PhilaStories

Lloyd Ama - Our Name was Amakawa not Ama

I spoke with Lloyd Ama at his daughter's home in West Philadelphia. Lloyd is 92 years old. He was born in his parents house located in South Philadelphia at 1244 S. 15th street on September 17, 1917. His mother, Ada Adams, was born in 1883 in Wilmington, North Carolina. His father, Kushi Amakawa, was born in 1873 in Kobe, Japan. Lloyd talks about his parents meeting for the first time and the disappearance of his father.


Google Maps: 1244 S. 15th Street

Walter Lindsay & Lloyd Ama - Crossing The South Street Bridge Riding or Running

I spoke with Walter Lindsay and Lloyd Ama at Walter's home in South Jersey. Walter and Lloyd are retired fireman from the Philadelphia Fire Department. They tell us about the street games they played in the '30's growing up in West and South Philadelphia respectively, and some of the places they visited in the city.

Engine 11 was an African American unit only, from 1919 - 1952. Walter and Lloyd are two of five surviving firefighters who worked at Engine 11 before it was desegregated in 1952.

Google Maps: Ruby Street, 15th & Wharton Street

Walter Lindsay & Lloyd Ama - Captain Davis Was All Fireman

I spoke with Walter Lindsay and Lloyd Ama At Walter's home in South Jersey. Walter and Lloyd are retired fireman from the Philadelphia Fire Department. They talk about Captain James G. Davis who instilled pride and camaraderie among the men at Engine 11 through discipline.

Engine 11 was an African American unit only, from 1919 - 1952. Walter and Lloyd are two of five surviving firefighters who worked at Engine 11 before it was desegregated in 1952.

Here are a few more Engine 11 photographs.

Google Maps: Engine 11
 

Lloyd Ama - A Lot Of Them Oldtimers Didn't Know How To Drive

I spoke with Lloyd Ama, 90 years old, at his home in West Philadelphia. Lloyd talks about his days as a fireman in the Philadelphia Fire Department. He worked at Engine 11 for 8 years. Lloyd became the driver of the fire engine by default.

From 1919 - 1952 Engine 11 and Fireboat 1 were manned by African-American fireman only. Lloyd is one of five surviving retirees who worked at Engine 11 before the Philadelphia Fire Department was desegregated in 1952.

Here are a few more Engine 11 photos.

Google Maps: Engine 11

Lloyd Ama - Salary $1900 a Year, Hours Unlimited

I spoke with Lloyd Ama, 90 years old, at his home in West Philadelphia. Lloyd talks about his days as a fireman in the Philadelphia Fire Department. He worked at Engine 11 for 8 years. From 1919 - 1952 Engine 11 and Fireboat 1 were manned by African-American fireman only.

Lloyd is one of five surviving retirees who worked at Engine 11 before the Philadelphia Fire Department was desegregated in 1952.

Here are a few more Engine 11 photos.

Google Maps: Engine 11