In the heart of Louisiana in 1940, Mrs. M.C. Ray and her family faced a challenging transition as they adjusted to life in a new town.
In the heart of Louisiana in 1940, Mrs. M.C. Ray and her family faced a challenging transition as they adjusted to life in a new town. Originally from Mangum, a small community where they had made their living through farming, the Rays had relocated to Camp Livingston, seeking better economic opportunities. Her husband, a construction worker at the camp, had taken this step to support his family and secure a steadier income. But the transition was far from easy. The Rays’ move had coincided with an outbreak of flu, afflicting the entire family and making their new start even more daunting. In Mangum, their life had been centered around the rhythms of farming, but now they found themselves in a bustling environment with its own set of challenges. The financial strain became evident quickly. Upon their arrival, the Rays were forced to sell their car, a necessity that limited their ability to travel to nearby Alexandria for supplies. Without reliable transportation, trips to get essentia...