John Jolly Espy, Sr. - entreprenuer

Published in The Headland Observer, Thursday, August 5, 1999

Tom Segura in Asheville

source

I did not know who Tom Segura was when I went to the LAB in Asheville for a comedy show.  I simply just wanted some entertainment, and one of my friends told me that had gone to the same school as Tom Segura and that I might enjoy his stand-up act.  I did.

UPDATE:  A few years later I discovered Joe Rogan's podcast.  And one of his regular guests is Tom Segura!  Funny thing is, I had listened to at least a couple of Segura's podcast interviews before realizing he was the same comedian I had seen in Asheville!

Boy Scout Tradition

Major Espy (Sr.) part of Headland's first Boy Scout Troop (1922)

Major W. Espy, Sr. was a representative on the Southeast Alabama Boy Scout Council.



Jan 1946

Major's son Watty was an active Boy Scout.

 Watty, in his Boy Scout garb, stands with his siblings, Mark and Marilyn.

Watty is on the far right.

Watty Espy of Headland, attended the 1947 Jamboree in Moisson, France.  Watty would have been right at 14 years old.  If you follow his journal entries below, you will see his journey took him to Knoxville, New Jersey, New York City, Belgium and France.  And there's a strong possibility he visited Luxembourg and Italy.  He traveled by ship out of New York City.  His journey took six weeks at least, not including the time it took for him to return to Headland from the port in New York City once he made it back to The States.  Some things from his notes that stand out:  Watty enjoyed the World War I battlefield sites; he had an interest in the Emperor Napoleon; he played chess with shipmates and others; he got seasick quite a bit; he was scouring the field for notable autographs; he had plenty of friends; and he loved movies.

The Abbeville Herald

Sept. 25, 1947

The Dothan Eagle

June 9, 1948

The Dothan Eagle

January 12, 1949

Discovered Watty's 1947 passport.  It shows he was permitted to travel to France, the British Isles, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Italy.

Watty's journal 

Here 's a video I found.  Wouldn't it be something if someone spots Uncle Watty?  And there are more videos like this out there.  This video tells of a Canadian Boy Scout Troop experience at the 1947 World Jamboree.  You can easily imagine what Watty might have experienced. 

More info on the 1947 World Scout Jamboree here and here.

My dad was also a Boy Scout.

early '70s