 U.S.S. NANSEMONDCirca 1919
My Grandfather worked as an engineer and spent a lot of time at the Newington Veterans home. Eventually he would be a resident due to his developing emphysema which finally took him around 1968/69. His engineering background was generated by a love of design. In his retirement years he took the tools he had at home and designed and assembled an assortment of small furniture pieces. Footstools, end tables and other like items would show up as he finished them. He was always handing us small puzzles. They were bent nails joined that you had to undo and then put back. He also sported the classic sliding number square. I always remember him as having a friendly smile and handshake. He cherished his newspaper and cup of coffee and would travel out to his favorite coffee shop where they had that waiting for him. Listening to the news on his personal radio was another activity he always liked. That was where he would faithfully attack his favorite newpaper's crossword puzzle. He also introduced me to vinegar on spinach and Grandma's homemade chili-sauce. I must confess, succoutash never came across although it was always there. I offer the following information on the U.S.S. Nansemond courtesy of my Mother Rita.
 Telegram Notification For Duty USS Nansemond Ball Cover Page USS Nansemond Ball Title Page USS Nansemond Ball Page 3 History USS Nansemond Ball Page 4 History USS Nansemond Ball Page 5 History USS Nansemond Ball Page 6 Valedictory USS Nansemond Ball Page 7 Program USS Nansemond Ball Page 8 Committees USS Nansemond Ball Page 9 Crewlist Breakdown USS Nansemond Ball Page 10 Crewlist Breakdown USS Nansemond Ball Page 11 Crewlist Breakdown Receiving Award at Newington Vets Hospital 1952 |
My Grandfather, Chief Petty Officer Raymond F. Leonard, sailed as a crewmember on the U.S.S. Nansemond during WWI. I knew my Grandfather for the short time from the mid '50's to mid '60's. He was born in 1892. Originally he grew up in Tuckahoe New York. That is where he was called to duty. He married Agnes Schussler and they called New Britain Connecticut their home. For some the 3 R's were Readin', Writin' and 'Rithmetic. But for Ray and Ag it was Rhoda, Rita and Raymond. I spent many weekends and holidays finding out what it was like to be part of a city neighborhood. Although different, tougher, from the country setting I lived in I have fond memories of hanging with the local kids. Those sidewalks and bicycles are sentimental to me. I didn't roller skate but sidewalks work well there too. And hopscotch couldn't have a better home.