Heritage, Farm & Family Stories
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The families of Jackson and Lydia Clemmons were from rural farming communities in Arkansas, Louisiana and North Carolina, and were part of the two Great Migrations of African-Americans who moved from the southern United States to the Midwest and California, beginning in the mid-1900's. Lydia's mother and father married in Louisiana when they were 14 and 17 years old, respectively. Although they began their lives as farmers, they eventually migrated to Harvey Illinois, just outside of Chicago. Her mother became a talented seamstress, and her father a hard-working welder. |
Jack's great-grandfather was from Martinique. In North Carolina, he founded a primary school for African American children. Years later, the Clemmons family moved to Wisconsin where Jack's parents ran a hat shop (straw and felt) and a dry cleaning business.
Jack and Lydia met in Wisconsin the early 1950's, while they were studying biochemistry and nursing. Jack served in the military in New York, and also in the Philippines while they were still engaged. The couple eventually went on for further studies in pathology and anesthesiology. After spending some time for post-graduate work in Sweden, they moved to work in hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. As newlyweds, they dreamed of owning a farm, growing their own food, and living a life where they would be able to pursue their careers free of the discrimination they encountered in the Cleveland of the times. In 1962, the intrepid couple moved their young family to Vermont in search of better employment opportunities and a safe and wholesome place to raise their children.
Jack and Lydia met in Wisconsin the early 1950's, while they were studying biochemistry and nursing. Jack served in the military in New York, and also in the Philippines while they were still engaged. The couple eventually went on for further studies in pathology and anesthesiology. After spending some time for post-graduate work in Sweden, they moved to work in hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. As newlyweds, they dreamed of owning a farm, growing their own food, and living a life where they would be able to pursue their careers free of the discrimination they encountered in the Cleveland of the times. In 1962, the intrepid couple moved their young family to Vermont in search of better employment opportunities and a safe and wholesome place to raise their children.