. and Vena Holliman Daly in the 1930s. He said he had heard us talk about those times, and he thought it would be good to put in writing that period of history for the benefit of his generation
and those that follow. So that is what I have done - probably more than anyone wants to read. But I have included many other bits of history about the family and events of those years that I think are worth recording. Good reading!"
Above are Robert and Vena Daly, somewhere on a trip other than Florida, and most formally dressed for an outing. In May 1932, Herbert Hoover was in the White House and the Depression was nearing its nadir. The Democrats that summer were about to nominate the governor of New York, Franklin D. Roosevelt, as their presidential candidate. History was about to turn again. GNH
"In the summer of 1934, I was 14 years old and had graduated from the 9th grade at Irondale school. My sister, Virginia was 12, and Ralph, my youngest brother, was 10. Both siblings Euhal and Loudelle were still living at home. My oldest brother, Melton, had been married for two years, and Vena for six. Melton worked in the drug store at Five Points in Birmingham, filling prescriptions; Loudelle at Woolworths and Euhal for Hill Grocery Company. Vena, Robert and their new daughter, Mary, lived next door to us, the Ulyss and Pearl Caine Holliman house, 2300 3rd Avenue on the hill in Irondale, Alabama. Robert had built two brick houses in the early 1930s, and lived in the one closest to our home Daddy had constructed in 1921.
Daddy (Ulyss S. Holliman) worked at the street car company (Birmingham Electric Company) full time, having lost only six weeks of work during the Great Depression in the summer of 1933. Robert was manager of the Woodlawn Bank, a branch of the First National in Birmingham.
Vena and Robert had married in June 1928 at the Irondale Methodist Church, and went to Miami on their honeymoon, driving a four-door black Dodge automobile. This was the first of many long trips they would take during the next thirty or so years. Before the start of the next summer - 1929 - Robert had traded for a used Packard roadster with a rumble seat, and they drove to Mammoth Cave, Kentucky and over to the Indian Reservation in North Carolina.
I mention these little incidents to point out that in 1929 and on through the 1930s, during the Depression years, not many people, in fact, only a very few people in Irondale, could afford the luxury of driving Packard automobiles, or taking a vacation. Or enjoying the semblance of a comfortable life like taking long automobile trips without worrying about their next meal.
Fate had smiled kindly on Robert and Vena, and, fortunately for Virginia, Ralph and me, we shared in their good fortune! Not only did they share their goods with we three youngest children, but also with the entire family. Robert had been in the family as long as we could remember. He gave us gifts at Christmas even before they were married, and he continued to shower us with love and affection and presents as long as he lived. I don't know how or why he and Vena put up with us as they did - not only with we three youngest only, but with all the family as needs and opportunities arose."
Next: More Reminiscences by Bishop Holliman....
