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Many Rivers to Cross
African-American history has played an integral role in the shaping of politics, economics, and culture in the United States. Growing up, how did you learn about the accomplishments and struggles of African Americans? Were you in a classroom? Reading a book? Talking with relatives or friends? How has your understanding or knowledge of African-American history changed and/or developed over time? What do you think is the most effective way to pass along this rich and growing history to future generations?

Daryl Cromer

I reside in Pacolet, S.C. in Spartanburg County and for the past 30 years have been an avid local historian and collector of material pertaining to Spartanburg. In 2008 our neighbors Brenda and Robert reluctantly moved to take care of an ailing family member and to help finance the move, sold a good many family heirlooms passed down throughout the years. What really captivated me was a cedar chest containing the WWI personal effects of a Seargent Robert “Bob” Henry Boland. Boland served in Co.K of the 369th infantry “Harlem Hellfighters” during WWI. Brenda did not seem to know anything of the grouping other than it belonging to someone on her fathers side of the family. We agreed upon an undisclosed price and I purchased the lot over a three month period. Little did I know at the time that I would spend the next four years tirelessly researching Mr.Boland, the Harlem Hellfighters and alas paying tribute to an otherwise forgotten hero of WWI.

During my second week of research a husband and wife in Roanoke, VA. unearthed Boland’s bronze grave marker from beneath the root system of a brush [11 inches below surface.] It was part of a reclaimation project at the cemetery and the area had been sorely neglected. I’am limited to 600 characters in writing this but search “Robert Henry Boland” and under the grave locator site you can view photos of Bolands grave when first discovered and as it appears now. I added a memorial and tribute to the site in honor of Mr.Boland whom by all rights should have been interred at Arlington Cemetery [if not for the color of his skin.] Mr.Boland passed on my birthday in 1957 and his wife passed on my birth year in 1965. I honestly cannot help but feel a connection to Mr.Boland and “a calling” to complete this work. I hope that I have honored him well. D.Cromer Pacolet,S.C.

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