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PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
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U.S. History Reflective Journal or Historical Novel Project Mrs. Bailly-Burton's Class Liz For the last twenty-one years of my life, many events have occurred in the United States in which terrible things have happened, that have affected me and the others around us. At this point in time I am extremely happy that I could afford a journal in which I could write my many thoughts. My name is Elizabeth Johnson and I am twenty-one years old. I live with my mother, father and husband, Juan Moraco in a home located in Far Hills, New Jersey. We live on 222 Mine Brook Road. My house is a lovely one; I adore living here, and have made many memories within the last twenty-one years. Here is a picture of the house I so greatly enjoy.
I can tell that these next few years of my life are going to be very hard and many things will occur. I have this weird feeling that the world is changing underneath our noses with out anyone’s knowledge. Something is going to happen, but I just can’t put my finger on it….
Dear Journal, 1930I was correct in saying that Situations in the country are beginning to brew. Joseph Stalin, a name I think will play a large part in the upcoming years. From what I hear this man is an awful one, one soviet dictator that will put our country and the people in it to ruins. Stalin is beginning a massive effort to industrialize his country. Stalin tolerates NO opposition; he threatened to kill any peasants who resist Communist policies. I hope they just cooperate, so maybe lives will be spared. On a different note, a ninth planet was discovered, it was named Pluto. The telescopes are beginning to become more and more powerful, which is enabling us to search the galaxy efficiently. Who knows what lies in the space that surrounds our planet? Well this year has been that filled with terror and triumph hopefully the upcoming year is filled with good not hate.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1931 This year was filled with many triumphs, as I predicted. This year the Empire State Building was completed. The Empire State Building is the tallest man made structure ever built. I hope one day to visit the Empire State Building on Fifth Avenue and 34th street NY, NY. It must be an absolute architectural marvel. I cannot imagine the mass and quantity of supplies that must have been flown in to finish this structure. Also, this year the United States of American officially got our own National Anthem. Apparently during the 1812 war, poetic Francis Scott Key wrote a poem entitled “ To the Defense of Fort McHenry.” After this poem gained popularity it was put to the tune of British song “ To Anacraeon in Heaven” and, combined with that song it became “The Star Spangled Banner.” I believe it is now to be sung at military and naval occasions. Personally I think it is a very catchy informational song. This year has been filled with coming of new information; it is definitely an improvement from the year before.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1932Technology around the world is beginning to advance. Many things are being invented that help our lives become better day by day. Just recently something called the air conditioner was invented. A man named Willis Haviland Carrier decided to manufacture a machine that would refrigerate large spaces during the summer months. I believe this is an amazing creation, but I don’t believe we will ever have enough money to buy one of our own. It seems only the rich will get to experience the pleasure of air conditioning. Also, A women of the name Amelia Earhardt became the first women to fly solo across the Atlantic. I still cannot believe that not only can we fly, but across the oceans. People will now be able to travel to places they never dreamed of seeing. During this year technology was booming, at this pace maybe someday we might have some type of aircraft that can enter space! But that is just a dream.
Sincerely Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1933 The world is shifting. At this point in time it seems as though Germany is trying to take over the world. Germany has created a Nazi regime, also known as the National Socialist German Workers’. In charge of this party is Adolph Hitler, who is one of the party’s first recruits. Hitler believes that Jews were responsible for many of the world’s problems, especially for Germany’s defeat in World War I, which of course is not true. The Jews were targeted and labeled wrong, this was a false accusation, which would haunt them for the rest of their lives. Adolf Hitler just recently set up the first concentration camp. A concentration camp is were they keep the Jews to wait for their death. They are killing them by the thousands using gas chambers, incinerators and mass murder shooting. This is a horrible situation, and I believe one day they will regret the massive numbers of people that will be murdered. I feel horrible that people are being murdered just because of the religious preference. Personally I believe this is wrong and hopefully they will come to their senses QUICKLY!
Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1934 Tragedy has once again struck our country. The Great Plains have been struck with a terrible drought, which has turned it into a giant “Dust Bowl.” Midwestern farmers struggled when crop prices dropped in the 1920s, so in return their lands were left uncultivated. When the terrible drought hit the soil that held neither wheat nor grass dried to dust. From the Dakotas to Texas, Americas wheat field became a giant “Dust Bowl.” I feel so badly for these people, not only were they financially destroyed when the depression hit, but know they have absolutely no soil to start fresh. I guess when despair hits, it hits hard. Just recently I went to the store and saw a new playing game. This bizarre game is called “Monopoly”, it deals with money and things like insurance and going to jail. I believe this game was formed in order to help us deal with the depression in a lighter manner. Now if only the fake money in the game could buy milk and eggs. This year has been one with struggles, but me and my family are getting by, and at least we have each other.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1935 Things in Germany have yet to become better. I feel so bad for those people being deprived of everything they once knew. Just recently Germany issued the Anti-Jewish Nuremburg Laws. These laws are said to take citizenship away from Jewish Germans and banned marriages between Jews and other Germans. These laws state that if a person has at least one Jewish grandparent they are constituted as a Jew. I feel horrible that not only are they being labeled and secluded from others, but now their rights are being taken away from them. These everyday people are being tortured and treated horribly. I believe one day they will be set free and those who have treated them badly will surely be reprimanded. Well, once again we will see what occurs in the future, and hopefully it is a brighter path.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1936 Once again battle rages through our world. Recently I was informed that what is known as the Spanish Civil War has begun. A military rising originating in Morocco, headed by Francisco Franco, spread rapidly all over the country. This is what I believe started the Spanish Civil War. Right when I think, “It has to end, and it has to be” another tragedy occurs in which more people will be killed in cold blood for what? For no good reason at all… On a better note the Hoover Dam was competed recently. This Dam was set up in order to regulate water flow in the Colorado area. Construction in the black canyon began on this massive structure in 1931. Right on the border of Arizona and Nevada, there would be one of the most amazing architectural marvel constructed and it is finally done! This simple structure gave jobs to many, in a time of despair, and also helped our environment and ecosystem survive. Instead of fighting, the other countries around the world should figure out what is important, and what is not. The learning process needs to begin; hopefully by next entry it will be successful.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1937 Japan invades China. A statement in which yet again the people of America realize what war is. In July 1937 only two months prior to this entry it was made known that Japan intended to launch an all out attack on China’s mainland, placing them in a war. While reading my prior entries I realized that optimism is no longer helping our country. I now believe that war will not stop. People are not learning from our prior mistakes, but making more and more. This world is in need of help, and I don’t believe we are going to receive it. So for now I will say goodbye with hopes of peace in the near future. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1938 Adolf Hitler is a wretched man, the treatment of the Jews are becoming worse and worse. I hoped and prayed that things would become better for those poor people, but its becoming worse. On November 7th a young Jewish boy shot and killed a German diplomat in Paris. In retaliation to this act, Hitler ordered attacks against the Jews. On November 9th this horrible night played out. This night became known as the “The Night of Broken Glass.” Glass cluttered the streets and nearly 90 Jews were killed and hundreds were badly injured. The Nazis destroyed synagogues, and arrested 20,000 wealthy Jews. I am utterly disgusted with Adolf Hitler, he is not only killing innocent people, but also truly feels he is doing the right thing. I wish I could possibly do something, but there is nothing I can do. I recently discovered I was pregnant, this world is becoming a horrible place, and the fact my child will be introduced to it within nine months terrifies me. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1939 September 1st 1939, a day that will live in infamy. On this dreadful day Germany invaded Poland without any warning at all. By the end of September 3rd, Britain and France were at war with Germany and within a week, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa joined the war. When I heard the news I could not believe that my child was just brought into a world of violence, death and corruption. I could not believe that the world I lived in was now introduced into its second war within twenty-five years. I cannot understand how just in my lifetime alone I have see more war and destruction than known to mankind. I am closing this entry telling you that I am in sheer awe, and I do not know what to do with myself at this point in time.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1940 When I left my journal entry with “I do not know what to do with myself at this point in time” that is the state I am in at this point in time as well. The Manhattan Project, a project kept in secret, but just let out. German scientists have just discovered how to split a uranium atom. To anyone who does not know anything about uranium, by splitting a Uranium atom it would produce and absolutely enormous amount of energy. America was in terror, we were worried that the Nazis’ would were working on an atomic bomb, a bomb capable of unimaginable destruction. America is now working on their own plan of action for the atomic bomb it is known as The Manhattan Project. American citizens, such as myself, are anxiously waiting the news of what is occurring. For now, I sit and wait to discover what happens next…
Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1941 WAR a word that I am absolutely sick of hearing. Yet again war occurred, but this time The United States was specifically targeted. On November 27th American intelligence decoded Japanese communication that made it clear Japan was preparing to go to war with the United States. December 7th 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor 21 ships were damaged, including 8 battleships, 3 cruisers, 4 destroyers, and 6 other vessels. The attack also destroyed 188 airplanes and killed 2,403 Americans. Another 1,178 were injured. I am once again in shock by the fact that this world holds so much hate towards each other. I pray to god that my son will not be pulled into this dreadful situation, but I pray even more that this situation will end before more innocent people die….
Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1942 After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor West Coast Americans turned their anger against Japanese Americans. Mobs attacked Japanese American homes and businesses. Yesterday in the grocery store I witness a grocer refuse to sell eggs to a Japanese American. The look on his face was utterly heartbreaking, when he walked out of the store I followed him, and gave him the eggs I had just bought. At least I helped out a little bit, but when entering back into the store my fellow Americans treated me like a traitor. I felt as though everyone was against me, but hoped my president, President Roosevelt, would stand beside me. I was wrong, on February 19, 1942 President Roosevelt ordered Japanese Americans to enter 10 internment camps. I feel so alone, not only are my fellow Americans against me, but my president as well. I don’t know what to do, I feel utterly alone. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1943 Just recently Jewish people decided they would no longer be deprived of their rights, and taken away to death camps. Their attempts to fight the German Nazis’ failed. The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, an event that may start the beginning of a revolt and a fight for their lives. On April 19th of this year, an uprising occurred were a group of Jewish men and women decided it was time to revolt against the Nazis’. Their attempts were great, but in the end they failed. Not only were they shipped away to concentration camps and killing centers, but over 8,000 Jews were killed on the spot, the other 56,000 Jews were captured and sent away. I believe that this is yet another try to overcome the Nazi regime. I am not yet sure if this is a positive occurrence or a negative. It is good to know that Jews are finally rebelling in order to save their lives, and that of others, but in response this attempt has failed. In the future maybe other uprisings will stop the killing. People’s lives are being taken away for no reason, out of cold blood. The killing has to end soon… Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1944 D-Day a day that will live in infamy, The United States of America is still fighting, I feel as though all I will know for the rest of my life is war. I just wish we could go back to a time of peace, a time when innocent people were not being murdered. July 6th, Over 160,000 allied troops and 30,000 landed along a 50-mile stretch of fortified French coastline and begin fighting on the beaches of Normandy. America seems not to know that fighting is yet to solve anything, and understand that we are wasting money and the lives of many. Yesterday my son was playing outside with one of his classmates. When I looked out the window to check on them he had a stick that he seemed to be shooting. I went outside to question him. In response he told me “Mommy, I am fighting like an American soldier.” This broke my heart I do not want me only child growing up thinking war is ok, and wanting to die for his country… Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1945 An unbelievable tragedy has struck our nation; President Roosevelt has died. Roosevelt has led us through a dozen of the most critical, action packed years in all of history. Roosevelt’s death has robbed mankind, including myself, of one of our greatest leaders. I guess the only things I can think of to make it better is that he slipped away in the midst of sleep, on a warm Georgia day. He was not in pain, and will live on as one of the greatest leaders of America. Although we are still in the midst of war, I pray that not only we overcome, but complete a speedy victory. Not only a victory for ourselves, but also a victory of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. I am anxious to see how we overcome, and how these fateful days will turn out. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1946 Justice has finally been brought to those who died only a few years ago merely because of their religion, Jewish. Just in the past year what will be known as the Nuremburg trials has taken place. Those German leaders suspected of committing crimes have finally been punished. Twenty-two leaders of Nazi Germany were prosecuted at Nuremburg. Three were acquitted and another seven were given prison sentences. The remaining twelve were sentenced to death by hanging. Although I know I should say killing would not be right, I am glad they will be getting a taste of their own medicine. In a recent entry I stated I hope justice would be brought to those who suffered. All of my praying worked, not only were the few survivors freed, but they now will see justice done for their many family members and friends who were brutally murdered. This is a day of triumph and I have prayed long and hard for this day to come. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1947 George C. Marshall, a man I will be forever thankful too. This one man is someone I feel understands what should really be happening around the world. Just recently he proposed to set up what would be called The Marshall Plan. This plan would give European nations American aid to rebuild their economies. Marshall offered help to all nations planning a recovery program. Although the Soviet Union and its satellite nations rejected the offer, the plan pumped billions of dollars into Western Europe. This helped weaken the appeal of communism and opened new markets of trade. I feel as though these past two years have been to good to be true. Situations are beginning to turn around. Not only are wars around the world ending and killers being convicted, but also there are now government officials interested and bettering our situation and the situations of other nations. I hope our economy and lives keep getting better, but I don’t want to jinx myself. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1948 In late June of this year Soviets cut all road and rail traffic to West Berlin. This was a bad more on their part, Not only would we not allow it, but we discovered a way to overcome it. President Truman decided that a good way to overcome this would be to keep West Berlin alive, but not provoke war with the Soviets. For 11 months, cargo planes supplied food, medicine and coal to Berliners. Finally! It worked Stalin lifted the blockade on May 12. Once again I finally was right, Things are turning around. Not only are we beginning to overwhelm communist countries, but also our tactics are working. I hope everything goes so well next year. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1949 NATO, A simple statement that could save our nation in a time of war. United States, Canada, Britain, France, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, the Netherlands, Norway, Luxemburg, and Iceland. All these countries agreed to come to the aid of any member who was attacked. For the first time in history, United States has committed itself to maintaining peace in Europe. I believe that we are beginning to figure out that by becoming allies we will be better off; because in a time of need we will have countries to our rescue. The only reason I am a little bit worries, is why would all of a sudden we sign a document, which stated we had to maintain peace in Europe? Are we planning on going to war with another country? I hope for the sake of everyone that we will stay neutral and things will go as good as they have been.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1950 United States recently discovered that USSR possessed an Atomic Bomb…It was then discovered that President Truman ordered the construction of a Hydrogen Bomb to begin. When this news was brought to my attention I was utterly terrified, not only were we tempting to go back to war, but we were going into war with weapons of mass destruction. The Hydrogen bomb is equivalent to 16 million tons of TNT, or 800 as much as the atomic bombs dropped on Japan. I cannot believe that I was worried about killing with guns, now I have to be worried about my who country being destroyed by one bomb. I am terrified that my son will not be able to finish his schooling, get married or merely live to see his 18th birthday. We are no longer struggling with regular war. We are struggling with the destruction of our countries. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1951 WWII has officially ended! President Truman recently signed a peace treaty with Japan, officially ending WWII. At they end of WWII we ended the Lend Lease Program and dropped an atomic bomb on Japan. Although WWII has ended I am not fully confident that the fighting has stopped. I believe there will be many more arguments and disagreements, but hopefully a large and expensive war will not occur ever, or at least in my future. Within my lifetime I have been through so many destructive events. In some instances I prayed there was something I could do, but what can a mere women do in these situations. Now in 1951 I feel as though my horizons are changing I can do more than I could ever, and I know have a say… I am determined I will change the world in some way. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1952 Polio is a disease that has struck our nation, and even our President. The virus enters the body by nose or mouth and travels to the intestines, were it incubates itself. This is a destructive disease some may become permanently paralyzed such as our previous president, and some may die. Finally in the last year a vaccine has been discovered. Dr. Jonas Stalk, a medical researcher at the University of Philadelphia has finally come up with a vaccination that worked. The scope of the trial of this vaccination was unimaginable. The results were dramatic. Cases of Polio fell spectacularly in the vaccinated test groups. I am very happy that not only do we now have a vaccination that works, but it is keeping innocent people alive struck with this disease. I am in amazement of the level of medical information these doctors have, maybe someday they will find a cure for other diseases that strike our nation. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak Dear Journal, 1953 Joseph Stalin, a Soviet Dictator who tried to industrialize a country, a man who threatened to kill any person with any opposition, has died on March 5, 1953. Throughout my journal entries’ I have stated multiple time how death does not help anyone. In this entry I will have to take back that statement. I am utterly thrilled that this wretched man who has killed so many has died. Not only did he take the lives of many innocent people, but also he ruined and stripped the people who survived of their good nature and love. Stalin's remains were embalmed and put on display next to Vladimir Lenin. Hundreds of thousands of people came to see the Generalissimo in the mausoleum. Personally I would never pay homage to a man with such hate and destruction in his heart. I will never think of this day as a day of sadness, but a day of reckoning. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak Dear Journal, 1954 This year we have had a year of reckoning. It was just recently said that segregation was ruled illegal in the U.S. Although segregation was ruled illegal, I doubt everyone in the United States will go along with this; they are such close-minded people. Not even threats and other scare tactics could stop the desegregation of the Little Rock Central High. With the court and the federal government on their side, the Little Rock Nine bravely became the first black students to attend the formerly segregated school. Although I am extremely happy with this law, I feel as though all it is going to cause is problems. African Americans are going to be brutally treated just because they wish to have equal rights. Personally I hope the destruction does not last very long, I don’t think the people of our country now to the severity which things can become, such as the Holocaust. Well I hope within the next year everything straightens itself out. I know it is going to take a lot of work to open their minds, but I will do all I can do to help. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak Dear Journal, 1955The country has yet to change, Segregation is still an enormous issue. African Americans are being treated unfairly, and even the though the law states segregation is illegal people have yet to listen. Recently in the news a woman named Rosa Parks began to change the way. On December 1, 1955 Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat when a forty-year-old white man demanded she get up. Rosa stated, “She was tired and weary from a long days work, and just like him paid to get on the bus.” This woman’s act of courage began turning the wheels of the civil rights movement on that fateful day. Rosa Parks was tired of the treatment she was receiving, and decided to take a stand. Between segregation, racism and the Jim Crow Laws, she was done. I am forever grateful to this one woman. Not only did she stand up for herself, but she stood up for all the African Americans that were afraid to stand up on there own. She mad it known that she would not be treated this way, and these are the type of people we need in our world. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak Dear Journal, 1956Once again technology is booming, we have been introduced to many things in which I could have never imagined having. Not only is it now a luxury, but one that man people have. If you don’t know what I am talking about, I am talking about the television. Although the television has now been present for a little while, a new invention has been introduced. It has been called a T.V. Remote Control. Apparently you can switch the channels without getting out of your seat! I cannot believe that not only can you watch live television, but also now you don’t even have to move! The world is changing around us at a rapid pace and I am just taking it all in… Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1957In a recent entry I wrote that I could never imagine the day that we could travel into space, and also stated “It was just a dream.” Well it is no longer just a dream. A Soviet satellite named Sputnik officially launched the space age. I cannot believe that this is really happening. I never thought I would see the day were we actually launched something into space. Not only are we going to be discovering new things, but also maybe one day a human will travel into space. The United States now wants to accomplish what the Soviets already have and it is turning into an all out battle, but personally I believe it is a huge step for anyone to accomplish. Well once again technology is booming, now I only hope I will see the day when a person enters space. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1958Space exploration is booming, like I said in my last entry Soviets and The United States are basically competing. Well, just this year something called NASA was founded. I believe that NASA was founded because The United States feared that since it was the height of the Cold War that Russians would use their newfound technology for military purposes. NASA stands for National Aeronautics Space Association. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Congress officially founded NASA. Soon enough I believe I will see a man walk on the moon! This newfound organization will do all they can do to get into space. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
Dear Journal, 1959Well over the past thirty-years I have learned and seen many things. I feel as though my life has been one filled with trials and tribulation. I have seen death, life and love and I would have to say these last few years have been the best of my life. In the past year not much has happened. It has been a time of leisure and new learning. Recently a play called The Sound of Music opened on Broadway. I feel this will be a hit. It seems to be catching the interests of many. Well this is my last entry and I am glad to say that I have learned a lot in my lifetime, and what is really important. I guess I can only leave you with one thing. Live your life to the fullest and realize what really matters. Learn to love, question others and be yourself. Sincerely, Elizabeth Jusczak
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Elizabeth
Strauss, Media Generalist
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