I agree that it's not the norm Jim. Not too long after we began dating, my Hubby told me about his friend. I do have to admit it was confusing to me. We had always had maids and had, what I thought to be, good relationships with them but as you say, they were paid employees. My Grandmother always used a Florist who was a Black lady (also not the norm for the time or this town). She did beautiful arrangements and when I married, she sent me a very nice wedding gift. I did not expect that. When my Grandmother passed away, that Lady (and I mean that in every good way the word Lady is used) went to the funeral home 2 times a day for 3 days and placed a fresh rose in Nana's hands. Even when there was no viewing. She would accept no pay for them and guess who had the prettiest arrangement? It wasn't normal, but it was. Just was. A few years later when we attended her funeral, we did get some questionable looks from others attending, but her daughter came to us and hugged us and treated us as old friends.

Though they attended different schools because of segregation, Hubby and Bubba did their Math homework together and my Father in Law didn't show any preferential treatment when he bopped one on the head with a pencil when they got something wrong. Bubba said he was smarter than hubby so he got fewer 'Bops'.

It is due to my first hand knowledge of these things that happened that I do admit were not what we've always believed to be the case that lets me even think there were similar relationships even 150 years ago. I do not think there were a huge number of them but I can't help but believe they did exist somewhere else besides my home town or in Elberton, Georgia. For the most part, that divide is still as wide as the Grand Canyon. We've read of the 'freed slaves' following Sherman's Army. Not saying he was a big help to em. He was on a campaign and they did hinder his progress but they followed him because they wished to find food and the promised land.

As far as soldiers went, even the Federal Government sent them West for the most part when they allowed them to enter the service. When it comes to the Buffalo Soldiers I see it as the oppressed fighting the oppressed. No real clear victory for the victor there. Maybe my little corner of the country is a little mixed up. Well, ok, a lot mixed up. If anyone has the time, google Daniel "Chappie" James. Hometown hero. Now, gotta go to the front yard. The Blue Angels are practicing for their hometown air show. I love it that we're in the air pattern for their base show. :)

Pam