COMMUNITY
The very defined series of decorations led him to three local possibilities, one being Colonel Royal L. Gervais (1895 -1967) interred in Arlington National Cemetery. Simultaneously, an ancestry buff found partial online records for my mom’s house showing a John M. Gervais living there from 1950-52. Then, the historian found a report that in 1949, Royal Leonard Gervais left the same Green Street address to travel aboard the USAT “Thomas Barry” bound for Germany. “Found him!” he posted on May 18. I could almost feel hugs and high fives as online kudos were joyfully shared. Research continued. A family tree on Ancestry.com included Royal L. Gervais, but I was crestfallen after seeing the site’s owner hadn’t logged on in over a year. I sent an inquiry anyway and surprisingly got a same-day response saying, “That was my great grandfather,” from the tree’s manager. He later said something just told him to check Ancestry that day. After telling him of our collective efforts via Nextdoor, he responded, "I am amazed at the speed and diligence of the community research — perhaps my favorite part of this story!"
We’ve learned so much more about The Colonel in the Attic since May, but one big question loomed. Why was his uniform in the Green Street attic for 36 years? Alexandria’s land records office reopened Aug. 31. Assisted by helpful staffers there, I discovered my mom purchased her home directly from Col. Gervais, who purchased it in 1950 as an investment property. I can just see them sharing war stories across the settlement table! When the 100-plus folks tracking the mystery were updated on this find, one wrote, “I'm glad the City offices weren't open because it gave us all this fun little story/hunt to follow along with.” On Sept. 13, 2020, Colonel Royal Gervais’s uniform — after residing in an attic through 14 years of tenants and 22 years of my mom’s ownership, then in our closet for 34 years — was returned in person to members of his family as they shared photos and memories of the Colonel with us. I know nothing about the politics, creeds or lifestyles of any of those who participated in this incredible project. I just know that it feels like a huge, caring, extended family came together quickly and efficiently to free the amazing Colonel in the Attic and begin to tell his story.
Above: Col. Royal L. Gervais' uniform returns to family members — great granddaughter Kris Eyler of Haymarket, Va., grandson Bill Gervais of North Carolina and great grandson Todd Ebert of Falls Church. PHOTOS BY ANN CAMERON SIEGAL
November / December 2020 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
19
