Emerald Neal
Daniel J. Clark · University of Illinois Press eBooks · 2024
This chapter explores the life of Emerald Neal, who was born and raised in rural West Virginia, had difficulty finding employment there, and migrated to Detroit during the 1950s. Emerald was secretly married while in high school, had difficulty adjusting to auto work, and frequently returned to West Virginia. He tried to become more conscientious after his first child was born, yet the whole family was forced to return to West Virginia during prolonged auto layoffs in 1954. His wife, Cara, supported the family by teaching dance. After returning to Detroit, Emerald worked at both GM and Ford plants, hedging against layoffs, but he ended up building fences during the 1958 recession. He never achieved his dream of becoming a diesel mechanic.