“DENNY’s BIRTHDAY will be on the 24th”

Jan 21st “DENNY’s BIRTHDAY will be on the 24th”

This is 1945…. a “Visiting Sunday”… which would be only once a month, back then… and this PHOTO of little TOMMY – – and MARY ELLEN, center and DENNY sitting on the right in this PHOTO.

When I think back to when we first went to the “German St. Vincent Orphanage” – – it is really hard to believe – – that I was able to stay there – – as I never did like being there.

When we first knew, that we were going somewhere for a short time – – and after visiting several places – – this was the one where we would be able to see each other and play together – – but that was not the case. The boys were only allowed to be on the “BOY’s” side and in their own playrooms and the girls were only in and on their side of this building. So…when we would have our meals – – we would sit at the same table – – but – – most of the meals were to be done with no talking – – so when could we ever have any real FAMILY communication?

This PHOTO was taken with one of those old little box camera’s – – and you would get… what – you got – – no trying for a perfect PHOTO. “BUT” am I ever glad that my DAD had this camera – – because we did get some photos – – which help to remember what our world was really like back then.

“Visiting Sundays” were held in the “Auditorium” – – folding chairs were set up and if you were “LUCKY” to receive a visit from you FAMILY – – you were called from the “PLAYROOM” to meet with them in the Auditorium – – where you would push a number of the folding chairs into a circle – – and this meeting would be like the best day in the world for a kid! Just to be so fortunate to be a FAMILY for a few short hours. The hours were one to five – – and then – – when they would have to leave – – it was like the end of the world.

This Sunday – – there just was not enough “Sunshine” – – but – from one of the windows – near the “STAGE” – my DAD… lifted each one of us kids, up and onto the STAGE – into the bright spot where – – he could take a picture or two and see what happens??? No extra light… and hopefully we were sitting in the right spot – – to where something spectacular would happen.

That dress that I have on – – was called a “spinach dress” it was of a green material and “itched” when you were wearing it – -just terrible. Every girl had this same dress on – – someone must have donated bolts of material – these were the worst of the dresses we had to wear. There were other uniform type dresses – – we all looked alike – they even cut every girls’ hair the same style – bangs and short all around. WWII had just ended and the ORPHANAGE was sending regular clothes – that included those clothes that I had – as my Aunt Irene, had made most of my clothes – – to their affiliated home and schools in GERMANY.

Today…they do not have any Orphanages – – the government doles out money so that FAMILIES can stay in their own home with their families – this is just what I am thinking – – as I do not hear of children having to live – – anywhere but at home.