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PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
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by Lingyan Chapter
One
People are starting to say our troubles will never end.
The Depression, I often hear, will continue on forever. But others say things will improve as long as the president
remains strong. They say things in
front of me because I am only a boy, barely ten.
But I listen. Things are not as great at home as they used to be but-
wait, let me start at the beginning.
My name is John William Pierce and I am ten years old, my birthday being
the 11th of January. My
friends call me Johnny. I’m an
average kid, a bit small for my
age, but I’m fast. Fast enough to
play ball with the sixth graders,
even though I’m only in the fifth grade myself.
Life used to be great, back when Pa still held a job as a clerk at the
company store. We weren’t rich or
anything, but we always had enough to live comfortably.
By us, I mean my parents, my brother Henry, and myself, of course.
Father even bought us our own “tin can,” a real beauty, with a shiny
new engine. But things started
going downhill late 1929.
Earlier this morning I had gone down for breakfast before school, as I do
everyday. And like always I tried
to get away before my mother noticed my full glass of milk.
And, like always, I failed.
“Tommy, you better not think I can’t see your glass still full.”
Ma turned back to the eggs on the stove.
“But Ma, you know I can’t stand that stuff!” I stuffed my mouth
full with the last of my yolk. “At
fourteen cents a quart, you had better lean to stand it,” she replied,
“besides, it’ll help you grow big and strong like your brother Henry.”
My brother Henry is thirteen and a total pill, always gray and sullen
looking. I told Ma what I thought
of Henry.
“Don’t be dingy, you know he’s just worried with your father out of
work and everything.” She frowned, a crease forming between her brows, “The crash
of twenty-nine, that October, five years ago, your father’s job…we’re
lucky we had money saved up.”
I remembered.
Five years ago, when the stock market crashed, we nearly lost everything.
Pa lost his job and Henry took on a paper route.
Ma learned to make bread pudding. At
school I learned about how the Depression is hurting everyone.
The unemployment rate has risen to twenty-five percent and average
salaries have fell forty percent. In
between reading about Dick and Jane, we talk about Roosevelt’s New Deal in
class. But nobody wants to talk
about the people. The Hoovervilles
set up near city dumps filled with starving babies and hopeless men, the
farmers’ fields and homes being taken over by the ever growing Dust Bowl in
the mid-west, these are things we want to forget about.
That’s why we see the movies starring Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, and my
favorite, the Marx Brothers. That’s
why people go to watch those marathon dances, where dancers can’t, or won’t
stop until they collapse.
That’s not to say things have been all bad these last couple of years,
however. Three years ago, 1930,
Pluto, the ninth planet around our sun, was discovered.
Murder, who knew! Sliced
bread came out too. I thought it
was odd at first, but now I can’t image living without it.
Like Ma said, “It’s a miracle what people come up with these days.”
Pa did odd jobs around town before finding a job similar to his previous
one. Let’s see, 1931 was an
pretty active year. The mobster Al
Capone was finally imprisoned, but not even for killing anybody; he was taken
away for dodging income taxes! The
empire state building was finally finished, the tallest building in the world.
Oh yeah, that was the year of the Scottsboro trial began too.
It’s pretty sad reading about the racism still found everywhere in the
United States in the paper; Father had always taught Henry and myself to always
respect all men, both colored and white.
Still, many interesting events took place the next few years.
Amelia Earhardt became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic all
alone and some guy named Wiley Post flew around the world in eight and a half
days. Murder!
Hmmm, the Lindgergh baby was stolen, that was sad.
The Loch Ness Monster was sighted. I
wonder if it is real; Henry is convinced it is and I’d agree with him if I
hadn’t told him his ideals are all wet. There’s
no way I can agree with any of his ideas now.
Oh yeah, Roosevelt, or FDR, became president and Prohibition ended.
My Uncle Mark celebrated by going out and promptly getting drunk causing
Ma to frown and sigh.
Yeah I remembered the past five years.
And although they haven’t been exactly easy, there were some good times
too. Like playing Monopoly with Pa,
Ma, and Henry at night, when we could pretend we had all the money in the world.
Or eating cheeseburgers, the snazziest invention in the world.
“I had better get moving before I’m late for school,” I yelled at
Ma as I went out the door, glad she was too busy reminiscing to remember about
the milk. I really wanted to make
sure I got in today’s game, however.
I needed all the practice I could get if I planned on ever playing for
the Yankees. Chapter
Two
“What’s the matter Johnny, you don’t look so swell.”
Abigail tried on another
hat, frilly and flowered. Though it
made her blinkers look even bluer, she reminded me of my grandmother in that
dingy hat. “I hate to tell ya,
but I think that thing is all wet,” I told her.
“You and me both,” she replied smartly, “but, that’s not what’s
bothering you.” Sometimes that
Abercrombie seemed to know me better than myself.
“I think it’s time to drift, it you want to make it to “Gone with
the Wind.” I heard it’s plenty
kippy.” I started to head towards
the door, pretending not to care if she followed or not.
“Do we have to leave so soon,” she pouted, “this is the only
air-conditioned place we can enter for free, you know.”
I acted like I didn’t hear her and continued walking.
“I’m not your flame you know, I can go with any guy I want,” she
continued, smoothing her new nylons, “…oh fine, wait for me.”
As we walked towards the theater Abigail brought up the rumors of
upcoming war. “You’re not
worried about a draft , are you? You’re plenty rugged, I think you’d look mighty fine in a
uniform.” I thought back to the
trouble that had recently been occurring. A
couple of years ago, Adolph Hitler had become Chancellor of Germany.
A year later, the Nuremburg Laws had been passed,
and then later the event known as Kristallnacht.
Japan had invaded China, causing alarm in some.
Henry had told me about these events as he read them everyday in the
paper. I had always been more
interested in stories such as the disappearance of Amelia Earhardt, the opening
of the Golden Gate Bridge, the
“War of the Worlds” panic, and the invention of the helicopter.
FDR had pulled us out of the Depression, I was certain he would keep us
out of war. But today I heard about
the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact. War
now seemed imminent.
“Naw Abbs, I’m not worried,” I smiled, “it’ll be a couple of
years before they can draft me anyway.”
“Good, then cheer up.” Abigail
pulled me towards the shade of the theater.
“Hey, you remember the first movie we saw together, “Snow White and
the Seven Dwarfs”…”
Pearl Harbor attacked today by the Japanese, December 7, 1941.
There is no question of if the US will go to war or not.
Only how soon. The people
cry out for war. I am one of them.
Chapter Three
“Give me a honey cooler, Abby,” John demanded, pulling me toward him
for a final good-bye kiss. I had to
stand on my toes to place a peck on his lips.
I ran my hands over his broad shoulders as I tried to blink back tears.
A pair of wings decorated the front of his uniform, identifying him as
one of the newly trained pilots joining this Second World War.
“I told you you’d look pip in a uniform.”
I smiled at this proud new man in front of me.
Although I did not want him to leave, I did not expect any less from him
than full devotion to our nation. If
I had any choice, I would have joined him overseas.
“Take care of yourself, kid,” he said softly.
I clutched the journal Johnny had given to me earlier to my chest,
“I’m no kid, kid.”
“I know.” I watched as Johnny embraced his parents, giving his mother a
winning smile as she started to sniff. She
already had one son in Europe. He
then turned around and started to walk away, joining the other young GIs,
trained to defend their nation, home, and liberty.
Some were barely eighteen. I
wanted to cry out, to tell him to be careful.
I wanted a promise that he’d return safely.
Instead I called out, “Make America proud.”
On the ride home I thought of the many events leading up to America
joining the war, and of the many events sure to come.
Though it pained me to think of them, I knew I would record every event,
every detail. For Johnny’s
return. Chapter
Four
The past two years seem like a blur.
I have been following every advancement, every movement in Europe and in
Asia. I’ve been keeping busy with victory gardens and scrap
drives. But it does not seem to be
me performing these everyday tasks. It
does not seem like it is myself working during the day in a factory producing
war products, it does not seem like it is myself painting lines on the back of
my legs to mimic the appearance of nylons when the material must be saved for
parachutes. Can it be I have
adopted to war life so easily?
Life has changed drastically for everyone.
Everything we buy is considered in terms of coupons.
Blue points for your cheese and milk and bread.
Red points for meats, butter, and oil.
Everything is saved, nothing must go to waste. We even save the drippings and fats from meats to send to the
soldiers. Tin is needed for the
troops, so every morning children walk to school carrying their lunches in brown
paper bags. You should see the
sight.
Posters are everywhere too. Posters
reminding us to save, to conserve. Posters
urging more men to enlist, to defend their nation.
Posters featuring Rosie the Riveter, asking women to work in the
factories, releasing men to fight. Posters
encouraging citizens to help the war effort by buying liberty bonds.
I am afraid to say that there have been problems at home as well, though.
It seems the nation men are dying for is not as perfect as it should be.
Last June a series of riots occurred, referred to as the Zoot Suit Riots.
A combined fear of juvenile crime and prejudice against Mexican-Americans
led to strong suspicions toward Mexican-American youths who indulge in wearing
Zoot suits. Most men who have
avoided the draft wear liberty suits, consisting of no cuffs or a vest, a short
jacket, and narrow lapels in order to save cloth.
The Zoot suit, on the other hand, consists of baggy pants, an overlarge
jacket, and wide lapels. It seems highly unpatriotic.
The rising tensions led to violence.
I am also ashamed to mentions the problems between other groups at home.
As more black families move to cities looking for work, there seems to be
a growing prejudice against them. They
are given lower wages or refused work out right.
Even though it is illegal to deny work based on race or color, it still
occurs. There is talk of a
“Double V” campaign: victory over both Hitler’s racism abroad and victory
over racism at home. The
Japanese-Americans along the western coast have been relocated as well, removed
to internment camps. How can we be
the defenders of liberty if it is still crushed here?
Although life has been difficult, it has not been entirely void of
pleasures. Mount Rushmore has been
completed, for instance. It is
quite an imposing sight, the faces of past presidents looking down on the nation
they helped to create. T-shirts are
making an appearance everywhere. The
Jeep is a popular automobile and Seventeen a popular new magazine. Ball point pens make writing so much easier and delightful.
Penicillin saves more and more lives everyday.
Still I will not be more than just content until the war is over…and
until your return. Chapter
Five
Our nation’s beloved President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, had finally
passed away from a stroke. The
entire nation mourns the death of a great leader.
President Truman must pull us through this never-ending war.
First let me mention a few events leading up to this point.
The Battle of Stalingrad was the turning point in the war in Europe.
That placed the Germans on the defensive.
Before, we had done well with liberty ships, convoy systems, radar,
sonar, and of course, our wonderful boys in the air.
June 6, 1944 is known as D-Day, the day our boys finally invaded, landing
in Normandy, along the coast of France. The
Battle of the Bulge proved to be another sound defeat for the Germans.
The Turning point for our war with Japan happens to be the Battle of
Midway, which stopped the Japanese advance.
Macarthur, a real hero back home, then started to recapture the
Philippines. I have heard tales of kamikaze attacks by the Japanese.
I must find out if it is true or just booshwash.
Can men really give their lives if asked to?
When dig though, it seems a lot like what we ask of our soldiers.
I think on it while I “doss” tonight.
How much longer?
Victory! At last the war is over!
On May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered, and Hitler committed suicide.
The day is known as V-E Day. And
today, August 15, 1945, Japan surrendered as well, it is called V-J Day.
The firebombing using napalm and the use of atomic bombs I may not agree
with, but at least it is now over. Chapter
Six
“Johnny!” I called into the crowd, spotting his tall form.
He turned, hearing my voice, and grinned.
I broke into a run without realizing it, not stopping until I was right
in front of him. He had changed. The Johnny I remembered had been young and cocky, ready to
put up his dukes at a moment’s notice. This
Johnny looked older, more solemn. But
I had changed as well.
We stared at each other for a few minutes, unable to speak.
The familiar crease that formed by the corner of his mouth when he
grinned caught my attention. He
shifted his bag, tilting his head to side, a gesture I knew so well.
He was still the same Johnny after all.
“Hey, kid.” He smiled
softly, placing a hand on my shoulder. I
smiled back, placing my hands over his, “I’m no kid, kid.”
Chapter Seven
“That’s it,” the little boy asked in disbelief.
“The story can’t just end there!”
His white haired woman sitting in the rocking chair just smoothed back
the unruly hair on top of his head. “Grandma,”
he protested. Chuckling to herself,
the great-grandmother shifted more comfortably against the cushions of the
chair. The little boy tilted his
head to one side and waited expectantly.
“Well,” she asked at length, “what is it you want to know?”
The little boy thought carefully. “What
happens later, how did they live?” Grandma
closed her eyes. “Hmmm…that
would have been the fifties, a good decade, a very interesting one indeed.”
The little boy sat quietly, his head cocked to one side, as his
great-grandmother began again.
“By then, Abigail and Johnny were circled, that is married, and were on
cloud nine. Everything seemed to be going for them. The years before the start of 1950 saw the start of bikinis,
Polaroid cameras, and the “Big Bang” Theory.
Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier and the first non-stop flight around
the world was accomplished. The
Nuremberg trials take place and NATO is established. 1950 itself saw the first modern credit card, the first organ
transplant, and the start of that Peanuts cartoon strip you love so much. It was
also the beginning of the Korean War. These
are the Baby Boom years, a time of great prosperity, but also the start of the
Cold War.” Chapter
Eight
“Johnny, could you please put Rose and Alex in their seat belts.”
Abigail hurried down the walkway to where the station wagon was parked by
the side of the road, all the while juggling boxes, containers, and bags.
It was her family’s first outing together and she decided nothing
should go wrong. A neighbor called
hello from over a hedge. She quickly smiled and waved back. The suburbs were a friendly place, quiet and safe, filled
with new families just like her own. She
was glad they had decided to move away from the city before the birth of their
first daughter Rose.
Johnny was having complications of his own.
Rose and Alex didn’t seem enjoy being buckled in.
“Now, what are two lovely little ladies like you, going ape for?” Four-year old Rose giggled and helped calm little Alex down.
“That’s a doll,” Johnny complemented his two, now, well behaved
children.
Johnny and Abigail wanted what was best for their children.
Every new kick was offered. They
made sure Rose and Alex received the new polio vaccine when it came out. Johnny and Abigail took their children to Disneyland when it
first opened up and to the Smithsonian to see the Hope Diamond.
They read “The Cat in the Hat.“
Rose received Barbie dolls, which she passed on to her sister as she got
too old for them. Lego toy bricks,
hula hoops, silly putty, they had it all. The
family watched game shows together in the evenings in front of their color
television, until they found out the answers were fixed in the Twenty-one Fraud.
Velcro and Elvis gained popularity in their home, or at least with the
younger members.
Oh, other things happened too. Like
the discovery of DNA, the Rosenberg execution, finding that cigarettes were
linked with cancer, Rosa Parks’ stand for her rights, and the development of
NASA. All of these events were
important in history. But none of those events were a real threat to or really
affected the family, the most important aspect of Abigail and Johnny’s new
life. Nuclear war, on the other
hand, was a threat, but they built a shelter and practiced “duck and cover.”
The end of the fifties was only the start of an even better future. Works
Cited “American
History: 1930-1939.” Kingwood
College Library. May 8, 2005.
<http://kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/decade30.html> Dirk,
Tim. “Film History of the
1940s.” 2005.
May 2, 2005. <http://www.filmsite.org/40sintro.html> “The
Twentieth Century: 1940-1949.” American
Cultural History. Kingwood
College Library. May 10, 2005.
<http://kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/decade40.html> “The
Twentieth Century: 1950-1959.” American
Cultural History. Kingwood
College Library. May 10, 2005.
<http://kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/decade50.html> “Timeline
of the Twentieth Century: 1940-1949.” Twentieth
Century History. About .com.
May 3, 2005. <http://history1900s.about.com/library/time/bltime1940.htm> “1930s
Timeline.” America in the
1930s. American Studies at the
University of Virginia. May 9,
2005<http://xroads.virginia.edu/%7E1930s2/Time/timefr.html> Dalzell, Tom.
Flappers 2 Rappers: American Youth Slang.
Merriam-Webster, Inc.: Springfield, Massachusetts, 1996. Sharman, Margaret. 1950s. Steck-Vaughn Company.: Austin, Texas, 1993.
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Elizabeth
Strauss, Media Generalist
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