The beautiful Grace Lee Belvins Walker

Grace L. Belvins Walker

Her kindness and pride make her a very special person. She was a former teacher in the Tangipahoa Parish  School System. Most of her students who took her class remember her stern but loving manner. In terms of education, she didn't compromise. It is with great pride that she is a descendant of Robert "Free Bob" Vernon. When she talks about her family history and the good old days, I enjoy listening to her. People like her are holding the key to history that has long been undocumented or untold. She was a student at O.W. Dillion Negro Training School in Kentwood, Louisiana. Upon graduating from O. W. Dillon School, she attended Southern University in Baton and earned a degree in education. Dr. Percy Walker, her late husband, was the first African American veterinarian in Tangipahoa Parish. Dr. Walker was a graduate of Tuskegee University. Her name is so befitting for her. I wasn't a student in her classroom.  However, I am a volunteer student who want to learn all that I can about African American history in Tangipahoa Parish.

The Watt family of Tangipahoa Parish

Photo Courtesy of 
Karen Hart Stewart

Front Row: Earl Watts, Ed Watts, Clara Hollins Watts, Celeste Watts Wagner, Adouloh Watts. Back Row: Alfred Charles (AC) Watts, Clara Belle Watts White, Ruth Watts Hart, Fannie Watts Muse.  

Curtis Fluker was born in 1879 in St. Helena Parish

Curtis Fluker
1879-1950

Curtis Fluker was in 1879 to Joseph and Emily Fluker. According to the 1880 United State Federal Census he was born in 1877.  Living in the house with Joseph and Emily was Curtis's siblings: Ella Fluker, Sarah Fluker, and Martha Fluker. 

After looking at the 1900 United States Federal Census. It stated that Curtis was living on the West Side of R Road Embralling A Kent Lumber and Brick Yard Quarters. Curtis couldn't read or write. Curtis died on August 4, 1950 and is buried at Oak Grove AME Church Cemetery in Kentwood, Louisiana. 

Edgar Pitts the teacake man

Edgar Pitts
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

There is more to Edgar beside enjoyment of syrup making and being retired.  Edgar enjoys the art of syrup making in addition to being retired.  Another thing he enjoys is making teacakes. As a child, my mother baked teacakes for me and my brothers. I had the opportunity to taste one of these sweet treats. Although I thought Mary had made them, she explained to me she could not take credit for the freshly baked teacakes. She told me that Edgar had made them. I was told that this time he had tried something completely different. He used homemade syrup.  He said he didn't think they tasted good. It's not the best batch I've ever made, he assured me. Although I didn't taste the kind he is used to baking, I couldn't tell the difference because they tasted delicious to me. One thing for sure is that his father-in-law, Mr. L.S. Spears enjoys his freshly bake teacakes and so did everyone else. Edgar is related to the Womack's. They're first cousins. I hope to get to taste his original teacake  recipe next fall. 

Cedrick Womack preserving the history of syrup making in St. Helena Parish

Cedrick Womack
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

I met Cedrick Womack early this year while touring farms in Lexington, Mississippi. As a child, Cedrick worked with cattle and sugarcane. Growing up on the family farm, he learned about agriculture by following his father John Womack. He is the only child born to his parents John and Mary McClendon Womack. As we talked, he expressed his desire to preserve this rich family tradition. He also expressed his concern that it would become a thing of the past if it is not preserved. 

"My father and uncles are getting older," said Cedrick. "I don't want to see this tradition die," he said. His aim is to teach other youth who may express an interest in syrup making how to make it as well. 

As with quilts, basket weaving, woodcarving, and other handcrafted arts, syrup making should be preserved. One way of preserving the syrup-making culture is to pass it on to future generations. The joy of making syrup and spending quality time with family and friends are Cedrick's motivations for making syrup. He knows all to well that it's not for the money.

At forty years old, it is clear that both his father and uncles had a positive influence on him. When he thinks about what his uncles have taught him throughout his life, his eyes glisten with pride. According to Cedrick, each of these men is capable of doing anything. Plumbing, electricians, carpenters, they do it all. 

"When my father was younger, he never sat down and took a break. I see him slowing down a bit now," Cedrick said. Therefore, it is so crucial for me to learn everything i can from each of them. My dad used to take his sugarcane to Mr. James Baker for grinding and making syrup. As Mr. Baker is no longer making syrup, I told my dad we could do it ourselves. 

They began putting things into motion after his father agreed. The shelter was built, and aluminum pans were made. Cedrick and both of his parents began digging the hole and constructing the brick oven. To prevent smoke from escaping on the sides of the pans, they packed the pans with red clay dirt.  On Cedrick off days and after work he made his way to St. Helena to help his family. 

The way he worked with his parents, uncles, and others really impressed me. Next year, he wants an outdoor stove built so they can make homemade biscuits to go with the homemade syrup. This can only be understood by someone from the south. Yes, of course! As anyone who has had this breakfast can tell you, it was delicious