Found scrapbooks hold Brandon-area mementos

The names, faces and places depicted in yellowed newspaper clippings and old black-and-white photos don't ring any bells for Tammy Hill. Nevertheless, the mementos arranged in two careworn scrapbooks tug at her heartstrings.

Hill found the scrapbooks in a box full of household items she purchased at an auction where she lives, in Carnesville, GA. She is trying to track down the relatives of people pictured in the books.

"I know if somebody found something like that of my family, it would mean a lot to me to have it," she said.

Many of the activities chronicled took place in Brandon and Tampa in the 1960s and 70s.

Newspaper clippings in the collection herald new officers for the Brandon Junior Women's Club.

Event programs secured to the pages with brittle tape recall the activities of First United Methodist Church of Brandon, and the Hillsborough County Council Parent Teacher Association.

There are faded reminders of luncheons and gatherings, births, deaths and weddings.

Hill pored over the albums and looked for clues to try to figure out who the books belonged to. She tried to track down the family of Nancy Clyde English, whose Temple Terrace precinct voter ID card is in the book.

"She was 69 years old in 1960," Hill said.

A little detective work revealed that English and her husband, James, had two daughters, Hilda Hampton and Bonnie Jones, and a son, James English, Jr.

One of the scrapbooks contained many items that revolved around Hilda Hampton.
"It was all about the PTA and school news when Hilda was president of the Hillsborough County PTA from 1975 to 1976."

Hill wasn't able to locate Hampton or her siblings. The trail got cold, so she contacted the Tribune for help.

Surely, she said, someone wants those treasures.

"I would really like to get these scrapbooks to some of the family members," she said.

To contact Hill, call (706) 384-5211, or e-mail tdhill5@windstream.net.