History and Heritage in August

The Friendswood Public Library hosted two fantastic programs this month featuring two local residents.  It is a true honor to help bring these inspiring individuals to the Friendswood Public Library to share their knowledge and wisdom with the community. 

Local resident WN Crawford shared his immense knowledge of the Civil War through the voice of his great-grandfather Lt. David Lefevre Crawford of the 139th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment.  Utilizing a Powerpoint presentation with images, maps, and songs, Mr. Crawford was able to illuminate the life of this Civil War soldier and relay the events leading to and during the battles of Gettysburg and Cedar Creek.  Bill Crawford’s grandson, Daniel Crawford, added to the presentation by appearing midway in full Civil War uniform with sword drawn.  Mr. Crawford also brought numerous Civil War items (including the bible carried by David during the war) which were on display throughout the program.

Mayor of Pearland Tom Reid on left, Bill Crawford on right

Bill Crawford's grandson, Daniel Crawford

Mark, Daniel, and Bill Crawford; and me

Rebecca Hatcher Travis, member of the Chickasaw Nation, shared her knowledge and experience with Chickasaw history and culture.   Reading from her book of award-winning poetry, she was able to provide insight into the shared history and culture of the Chickasaw Nation.  Several attendees were Chickasaw or Cherokee members and a good time was had by all as people shared their knowledge and experience.  

Upcoming Friendswood Public Library programs include:

Wednesday, September 14th at 7pm Poetry Reading with featured poet Sybil Estess and Laura's Poetry Group. Sybil Pittman Estess, Ph.D., was one of eight finalists for Poet Laureate of the State of Texas in 2009.

Wednesday, September 21st at 7pm Inflammatory Breast Cancer- No Lump, Can Still Be Cancer: Come and hear the story of a Friendswood woman, Terry Arnold, as she will share her IBC story. Terry Arnold will also talk about her work that resulted in a Texas State Resolution read in the House and Senate declaring October 2011 IBC Awareness month.

Wednesday, October 5th at 7pm Legendary Norden Bombsight: The Norden bombsight was used by the United States Army Air Forces and the United States Navy during World War II to aid the crew of bomber aircraft in dropping bombs accurately. Its operation was a closely guarded secret of World War II. W N Crawford will present his training as a WW II Bombardier/Navigator with pictures detailing the operation of the bombsight.

Meet FPL Program Presenter W N Crawford

W N Crawford III was born in Pittsburgh, PA on October 7th, 1925. He is descended from 8 Revolutionary War Patriots as confirmed by the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant (WW II) as a Bombardier/Navigator in the Army Air Corps and was trained on the A-26 attack bombers for night path-finder missions in the Pacific theater at the end of the war.

W N Crawford III graduated as a Petroleum Engineer from the University of Pittsburgh in 1948. He married Jeannette Satterfield (DAR) and they lived on 6 continents while working in the oil industry (mostly in drilling management operations) and raising 5 children. The last project was a 20,000' well in Israel at Sodom in the Dead Sea. 

He retired in 1996 and volunteered at the VA hospital in Asheville, NC. He has received awards from the state of North Carolina, several local organizations, and the SAR for volunteer efforts. He retired to Friendswood in 2003.

He is a member of the Color Guard of the Etowah Society of the Eastern Cherokees in Western North Carolina and has been accepted as a member of their Yellow Star Society for service. He was also a member of the Buncombe Co, NC Veterans Memorial Team and volunteered for other entities as a member of Bugles Across America. He has participated in over 500 veteran funerals.

Most recently W N Crawford has organized and or participated in 3 Memorial Day ceremonies and is currently organizing a patriotic program (July 4th) termed SUNDAY ON THE POST at the Friendswood Senior Center.

W N Crawford is presenting two separate programs at the Friendswood Public Library:

Wednesday, August 24^th at 7pm

 David LeFevre Crawford’s Civil War: Just after Ft Sumter fell, enlisted as Private in 13th Pennsylvania, wounded as Adjutant 139th Pennsylvania, 6th Corps just before Appomattox. W N Crawford will talk about the 6th Corps in two decisive battles, Gettysburg and Cedar Creek, and will recount the life and events of this Civil War soldier through story, images, and song.  

Wednesday, October 5th at 7pm

Legendary Norden Bombsight: The Norden bombsight was used by the United States Army Air Forces and the United States Navy during World War II to aid the crew of bomber aircraft in dropping bombs accurately. Its operation was a closely guarded secret of World War II. W N Crawford will present his training as a WW II Bombardier/Navigator with pictures detailing the operation of the bombsight.