“This PHOTO… MEMORIES are Forever”
Early 1940’s… Some of the worst of TIMES… America was now entered into the “WAR” and if you were not living then – – you missed out on something – – that is only understandable if you were a part – – and doing your part here in AMERICA – – to help our ALLIES.
In this PHOTO is little TOMMY and ME – – and since we are standing near the steps going to the basement – – only I noticed that I am ready for any quick moves little TOMMY ‘might make’ as he has a tendency to fly down ‘stairs’ – – when he is close to them. On one… MONDAY morning ‘wash day’… my MOTHER was in the basement and the washing machine was running – – and I was down there also to help sort out the wash – – TOMMY was upstairs and near the “trap-door”… where he should not have been – – he called down to us… and in bending and trying to see down the steps – – there he was – – in one fell swoop – – into a pile of dirty clothes – – and with a surprised look. His “Guardian Angel” works over time!
It was also some of the ‘best of times’ – – that is for children and the way that I am standing… reminds me…. these same years that we were in WWII – – something happened at “NIGHT” – – we had “BLACK OUTS” – – of which… has not happened since in AMERICA – –
Who would have thought that ‘air planes’ could fly across the ocean non-stop and loaded with bombs – – fly into the state of Missouri – – but we did need to be prepared and so there were ‘air-raid tests’ and the “Civil Defense” wardens would be walking up and down each and every street – – and if they saw a ‘light’ in your house – – – – they were knocking on your door.
There was one such night – – when we did get a knock on the door – – and the WARDEN calling – – “Turn off the LIGHTS!” – – All of the windows in the house had extra heavy drapes hung – – besides the regular window blinds and drapes covering – – but that one night – – just the smallest of light was seen so then… I just had to go outside to see what the world looked like?
Never before was Saint Louis so dark out side – — no automobiles anywhere at all – not even the “Walnut Park Bus” – – I had to see for myself – – so I stood in the middle of “Carter and Linton” looking both ways – – and not a light to be seen. So… as a little girl – – no traffic – – the center of that street made a real good looking “stage” for me.
Everyone in their homes… I could now do… what I would do during the day on the sidewalk… “somersaults” and “cart-wheels” – – now on the nice wide and open street intersection – – not a chance of running into anything – – just me singing and dancing with a up and over for as long as I wanted – – “WOW” … if only someone could have taken a PHOTO – – to really remember the FUN time I had – – until my MOTHER called and showed up – – Everyone was suppose to be in their “HOMES” for safety sake – – could be shot by the enemy or even bombed. So many reasons… I was given as to why… I should have been in the house.
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