“Remembering “DENNY” and His First “SOLO” Trip”
“DENNY McClarren, Jr., makes first long distance TRIP – alone”
News-Paper clipping of my brother, DENNY McClarren, Jr. travels to OHIO from St.Louis – all by himself – and was wearing a “NAVY Sailor ” outfit – just like his DADDY! – WWII when every family was making sacrifices — for the good of all AMERICANS!
“Those were the Days”
Just talking with someone about the WWII years and things happening that the young people – today – know nothing about! During those years we had “Air-Raids” – signal – lights searching the sky for “enemy planes ” – “Blackouts” and sirens blowing! With the lights out, in the house, my brothers and I went out side to the corner of the block – no buses running – no automobiles – no traffic of any kind – it was like the world stood still! This was a good time for me to practice my cart-wheels and somersaults – the intersection made a good “stage” for us three children to enjoy having lots fun!
My Daddy, had already put in three (3) two-year stints in the Army, but now he was being ‘called up’ for the Navy – to work in the ship-yards – doing welding work. I wanted to go with him to California, but I had the “mumps” – my brothers were now well , and I couldn’t go anywhere.
Tommy was the “Lucky” one, to get to go to California with DADDY and then our Grandparents in Ohio wanted Denny to come up and stay with them on their farm! So, when all the arrangements were made – Denny would be wearing his little ‘Navy’ outfit which really looked good on him – he looked very Patriotic – specially with the “WAR’ going on!
Denny, a little 4 year old , chubby lad , wore a well marked identification tag – around his neck with instructions to all of the bus station operators and drivers – concerning his destination to Circleville, OHIO – a Greyhound route direct to Columbus – then transferred to Circleville OH. Denny arrived well and happy on Tuesday at ‘Noon’ after Mom and I were at the station Monday evening – putting him on the bus.
The Newspaper Reporter – stated, “Denny made the long distance travel record…. all by himself! ” How could you not notice a cute “Lad” full of Freckles and “RED” hair? “Everyone just fell in LOVE with “LITTLE DENNY Jr.!”
“Special Thanks to our CREATOR – for helping all of the AMERICAN people that were trying to do the best they could do – and, all for the WAR EFFORT – and in “HIS” protecting all those that worn a “NAVY” outfit – even when they were just a little child, being only four years old!”
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