Online Source: http://files.usgwarchives.org/la/winn/history/pioneers/was89.txt
Extracted from The Winn Parish Enterprise News-American (Winnfield, LA)
Article No. 225
As stated in previous recent articles, Staff Historians received from Mrs. Patricia Wasson McCain (110 Northgate Circle, Hot Springs, Ark., 71913) a considerable amount of information on her Winn Parish connections. Included was a brief biological sketch concerning her father, George Wasson, from which we quote, as follows:
``Biographical Sketch: George Wasson was born in Winnfield, Louisiana on August 14, 1908. He was graduated from Winnfield High School in 1926.
``For three years, 1926-1929, he traveled over Louisiana and East and South Texas working with a seismographic crew in early oil exploration.
``From 1929 to 1932 George attended Texas A & M and Texas A & I. While at Texas A & I he lived with the Mayfield family at the Mayfield Hotel in El Campo, working at the hotel to pay his expenses.
``In July of 1933, he entered the CCC Camp two and one-half miles north of Sikes. After the CCC Camp disbanded, George remained in Sikes, working as a rural mail carrier for three years. On December 27, 1936, he and Opal Prince married.
``In 1940, he returned to Louisiana Tech and finished his degree. He taught 6th grade, high school science and math, and coached girls' basketball until he joined the army in 1943. During the war, he served in the Army Air Corps where he was trained as a weather technician. At the end of the war, he continued his career with the U. S. Weather Bureau, serving as weather observer at Adams Field in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Wassons had two daughters after moving to Little Rock. They now have three grandchildren."
Pat McCain added that her parents resided at Riley's Oak Hill Manor in Little Rock and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 27, 1986 before their deaths. In a postscript, she mentions that their celebration was with a trip to visit Opal's sister and brother in law, Loyce and Pete Arledge, whose wedding was mentioned in the journal, and Opal's sister, Jewel Wiggins. The Arledge celebrated their 50th anniversary in December 1987 but were killed in a car-train crash in January, 1988. Opal Wasson died quietly in her sleep October 25, 1987. George suffered a stroke in December 1987 and died of pneumonia February 22, 1988.
Quoted herewith are two entries from George Wasson's daily ``Diary'' kept while living in Sikes.
``1/1/37-was married on Dec. 27th at Bro. Stokes' Church. Pete (Arledge), Jewel (Opal's sister), witnessed. Went to Monroe and came back Monday. Saw a show and purchased furniture at Wards, $ 187. Came home and waited until Wednesday night before things came. Moved in Thursday (in a small house abandoned by the C. C. Camp site) and spent the first night at home Dec. 31st. Round today (Jan. 1st mail route) had a flat and gave out of gas. Ate first meal at home tonite. Went down to Melvin's (neighbor) and hear that LSU had lost to Santa Clara 21-7. Pitt beat Washington 21-0. Cow got out and went to Simons. Shall go after her tomorrow. Roads were wet today but made it OK.''
``?/37-Saturday. Rained last night hard but roads were not bad. Had lots of mail today-catalogs. Bud Talbot told me that the pickets around the house were not paid for. Moved today and went after the cow. Colder tonight. Opal stayed home and sewed today. Made curtains. The radio is good tonight. Went to Melvin's tonight and got milk and butter.''
Staff historians and Mrs. McCain hope readers will be interested in George Wasson's daily journal which reflects daily living during the time covered. Mrs. McCain further states that she continues to be interested in life in Winn and Jackson Parishes and will welcome correspondence from anyone sharing her interest.
Wednesday, September 27, 1989