By: Mr. Melvin W. Williams, Jr CWO USCG (Ret)

Mr. Melvin W. Williams, Jr CWO USCG (Ret) — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 00:29:43 +0000

I remember Mr. David Mitchell, he was the milkman. But if my memory is correct I think he also was in the military as a sailor. He and Mr. Charles “Charlie” Evans were the only two Afro-Americans in the town of Cape Charles that were sailors. Mr. Evans (now deceased) I believe was in the Coast Guard as I was when I graduated from high school (class of ’63) retiring after 27 years of service. My admiration for Mr. Mitchell’s baseball career inspired me to become the catcher for our softball team at Cape Charles Elementary. Reading his statement about his experiences with the ferries brought back memories of my dad and other black men who worked on them and the things that they had to endure to support their families. As a young boy “Lightning Son” I was allowed to be in the midst of them, listening, learning and hustling change from passengers passing through. A while back when visiting the town that I grew up in, I again had the chance to meet and talk with now Deacon Mitchell at Cape Charles First Baptist Church. My wife and I attended the church where I was baptized and joined as a young boy. I found that his manner of humbleness has not changed. He’s a true icon for the community.

By: Larry Beckett

Larry Beckett — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 06:11:19 +0000

Again Mr. Mitchell, thank you your account of the history of our Beloved Cape Charles. You were and are a inspiration to many of my generation who grew up in Cape Charles. And continues to be!

Comments on: ORAL HISTORY PT 2: David Mitchell As Milkman, Baseball Pitcher, Cook

By: Mr. Melvin W. Williams, Jr CWO USCG (Ret)

By: Larry Beckett