Joan Morris:
CLASS OF 1954
Lincoln High SchoolClass of 1954
Frederick, MD
Brunswick Elementary Colored SchoolClass of 1949
Brunswick, MD
Joan's Story
Life (updated 8/2008)
First child (of eight) born to the late George Carlton Sr. & the late Minnie Louise (Spriggs) Hardy of Knoxville, MD in the old Montevue Hospital, Frederick, MD . Momma and Daddy taught us the importance of love of God and being there for one another. As a child, I was tall for my age and very shy away from home; at seven years, many people thought I was twelve years old.
Attended Brunswick Colored Elementary Schools through 7th Grade and graduated from 12th grade on June 15, 1954 from Lincoln High School in Frederick (Home Economics Diploma).
From first to third grade, my teacher was Mrs. Ruth Timmons-Grayson; fourth grade to fifth grade was Mrs. Emma Beard-Campbell, Sixth grade was Miss Ruth Bailey, seventh grade was Mrs. Robbins.
I was baptized in the Knoxville A.M.E. Church, then baptized and confirmed in St. Mary's Catholic Church (Petersville, MD) at the age of 9 years. Attended Church, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at various denominations in Brunswick, Knoxville and Petersville, MD.
A friend of my God-Mother (Mrs. Nellie Giles) took my sister Patricia and I to New York City for visits. Daddy worked for the railroad and we were eligible for free passes to ride the train. During our visits, some of the places that Miss Bessie Garner took us to were museums, Staten Island and the Bronx Zoo, to St. Patrick Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall to see a show and to the movies. I thoroughly enjoyed the "Museum of Natural History". We always enjoyed these trips and since we rode on the free train passes, we had to stay for a month, which was a joy to us.
I wanted to be a seamstress or secretary after graduation; the first summer was spent in Martinsburg, West Virginia taking care of an elderly couple and their home until her broken hip mended, then worked in various jobs included in home child care in Alexandra, VA, cleaning homes in Brunswick and surrounding area, a lot of baby sitting and attending new mothers in their homes for two or three weeks (during this period, new mothers were mostly in bed for two or three weeks), also worked one summer for the Eyler harness horse race family, caring for their home and the two youngest of three sons in Thurmont, MD . A day of cleaning earned me $3.00, for a night of baby sitting I earned $.50 :) For a whole week my earning was $20.00. :(
I believe ...Expand for more
the wildest thing I did in High School was to slap money from one of my classmates hands (English & Home Room teacher-Miss B. Dolores Berry was out ot the room). Miss Eunice Hutchins (Home Economics Teacher) heard the commotion from across the hall and made me wash the glass window shelves on my study period. She's still my favorite teacher.
My sister Patricia Hardy-Hannah (deceased October 1999) Lincoln High School Class of 1956 and I traveled to Ocean City, NJ in March 1957 seeking summer employment. We landed full time, year round employment in the Blouse Factory in Woodbine, NJ.
I also worked in Somers Point (Car Coats), Bathing Suit Factory (Pleasantville, NJ) and a factory making Laiglon Dresses in Pleasantville New Jersey (starting wage was $.89 per hour) until getting a job as Cashier and Clerk with New Jersey Natural Gas Company; During change over seasons in the factories, I also had temporary jobs at Spencer Gifts and the Sears Catalog Store in Ocean City. I was employed as Office Secretary for Dailey Plumbing and Heating until retirement in December 1998. Married Bernard Morris, Jr. in 1958, have a son and a daughter and granddaughter. Member and officer of both the Macedonia United Methodist Church in Ocean City, NJ and the United Methodist Women and am a Certified Lay Servant (Speaker).
I still miss my parents, sister Patricia and brother Ronald, however, I know they are in a better place.
December 31, 2007 ended two five-year terms of serving as a Commissioner on the Ocean City, NJ Housing Authority Board. I enjoy many Family, Church & Community related activities with adults and children of all ages. 2004 presented my first grandchild, a girl, Shemaryah. We sold our home in Ocean City, NJ during August, 2007 and moved to Hammonton, NJ where our son lives and is co-owner of a Dance School.
I have always believed in God and the Holy Trinity. I believe that Jesus Christ is my Savior and hope my life before others portrays that.
My favorite Scripture is Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good for those who are the called according to His purpose.
I also like Revelations which tells us that we are made in God's image and for His pleasure. It also tells us what the devils fate is.
I would love to see many of the old school actions come back into being - alas - too many man made laws!
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