Bus Stop: A Memoir

by Ruby Fay Burford

Overview

In Bus Stop, Ruby Fay Burford, a Black domestic worker employed in the homes of wealthy white Texas families, shares her amazing life story. She vividly recounts her early family life as an African American woman growing up in rural East Texas, one of the more staunchly segregated areas of the US. She begins her story with the accidental meeting at a bus stop of the man she would marry, Frank Burford. She knew from that day that he was going to be her husband—her life partner in everything.

They soon fell in love and were married five months later in Dallas, where he had moved for his work. Ruby tells the story of their joy-filled lives together, of their lives as domestic workers in the homes of some of Dallas’s most wealthy families beginning in the 1940’s. Throughout the entire story, their love shines through—for their two sons, for their families, and for their friends. Ruby also recounts the struggles, agonies, joys, and everyday miracles that tested and ultimately enriched her.

With her positive outlook, strong work ethic, and the warmth of her beloved husband, Ruby Fay Burford was able to live the life she had dreamed of, with a home and loving friends.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781475934908
Publisher:	iUniverse, Incorporated
Publication date:	08/14/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	80
File size:	3 MB

Read an Excerpt

Bus Stop

a memoir

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By Ruby Fay Jones Burford

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2012 Ruby Fay Jones Burford
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4759-3489-2

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Chapter One

At the Bus Stop

As my cousin Minerva Anderson, and I headed down Palace Street to the bus stop that hot summer evening in Tyler, Texas, I had no inkling, that I would meet, in just minutes, a man who would be so handsome, and one who would become the love of my life.

Minerva, and I were on our way to the corner of Queen Street to catch the bus that would take us across town to the church where quartet singing was held every Thursday night. We tried not to miss any of these events, and were happy that on this day every week we had that day off from work like most domestic workers in Tyler.

The singing was always upbeat and there would be several groups at the church competing for applause as they sang, mostly old Negro spirituals. We tried never to miss an event for we loved each groups rendition. Everyone had a favorite song, and the entire audience would go berserk when "Dry Bones" was sung, usually near the end of the program. We would shout, stomp, sway, and clap hands to the beat, and then head for home to get some rest before going to work the next morning.

Minerva and I were giggling as we hurried to the bus stop, for we had pulled a good one on our little sisters: my sister Mary and Minerva's little sister, Katy.

The kids had been playing games in the next room, and had been too busy to notice that we were dressing, and getting ready to leave the house. We decided that maybe we could get out of the house before they were aware we were leaving. Those kids were pests, always begging to go with us- whenever we went!

Quietly, we whispered to Mama that we were leaving, let ourselves out of the house, and hurried down the street, walking carefully so that we would not trip over the dry, dirt clods in our high heels We crossed our fingers as we glanced back every minute or so, to make sure the kids were not following us.

We made that mistake of allowing them to accompany us before, an obvious brain-lapse, and allowed the two to go with us to the quartet singing. It turned out just awful: the singing went on and on, and as the kids were not used to being up so late, they turned grouchy, and once we were on the bus the bus, they fell asleep. After getting off the bus, Minerva and I had to practically carry them the rest of the way home. We then made a vow that this would be the last time we take them anywhere.

The walk to the bus stop was an ordeal. The sweltering heat beat down on us, even though the sun was on the verge of setting. I removed my hat and gloves, and used my hat as a fan, trying to stir up a breeze. Minerva and I agreed that this day felt like the hottest day ever.

As we approached the corner, we could see two men standing there. Even from a distance we recognized that one looked familiar- he was a regular rider. The other one-the tall one-well, he was a stranger to us.

"Who is that man? He doesn't look like anyone I know," Minerva whispered to me.

"Me neither," I whispered back to her.

When we reached the corner, we were able to see the tall stranger clearly. I took one look, and almost fainted! The man was gorgeous, the most handsome man I had ever seen. I reeled, and steadied myself as my heart pounded.

"Wow!" I thought.

He looked very much like Jeff Chandler, the movie star, and even had a gray streak of hair down his head like the actor, and I would learn later that he was born with that streak.

"Good evening." He said to us, while letting his eyes glide over Minerva. Minerva is high yellow, with good hair, and all men look at her that way when they first meet her. He barely looked at me, and I felt a twinge of jealously for I was already smitten by his good looks.

Suddenly Minerva blurted out loudly:

"Oh Lord Ruby, look! Here come Katie and Mary"!

My thoughts of the tall, handsome man were disrupted, and I came down from the clouds

"Oh no," I moaned. I thought we had given those kids the slip, but here they were, visible, but barely, in the twilight- a half block away! My thoughts were that we would have to take them back home, and if so, we would surely miss the bus, and it would be an hour before another one came along. I was thinking that we might as well give up the idea of going to the quartet singing. Crazy kids!

I had an idea: Boldly, I asked the two men if they would mind standing side by side, to allow Minerva and me to hide behind them. That way, I explained – when the two little girls failed to see us, they would decide that we had already caught the bus.

The men took positions, and smiled. They seemed to be happy to join with us in the little game. They stood shoulder to shoulder as I hid behind the handsome stranger, and as I told Minerva to stand behind the regular rider.

The four of us watched quietly, as I peeked around the guy's side, for he was too tall for me to see over his shoulders.

Abruptly, the kids ceased running in our direction, paused for a minute, probably wondering how their sisters could have disappeared. They then turned and headed back to our house. We all laughed, for we had outsmarted those two clever kids.

"Sure is hot." The stranger complained, and indeed it was; it was August in Texas, the hottest month of any year, and 1947 was no different than any other

The regular rider only nodded at us, but the handsome guy introduced himself, saying that his name was Frank Burford, that he was from Calvert, and had been in Tyler only a year since he was discharged from the army. He added that he was living with his sister and her husband, here in Tyler and was working in the warehouse at the Cotton Belt Railroad Company.

That was interesting, I thought, for I worked in the home of a woman whose house was not far from the rail -road station, and the warehouse.

Minerva and I introduced ourselves, and he asked where we lived, and we were surprised to learn that we all lived on the same street. In fact he lived only a block and a half from me and my family, and a bit further from Minerva's home. We said that it is a wonder that we had not met before.

Other people walked up to the bus stop-people who were friends of the regular rider, and they began to chat. Finally, he moved to the side where they were standing. The stranger kept his grounds beside Minerva and me.

"Where are you on your way to?," he wanted to know, and before we could answer, he said that he was on his way to downtown Tyler to see a movie.

"I'll be pleased if the two of you would come to the movie with me," he said, and with a quick smile, promised that he would pay for the tickets, and the popcorn.

I said, silently to him:" Honey, I would love to go to a movie with you!"

We thanked him, saying that we had better stick to our plan to go to the quartet singing at the church.

Imagine our surprise when he asked for permission to accompany us to the church. I decided that he must have been lonely, so I told him that it was for him to decide.

Minerva nodded her head in agreement.

He thanked us, and said he would go with us.

As we waited for the bus, we continued to talk, and Minerva mentioned that her husband was in the military. I almost said that my boyfriend had also been drafted, but decided not to.

After Minerva's statement about her husband, I figured that the guy would just wait for another high yellow to come along, and I was surprised that he turned his attention to me- the-not-so-high -yellow.

The bus came, and Minerva and I sat together, after moving the 'Whites Only' sign up. It was there to demarcate the seating lines between the races. Our new friend sat behind us.

When we arrived at the church, Frank took a seat next to me, after seeing that my cousin and I were both seated. I felt very comfortable with this arrangement.

The singing was as spirited as usual, and we jumped and clapped our hands at each rendition. I could see that Frank was as impressed as we were, and he promised us that this would not be his last time coming to the quartet singing.

On our way back home, Frank asked for my telephone number, and I wrote it down on a piece of paper, while feeling thankful that we owned a phone. I could now really appreciate mother's boss lady who had it installed so that she could reach Mama whenever it was necessary

Chapter Two

No Longer Strangers

It was not long before Frank called, and soon we were dating. We saw each other as often as possible, and I was pleased to receive so much attention from the handsome man, and to know that he enjoyed my company. I certainly enjoyed his, for along with his good looks, he seemed to be thoughtful, and sweet.

Mama thought so, too, and said that the mold that he was made from, was now broken, and as my sisters and brothers began to know him, they loved him too.

Frank and I became inseparable as our paths crossed each day. We worked and lived near to each other, and when he was finished at the warehouse in the evening, he would come by my work place to wait for me to finish, and then walk me home. It was soon clear to us that we were falling in love.

Frank was old-fashioned, in a way: he hated to see women in men's clothing. Mama had bought me two pairs of pants, and I enjoyed wearing them occasionally. One day I was wearing a pair at home, and as she was sitting on the porch, Mama saw Frank coming up the street. She yelled out to me that I had better remove the pants, for Frank was on his way to our house.

Quickly, I stepped out of the pants and changed into a skirt. By the time I had it zipped up, I heard him on the porch talking to Mama.

I was happy when years later, he changed his mind about women dressing in men clothing. He changed his mind only after pants became more fashionable, and just about every woman was wearing them.

Frank hurt my feelings once, really bad, and we broke-up for a while. At the time, I thought that an incident that I had innocently caused, was the reason for his anger. However, looking back I do not believe that was true. I realize now that it was because I was going away for the weekend, and he wanted me to stay at home to be near him.

I have at all times been exceptionally close to my relatives, and made a habit of spending much time with them, especially those my age. My cousin Bessie Walker and I, often spent weekends together, and one day after Frank and I had begun dating regularly. She stopped by and I agreed to go home with her.

We were leaving my home. I was sitting in the driver's seat of Bessie's boy friend car, and Frank was standing on the side where I was sitting. I said goodbye to him, and that I would see him in a day or so. I then revved the motor to drive off. Unfortunately, it had rained recently, and the ground was muddy

I had not realized that mud was splattering on his nice pants as I drove away. He became so angry that he began to date a young woman who lived in our neighborhood. I was wounded at the sight of them walking together. It was almost unbearable, but happily, he soon returned to me. Frank never admitted it, but I soon realized that he had been angry and hurt because I was going away with my cousin for the weekend, not because of the mud I had accidently splashed onto his pants.

Frank was told that he would probably be transferred to the Cotton Belt warehouse in Dallas in the near future. I was happy at the news, for I could envision visiting him there-if he ever invited me. I always wished that I would be able to go to a big city.

To my surprise, Frank asked for my hand in marriage; I said an eager 'yes', and before you knew it, he was ordered to transfer right away. Then he was gone-without me. I missed him so much!

A short while later, Mama received a letter from Frank asking her to allow me to come to him in Dallas.

"We will marry as soon as she gets here."

He promised Mama. She was not keen on the idea, but decided to pray over it and give it her considerations.

There was a very good friend of my mother who lived across the street. I took the letter for her to read. She then talked to Mama and persuaded her to let me go, saying that we were in love, and were already engaged. Mama finally agreed with her, and allowed me start preparing for the trip, but warned me that we should marry as soon as I arrived in Dallas. I was on the Greyhound Bus in no time.

"Thank you, Mama," I said silently, over and over, as the bus traveled through small towns, and as I sat smugly in the smart suit that she made for the trip.

I was thinking that "only twenty-one years ago I was a baby, and look at me now: a woman on my way to the big city to marry the man I love!" I felt so sophisticated.

Chapter Three

Life in "Big D"

The bus rolled into Dallas as I sat on the edge of my seat staring at the tall buildings, in awe, and when the bus pulled into the station, I could see Frank standing, waiting for me. He was dressed in his good suit, and he looked so handsome! I stepped from the bus into his wide-open arms, and we held onto each other for a long moment. We then walked across the street to a bus stop that would take us to 'North Dallas 'to the rooming house where he was staying.

The two -storied building was on a corner of Washington Street and Thomas Avenue. We entered, and Frank introduced me to the landlady, as his wife-to-be.

The next morning we took the Ross Avenue bus to downtown Dallas, and were married by the Justice of Peace at the Dallas County Court House.

We found a pay phone in the building, and called Mama to let her know that we were married. We were all so happy! Mama sounded relieved, and Frank and I were smiling!

I was now Mrs. Zelmar Frank Burford, and married to that beautiful man that I had met five months ago at the bus stop, in Tyler.

Our marriage became a lovely partnership, with much love, happiness, and trust, and lasted for almost a half century-until his death.

The neighborhood where we lived was a busy one; there were churches, schools, and hospitals built by black doctors: The McMillan Sanatorium; Pinkston Clinic; The Flowers's Hospital building, and several smaller ones.

There was a Y.M.C.A., a Y.W.C.A, beauty, and barber shops, beauty colleges: Madam Walker, and Madam Coleman; a park with a swimming pool; restaurants, night clubs, taxi cab companies, funeral homes, grocery stores, a large Insurance company, and many other businesses mostly owned by Negroes. There were several denominations of churches, also. The community was much different from the one in Tyler where we had lived.

There was a housing project near the place where we lived, and when we first came to the city, and not having a lot of money, we enjoyed just walking around, especially through the Roseland Homes.

During the hot summer months, the families would lie on pallets in their yards, with televisions on the front porches. We enjoyed talking with them as we walked through the project, while, holding hands.

Sue Williams and Grace Spencer were my best friends, and Sue had a cute little girl, Kay Frances. Frank and I adored her, and Frank often baby sat for the child as he catnapped during the day after working the night shift at the warehouse, and while Sue and I ran errands.

Sometimes a group of us would visit the "Rose Room," a popular dance hall on Hall Street, to listen to the great music played by famous bands, that featured well -known vocalists. We dressed in our finest clothes for these special occasions.

At the time when we lived in the neighborhood, the Central Expressway was being widened. We watched the progress, and when it was completed we, and all our friends joined in the celebration. The street was closed and filled with hundreds of happy people. We danced on the new concrete, and drank beer and whisky. That was one huge party, and a good time was had by all.

Chapter Four

"Big D" Segregation

Frank and lived at the rooming house until we found a duplex on State street near the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. It was also near a streetcar line-the "State Street" -car line, which we rode to get to work, and to the downtown area to shop at the ten-cent store, Kress, and the department stores, Titches, W.A. Green, and Sanger Brothers. We even bought clothes in these stores, even though we could not try on them on before we bought them.

Once in a while we went to the Majestic Theater to see special movies and concerts that we could not see normally, but we were allowed to attend these when the white establishment gave us permission. The theater was always crowded with other colored people, and we sat in the segregated top balcony that we jokingly, called "The Crow's Nest," and The "Buzzard's Roost," and we thought nothing of the terrible racist implications, for we were too happy to see famous Negro stars on the stage and screen. Some of the people told us proudly, that they had seen Cab Calloway at the Majestic, and heard him singing "Howdy Ho," and Frieda Washington, as she played the film-role of "Peola"in 'Imitation of Life."

Frank and I became members of the Boll Street C.M.E. Church during this time we lived on State Street, when Rev. Mallard was the pastor, it was one of the oldest black churches in Dallas.

We settled into a life full of simple contentment during the years we spent in what was called {"Short North Dallas". We were still very much in love, and with this assurance, we freely expressed our feelings for each other, and one day Frank was letting me know just how much he loved me, and how much he appreciated me as his wife.

He said, "You are such a fine woman; a kind woman, and I love you very much. I am happy that you married me."

He was sincere, but the devil must have gotten in me, for I, for some reason thought of how he had looked at my cousin the day we first met. I had really forgotten about it, but it just popped into my mind, and I was about to say it out loud. He must have read my thoughts, for he said that he would always remember the day we met- at the bus stop.

"Both you and Minerva were so pretty, and I looked both of you, over and over. Then I noticed how thoughtful, considerate-and how sweet you were. I said to myself, that first night we met that" this is the woman I am going to marry."

He then asked if I was aware of how closely he had watched me that night.

I said that I was not aware, but told him that I really did appreciate his confession on this night, and that it meant a lot to me. From that time on –until today, I have never been jealous of anyone!

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Bus Stop by Ruby Fay Jones Burford Copyright © 2012 by Ruby Fay Jones Burford. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse, Inc.. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

Chapter 1: At the Bus Stop....................1
Chapter 2: No Longer Strangers....................7
Chapter 3: Life in "Big D"....................11
Chapter 4: "Big D" Segregation....................15
Chapter 5: Live-in Servants....................17
Chapter 6: And Baby Makes Three....................21
Chapter 7: My Childhood Reminisced....................25
Chapter 8: A Home of Our Own....................39
Chapter 9: Our Social Life....................43
Chapter 10: Mother Goes Home....................47
Chapter 11: A Slap in the Face....................49
Chapter 12: The Elitist....................51
Chapter 13: New and Difficult Adjustments....................55
Chapter 14: Losing Frank....................57
Chapter 15: "No Rest for the Weary"....................61
Chapter 16: Chariot Stop....................65