Family Life
Family is a most integral element of life for a child, and this is no different for the children of West Augustine. Children rely on their families for many things, and this does not change because of location or time period. Upon studying the oral histories from the citizens of West Augustine, we are able to see the supreme effect that family life has on shaping these people. From roles and relations within the home, to church (wherein the entire family was a unit, interacting with the outside world), to chores and celebrations, the residents of West Augustine have much to say on the effect of their family on their daily lives as children and beyond.
Relations/Chores within the home
Roles within the home in West Augustine were rather standard in terms of gender roles of the time period— mother was the caretaker, the emotional support and homemaker. That is not to say, of course, that mothers did not take on their own careers on top of their duties as parents, only that their achievements were doubly impressive. Families in West Augustine seem to have been supremely martiarchal, as mothers and women family members often acted as a mecca of their homes, a source of cultural lessons and knowledge. Father was oftentimes seen as a stern provider— someone who earns money for the home and implements rules, though this varies from family to family. Grandparents were highly revered figures in the home, and were respected and listened to. The residents of West Augustine have an instilled sense of respect that is uniquely southern, and the most hallowed figures of that respect are the mother and father, from whom they learn everything in their early years. Siblings, then, were either seen as an extra set of parents or as charges under the older children’s responsibility, but always as playmates.
Within the home, children as young as two were expected to do chores around the house. From washing up to sweeping floors and mowing the lawn, the children of West Augustine carried their weight in the home, and were often assets to their parents. Cutting the grass, washing the dishes, helping with the cooking and generally doing “most anything that had to be done,” according to Mr. Irvine Morrison, even as early as grade school. Chores were the first thing the children of West Augustine were expected to do once they returned from school. On the weekends, when children were home all day, chores were their main focus.
Once they reached their older childhood and teen years, though, this often extended to the father’s workplace for boys, or to other jobs in order to make money for themselves and the home at places like shoeshine stands or as newspaper delivery kids. Early teens seemed to be a common age to begin working permanently for boys, as for girls they were sent to work later, mostly at diners and the like. (see Career sections) Older girl children were expected to watch over any younger siblings that they might have until those children were old enough to look after themselves, according to interviewees such as Ms. Virginia Debeau and Ms. Patricia Weddle. These types of jobs differed, of course, between the two generations covered within the Oral Histories due to time period and opportunity. For those who grew up in the Great Depression , making money was more imperative, yet more of a struggle.
Church
Church was an integral element of life for everyone in West Augustine, and this most certainly extended to the children. A family’s sense of community was irreversibly tied to their roles as church patrons and members of a congregation. Church acted as a social hub and place of worship and support, and when West Augustine residents chose their church, they were often there for life. Sunday church was (and is) a big event— families dressed “like a million dollars,” remembers Mr. Louis L Nester.
To children, church was a bit of a double edged sword— both a place of comfort, familiarity, of friends and socialization, but also of long boring services in uncomfortable clothes. Master’s Drive was a popular youth church that many young people of the area attended, parting from their parents to worship amongst their friends. Several residents of West Augustine attended church schools, like the Catholic St. Benedict the Moor, in the case of Mr. James S Jackson. Many life events for these residents centered around the church, both expected and unexpected, good and bad.
It may seem odd to the reader, but it was a common occurrence in West Augustine for families to belong to different congregations in the area— mother to First Baptist, for example, and father to St Paul’s, for example. The children of these dual-congregation families would choose between whichever, according to Mrs. Carolyn Proctor Mrs. Ernest Johnson-El.
Celebrations and Special Holidays
Families of West Augustine practiced many celebrations and rituals— from birthday parties to backyard barbeques, families were always eager to break out their best cooking, and even some moonshine if they were so inclined. Most families observed a communal meal on Sundays with a plethora of foods.
Christmas often warranted a large dinner and gathering that everyone tried to be present for, as there was “Cake, cake, cake,” recounted to Mrs. Ella Sparrow. Children were given gifts, of course— doll-babies, tea-sets and such for girls, with more practical toys for older boys. Mrs. Bernice Harper and Mrs. Betty Stirrup recall their siblings being given one toy at Christmas each, along with a paper sack of fruit and nut treats.
Thanksgiving was a large ordeal, as is to be expected, with large spreads of turkey, greens, and macaroni salad. (see the Foodways page)
During Easter, residents of West Augustine flocked to their respective churches, clad in their Sunday best. After Easter services, there were always meals. Mrs. Ernest Johnson-El tells how she would assist her mother in the Easter meal both in the early morning before the services and afterwards when it was time to eat, and children were given eggs to color. Once everyone was full, many families of West Augustine and beyond would gather in downtown Saint Augustine to watch the Easter parade. Mr. James S Jackson mentions that his family would often visit the Castillo de San Marcos on Easter, where many families would picnic or just sit. Generally, though, any event (such as easter egg hunts) that was held downtown was more focussed towards the city’s Caucasian residents, as “the city fathers were not interested in blacks entertaining blacks,” according to Mr. Jackson.
One holiday that families in West Augustine did not widely celebrate was the fourth of July. Some black residents tended to simply ignored or be vehemently against it, as it celebrated a freedom that they did not fully have. A few families did celebrate, though, happy for the opportunity for good food and great company. Mrs. Bernice Harper recalls her families as well as several others would gather at Butler Beach in the park, where they hosted a party with “enough food to feed St. Augustine.” For the white residents of West Augustine, though, there were large celebrations of the fourth. Young adults would go to popular clubs or bars where beauty pageants were held under the glow of the fireworks.
There were a few unique and unexpected holidays observed in West Augustine, as well. Mrs. Betty Stirrup remembers celebrating May Day in her elementary school years— teachers would plant a maypole and the children wrapped it in a wonderful spring celebration.