Boy 2nd class, African American. Born in Ocala, Florida, September 17, 1898. Enlisted U.S. Coast Guard at Tampa on December 15, 1916. “Willie” lived with his parents, Henry, a butcher, and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Wilson Holland, and seven siblings, 2 brothers and 5 sisters, in Ocala, Florida in 1910. Six years later the Hollands resided at 1618 Governor Street, Tampa, before relocating to New Jersey. Willie’s older brother, Jerome, a married butcher in Jacksonville in 1917, was later drafted into the Army and served as a private in a quartermaster unit until his discharge in December 1918. Another brother, Henry Jr., born in 1896, served in the Army in 1918 at Camp Dix. (USCG Service Card)
PRESERVATION IN PROGRESS!
If you’ve been wondering why the grass looks greener on the other side (of the fence), it’s because we’ve got a preservation project in process!
The Memorial Park oval, original to the Olmsted Brothers’ design, is being re-sod for our Centennial Year Anniversary Celebration. Thanks to Memorial Park Association, Jax Parks and City of Jacksonville, we’re prepping for the Memorial Day Concert in style.
Keep off the lawn for now, but get ready to groove on Memorial Day. Stay tuned for updates as we jazz up the park!