These pictures are dedicated to my Mom & Dad:
Voyde Wesley Stafford and Matilda Stafford” aka “Tilly
The following are pictures I have found and tried to scan in to the best of my ability. Not all pictures are clear and some I cannot tell much about, but they represent a family growing up in West Tampa from the 1950’s to the 1960’s. I hope you enjoy!
Before I begin,
here was a verse that was on a card
that was given to Dad on Father’s Day.
That best portion
of a good man’s life:
His little, nameless,
unremembered acts
of kindness and of love. CiceroThis loving note on Father’s Day
brings a wish for joy and cheer
That means a lot because it’s sent
to someone very dear—
A man whose special kindness
Shows in everything he does
And makes him just the finest man
there is –or ever was!
Dad in Germany during WWII.
This picture was taken around 1945, while abroad (probably in Germany). The war was bad on Dad; as he had many nightmares from it. He would never talk about it much other than a few things; like he was always so cold there and was glad the war was over. He did get to travel the world: He visited the Eiffel Tower, Hitler’s bunk, and sat on Napoleon’s bed. These are some of the places he would mention.
This picture of Dad and his friend was taken in Germany (1945).
“WWII Knife”
This war knife belonged to Dad and was given to him by his brother, Truitt.
“WWII Holster”
This is the holster of a 9mm pistol that Dad had from the war. I believe he acquired it while on tour in Germany. At some point around the late 1960’s or early 1970’s; Dad’s house on Rome Avenue was robbed and the gun was taken (never to be found again). On the outside of the holster (along with another knife case), Dad had written many or all of the places (countries) he was sent as a reminder of his tour. Many of them are now faded or can no longer be seen. The yellow tag and number 37197691 had nothing to do with the war, but I believe it was a case number case given at the time of the robbery.
Dad Loved the Yard!
After the war, Mom and Dad built the home on St. Louis. (He actually sent most of his earned dollars to Mom. who saved it. When he returned, they were able to pay most of the house off with the monies they had saved). Dad loved taking care of the yard. A few years later, we collected galvanized pipes (that were thrown away in Ybor City) to make a sprinkler system for the yard.
It took us weeks to put it together…
“Desoto Elementary School”
Notice the heater along the wall and the cloak room in the back where supplies were kept, as well as books. In my case, my teachers would send me there when I did not follow directions!
After the war, Dad wanted his GED. He was encouraged to go back to school to either become a veterinarian or a teacher. He attended the University of Tampa and graduated as a teacher. He taught (his entire career) at Desoto Elementary School. He remained a fifth grade teacher the majority of his career. Many of his students stayed in touch with him for many years.
“Dad’s Retirement”
After a successful career of teaching, we finally convinced him to retire and enjoy retirement. Mom attended along with Bobby and me. He received many presents from the faculty and staff and was surrounded by many people that he had taught with throughout his career.
Almost a full family picture of Dad’s family.
Missing is Uncle Earl, who was such a fun person to be with and Denmon, who passed of cancer years earlier. Left to right are; Truitt, Bee (WE), Viera, Von, and Voyde Stafford.
When they got together, they loved to talk!
Before you read on, here is a card verse I wrote to my parents that represented my feelings for them all my life. Although I’m not sure if the verse was mine, I did make the card but no longer have it.
For My Mom and Dad
“I’m really lucky to have the two of your for my mom and dad.
Both of you have taught me so much simply by the wonderful way you live.
Through you, I learned how to see the best
in every situation
and how to find joy and beauty
in all life has to offer.
You’re not only wonderful parents,
you’re also two of my best friends.
I admire you both…
and I love you very much.
3218 Rome Avenue, Tampa, Florida
In this picture, Mom is in front row (between Nonna and Uncle John), along with her entire family in front of Rome Avenue. One of the few times they got together, as we were all teens that time and just enjoyed each other’s company. They could all talk; then explode with emotions as Italians would do, and in the next minute love each other with much compassion! One thing you did not want to do was try to play one against the other, or someone say something bad about any of them; as they would become very defensive and protective of each other. So many times did we see Aunt Jennie come over, and within minutes they would have a argument, then call each other over the phone getting along again. It was very comical when you realized what they were doing.
Not sure when this picture was (taken, if it was before we were born or early on…)
Mom shown at the Store on 1912 W. Columbus Drive, Tampa, FL.
Mom, loved working in the store as she enjoyed talking to her customers. Even though she had a cash register (which I still have), it was never used to total the day’s income; as she did that in her head! She remembered phone numbers, addresses, and how much went in or out! She was never one for pictures.