A few years ago, my Mother called. We got the news that my cousin, Evelyn Bird had passed away. Evelyn’s mother, the former Grace York, was my Grandmother’s sister. Grace died about 5 years before her daughter. The two Birds lived together in Virginia and we rarely saw them. We would speak to them each year and Evelyn always called me to put wreaths on my Great-Grandparents’ graves as well as one on our beloved Henry Davis’ grave at the cemetary in Clarkesville. For both funerals, I trotted over to Sam Tolbert at Hillside in Clarkesville. It was difficult making arrangments for Evelyn and Sam was gracious. I knew so little about Evelyn. My Priest did the service. I did now even know what Evelyn’s spirital wishes were.
So imagine our surprise at an invitation that arrived in the mail earlier this month. The University of Georgia invited us to a reception and dedication in the Geography-Geology building. The globe that loomed large on the second floor of the building had been restored and was being dedicated in the memory of…….you guessed it, my cousin, Evelyn Bird. Mom and I were in awe and determined to uncover the mystery of Evelyn.
Evelyn was the daughter of Grace York and Benijah Wilson Bird. We called Grace’s husband “Uncle Wilson.” Wilson was the Uncle of Clarkesville’s Martha Bird Garrison. Now that the geneology is over and the “who her people” were is clear, let’s get to what Paul Harvey would call, page 2.
Evelyn grew up in Clarkesville, Oklahoma, Alabama and Atlanta. She graduated college and then went on to graduate school. She was the first female to earn a graduate degree in Geography from UGA in 1953. From Athens, she moved to Virginia where she began work for the CIA. Yes, the CIA. We don’t know alot about her work at the CIA. Her collegues have told us she did important work and was very highly regarded. When UGA called the CIA to get her biographical details, they were informed that even her bio was “classified.”
What we did know was that she traveled the world. She also did work for National Geographic. In fact, when President Nixon went to China in 1972 and opened the doors on the Chinese world, National Geographic was there and so was Evelyn. She is cited in many books and left a lasting legacy in cartography. While cartography may seem abstract in this digital world, it remains important. “A map will continue to be a necessary step to provide perspective for any conversation related to place. Words can only go so far in conveying details about a location. A map puts a place into perspective, with added detail that incorporates surroundings to put the place in context. A well-designed map diversifies itself by providing a visually stimulating and intuitive means of communication,” according to one journal article. Indeed, most of our heralded explorers were in fact map makers striving to reach new horizons. Wars have been fought over boundry lines. Maps allow us a peek into far off lands and understanding the people of the region and the forces that shape their lives.
I am blessed to have learned about Evelyn’s lasting legacy in this world. I wish that I had known more during her lifetime, but am proud of the barriers she broke through. My lesson is to look around and talk to more people in my circle of family and friends. The quiet ones may be the very ones with a rich and ground-breaking story. Don’t miss the opportunity to value their contribution, (Even if it is classified.)
Oh, and visit this link to see the story of the Globe. It is a beautiful and rare piece of art
