‘Letters home’

Reading honors four generations of African American family in Milford

MILFORD, PA — The Pike County Historical Society will host a reading of the letters of the Davis-Bailey family of Milford by a member of the American Readers Theatre at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 23 at The Columns Museum.

It is not often that four generations of any one family are as well documented through photographs and memorabilia as the Baileys are. Milton Bailey was the only black man from the county to be killed in the Korean War. His family had strong roots in Milford, his great grandmother having purchased a home on High Street in 1900. Sarah Davis-Bailey, her daughter Phebe, Phebe’s daughter Beatrice and Bea’s son Milton represent four generations of well loved citizens of the borough in a time when one’s skin color played a major role in the ways of life.

Upon hearing of Milton Bailey’s death, the village of Milford mourned his loss. He was a hero, decorated with both a Purple Heart and United Nations Medal when he was killed in action and, according to one source, saved his platoon in the process. His body was never recovered. All we have to remember him by are these photographs, memorabilia and memories. His letters home to mom and grandma, whom he lovingly referred to as “my two favorite ladies,” will be read at The Columns Museum reading.

The reader will be Sarah Ducksworth Smith, Ph.D. in African American Studies. Smith is currently on sabbatical in order to write a book on the Davis-Bailey Family. She has penned the opening of this one-person reading.

The reading will be followed by a home-style pot roast supper. Tickets for the event cost $40 per person.

For more information call 570/296-8126.