August 5, 2016, Shorpy GUYS AND DOLLS June 1941. Greenbelt, Maryland. "Sun bathers at the swimming pool." Marjory Collins, OWI. What every well dressed boy and girl (I'm guessing high school students) wore to the local swimming pool. You can see a person dressed in a soldier's uniform in the background.
Shorpy July 29, 2016, WORK, READ, WASH 1943-- March 1943. Barstow, California. "Railroad worker in the wash room of the reading room in the Santa Fe yard." Jack Delano, OWI.
--GreGen
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) My all-time favorite warship. As an elementary school student in North Carolina, I donated nickels and dimes to save this ship back in the early sixties.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Monday, September 12, 2016
Famous "Kissed Woman" in the Photo, Dies
From the September 10, Yahoo! News, AP "Woman in iconic WWII Times Square kiss photograph dies at 92" AP.
Freta Zimmer Friedman died Thursday, September 8, 2016, in Richmond, Virginia.
She was a 21-year-old dental assistant in a nurse's uniform on August 14, 1945. She went to Times Square when she heard reports that the war was over and found an impromptu celebration underway.
A celebrating sailor, George Mendonsa, grabbed her and planted a big old kiss on her face (perhaps lips).
Life magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt was on hand and captured the moment in what became one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century.
She will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery next to her late husband, Dr. Misha Friedman.
That Was One Neat Photograph. Wonder What Dr. Friedman Thought About It. --GreGen
Freta Zimmer Friedman died Thursday, September 8, 2016, in Richmond, Virginia.
She was a 21-year-old dental assistant in a nurse's uniform on August 14, 1945. She went to Times Square when she heard reports that the war was over and found an impromptu celebration underway.
A celebrating sailor, George Mendonsa, grabbed her and planted a big old kiss on her face (perhaps lips).
Life magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt was on hand and captured the moment in what became one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century.
She will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery next to her late husband, Dr. Misha Friedman.
That Was One Neat Photograph. Wonder What Dr. Friedman Thought About It. --GreGen
Bedford Man Recalls Attack on Pearl Harbor
From the June 7, 2016, Fredericksburg.com (Va,) by Rachel Smith.
Leonard Peverall, 94, had this to say about it:, "If I was a foot taller, I would have lost my head."
He was on the USS Pennsylvania about to have breakfast when the attack began. He ran up to the top deck.
"We didn't have any idea what was going on; it wasn't until we heard the bombs that we knew. I was on the top deck and could see airplanes coming over and the commander said to 'man your guns.'" The Pennsylvania was strafed and shots hit about a foot above his head.
Afterwards, he served the rest of the war on the USS Canfield and steamed into Tokyo Bay in mid-September 1945, after VJ-Day.
Before joining the Navy, he was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Leonard Peverall, 94, had this to say about it:, "If I was a foot taller, I would have lost my head."
He was on the USS Pennsylvania about to have breakfast when the attack began. He ran up to the top deck.
"We didn't have any idea what was going on; it wasn't until we heard the bombs that we knew. I was on the top deck and could see airplanes coming over and the commander said to 'man your guns.'" The Pennsylvania was strafed and shots hit about a foot above his head.
Afterwards, he served the rest of the war on the USS Canfield and steamed into Tokyo Bay in mid-September 1945, after VJ-Day.
Before joining the Navy, he was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Shorpy Home Front Photos: Memorial Day and a Train Bridge-- 1943
From the June 12, 2016 Shorpy.
MEMORIAL DAY: 1943. May 31, 1943. "Gallipolis, Ohio. Young horn player at the Decoration Day ceremonies." Arthur Siegel, OWI.
Comment: Probably in high school band. Plays a Sousaphone. Still calling it Decoration Day then.
From the June 3, 2016, Shorpy Photo site.
DRY RUN: 1943. March 1943. "Crossing the almost dry bed of the Canadian River along the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad in Texas." Jack Delano, OWI. That Jack sure took a lot of train pictures for OWI. he must have been its main train man.
Comment: Actually the bridge in the photo was a highway bridge by today's US-60 and US-83. Jack must have taken the photo from the train window.
--GreGen
MEMORIAL DAY: 1943. May 31, 1943. "Gallipolis, Ohio. Young horn player at the Decoration Day ceremonies." Arthur Siegel, OWI.
Comment: Probably in high school band. Plays a Sousaphone. Still calling it Decoration Day then.
From the June 3, 2016, Shorpy Photo site.
DRY RUN: 1943. March 1943. "Crossing the almost dry bed of the Canadian River along the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad in Texas." Jack Delano, OWI. That Jack sure took a lot of train pictures for OWI. he must have been its main train man.
Comment: Actually the bridge in the photo was a highway bridge by today's US-60 and US-83. Jack must have taken the photo from the train window.
--GreGen
"Color Girls'-- Part 4: Her Duties
May 21, 2001, Laura Sullivan.
Color parade honors the USNA company with the highest academic and athletic scores during the year. They are known as the Color Company. This company then gets to pick a female to be its "Color Girl." The Naval Academy buys her dress after the Color Company's commander has chosen the "Color Girl."
The "Color Girl's" duties include handing the color flag from the previous year's company this this year's color company, kissing the Color Company's commander if he is her boyfriend or fiance and accepting flowers and a string of pearls from school officers.
She can also join the Association of Color Girls of the Naval Academy who have a luncheon once a year.
In 2001, however, there was a problem because the commander of the Color Company was Josette Fedor, a woman.
--GreGen
Color parade honors the USNA company with the highest academic and athletic scores during the year. They are known as the Color Company. This company then gets to pick a female to be its "Color Girl." The Naval Academy buys her dress after the Color Company's commander has chosen the "Color Girl."
The "Color Girl's" duties include handing the color flag from the previous year's company this this year's color company, kissing the Color Company's commander if he is her boyfriend or fiance and accepting flowers and a string of pearls from school officers.
She can also join the Association of Color Girls of the Naval Academy who have a luncheon once a year.
In 2001, however, there was a problem because the commander of the Color Company was Josette Fedor, a woman.
--GreGen
Sunday, September 11, 2016
The Firemen Raising That U.S. Flag Found in the Rubble of TwinTowers/ Iwo Jima Flag-Raising
One of the moments really pressed into my memory was seeing that U.S. flag being raised in the rubble of the Twin Towers. Kind of reminded me of the Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima. A moment of pride in an otherwise dismal time.
And, speaking of other famous photos, I see that Thursday, the girl who was so well-kissed in Times Square on V-J Day in 1945, died this past Thursday. I will write more about her tomorrow.
And, speaking of other famous photos, I see that Thursday, the girl who was so well-kissed in Times Square on V-J Day in 1945, died this past Thursday. I will write more about her tomorrow.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
"Color Girls"-- Part 3: Still at USNA, But Now Called "Color Honorees"
This occurs during what is called Commissioning Week, when the graduating class gets their commissions in the USN.
A little further research and I found out that this is one tradition that still, in effect, remains. Although now, the person so honored by the commander of the color company at the academy, is called "Color Honoree." And instead of being girl friends or wives of the company commander, they have been their mothers in at least 2013 and 2016.
In 2013, the color company commander was Brooke Pitcher of East Hampton, Connecticut. She chose her mother as "Color Honoree."
In 2016, the "Color Honoree" was Claire O'Garro, mother of 13th Company Comander Greggrie O'Garro.
So, The Tradition Continues. I'm All For Tradition. --GreGen
A little further research and I found out that this is one tradition that still, in effect, remains. Although now, the person so honored by the commander of the color company at the academy, is called "Color Honoree." And instead of being girl friends or wives of the company commander, they have been their mothers in at least 2013 and 2016.
In 2013, the color company commander was Brooke Pitcher of East Hampton, Connecticut. She chose her mother as "Color Honoree."
In 2016, the "Color Honoree" was Claire O'Garro, mother of 13th Company Comander Greggrie O'Garro.
So, The Tradition Continues. I'm All For Tradition. --GreGen
USNA "Color Girls"-- Part 2: A Dying Tradition?
From the May 27, 1992, Baltimore Sun "Color Girl tradition may be drummed out" by Joel McCord.
Barbara Engh was the USNA's "Color Girl" in either 1940 or 1941. There is some confusion in accounts I've come across concerning the year.
However, by 1992, it was thought that the tradition was about to come to an end.
According to the article, the tradition was falling to "changing sensibilities." Even though it had been a 121-year tradition at that point, having become a part of Commissioning Week activities in 1871.
By 1992, there were now graduating women from the USNA.
I came across mention that it continued into 2001.
--GreGen
Barbara Engh was the USNA's "Color Girl" in either 1940 or 1941. There is some confusion in accounts I've come across concerning the year.
However, by 1992, it was thought that the tradition was about to come to an end.
According to the article, the tradition was falling to "changing sensibilities." Even though it had been a 121-year tradition at that point, having become a part of Commissioning Week activities in 1871.
By 1992, there were now graduating women from the USNA.
I came across mention that it continued into 2001.
--GreGen
Friday, September 9, 2016
USNA Color Girls-- Part 1: Barbara Engh
Back on June 23, 2016, I wrote about 19-year-old Barbara Engh, formerly of Sycamore, Illinois, having been named "Color Girl" of the graduating class of the United States Naval Academy (Class of 1941) at its June Week activities. She and her family had since moved away, though.
I'd never heard of a "Color Girl" so had to inquire further.
--GreGen
I'd never heard of a "Color Girl" so had to inquire further.
--GreGen
Thursday, September 8, 2016
USS Chewink (AM-39)-- Part 2: World War II Operations
In October 1930, the Chewink sailed west and joined Submarine Division 4 at Pearl Harbor where it served as a submarine tender. It was decommissioned at Pearl Harbor in 1933 and then sent to Mare Island in San Francisco Bay.
With war clouds on the horizon, it was recommissioned 12 November 1940 and sailed from San Diego to London, Connecticut, where the ship served for the rest of its career.
During the war, the Chewink trained Navy divers, did submarine search and rescue exercises, was station ship and was a target ship for submarine torpedoes. It operate from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Argentina, Newfoundland and was in Key West several times.
Decommissioning came at Brooklyn 4 February 1947. It was used as target practice and sunk off New London, Connecticut 31 July 1947.
--GreGen
With war clouds on the horizon, it was recommissioned 12 November 1940 and sailed from San Diego to London, Connecticut, where the ship served for the rest of its career.
During the war, the Chewink trained Navy divers, did submarine search and rescue exercises, was station ship and was a target ship for submarine torpedoes. It operate from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Argentina, Newfoundland and was in Key West several times.
Decommissioning came at Brooklyn 4 February 1947. It was used as target practice and sunk off New London, Connecticut 31 July 1947.
--GreGen
The U.S. Navy's AM and ASR Ships
The USS Chewink was originally AM-39, which is Navy classification for minesweepers. In 1929 it was overhauled and became ASR-3, Navy classification for submarine rescue ship.
A chewink is a bird species also known as towhee.
Both U.S. Navy mineweepers and submarine rescue ships are named after birds.
Now, You're Up On Your Navy Classifications. --GreGen
A chewink is a bird species also known as towhee.
Both U.S. Navy mineweepers and submarine rescue ships are named after birds.
Now, You're Up On Your Navy Classifications. --GreGen
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
USS Chewick (AM-39)-- Part 1: A Very Varied Career
In the last post, I mentioned Victor E, Marriott, warrant officer on the USS Chewink, and son of the proprietor of the Fargo Hotel in Sycamore visiting his father in May 1941. I wanted to find out more about this ship so here it is.
From Wikipedia.
The USS Chewink was a Lapwing-class minesweeper later converted to a submarine rescue ship launched 21 December 1918 by Todd Shipyard in New York City.
It was commissioned 9 April 1919 and spent a lot of time clearing the North Sea of mines laid down during World War I. It was reclassified ASR-3 on 12 September 1929.
The next 11 years it operated along the U.S. East Coast, Cuba and Puerto Rico doing salvage, target towing, school for Naval Engineers, recovering mines, experimental underwater radio tests, net laying and tending submarines.
--GreGen
From Wikipedia.
The USS Chewink was a Lapwing-class minesweeper later converted to a submarine rescue ship launched 21 December 1918 by Todd Shipyard in New York City.
It was commissioned 9 April 1919 and spent a lot of time clearing the North Sea of mines laid down during World War I. It was reclassified ASR-3 on 12 September 1929.
The next 11 years it operated along the U.S. East Coast, Cuba and Puerto Rico doing salvage, target towing, school for Naval Engineers, recovering mines, experimental underwater radio tests, net laying and tending submarines.
--GreGen
Looking Back to 1941: Sycamore Man Aboard the USS Chewick
From the May 25, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago. " Tom Marriott, proprietor of the Fargo hotel in Sycamore has had an interesting overnight guest at his hotel Thursday night. It was no other person than his only son, Victor E. Marriott, who is a Commissioned Warrant officer aboard the Shewink, a United States Navy rescue vessel.
"The younger Mr. Marriott finished his training at Great Lakes some time ago and was commissioned aboard the Shewink when she was put back into service on November 12, 1940, after having been out of service for eight years."
The actual name of the ship was the USS Chewink.
--GreGen
1941, 75 Years Ago. " Tom Marriott, proprietor of the Fargo hotel in Sycamore has had an interesting overnight guest at his hotel Thursday night. It was no other person than his only son, Victor E. Marriott, who is a Commissioned Warrant officer aboard the Shewink, a United States Navy rescue vessel.
"The younger Mr. Marriott finished his training at Great Lakes some time ago and was commissioned aboard the Shewink when she was put back into service on November 12, 1940, after having been out of service for eight years."
The actual name of the ship was the USS Chewink.
--GreGen
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Looking Back: Civil Pilot Training
From the February 3, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago: "After a month long delay due to inclement weather, students enrolled in the Civil Pilot Training program at the Teacher's College (Northern Illinois) received the flight tests for their private pilot's licenses at the Waterman Airport."
Going to War, We're Going to Need Pilots. --GreGen
1941, 75 Years Ago: "After a month long delay due to inclement weather, students enrolled in the Civil Pilot Training program at the Teacher's College (Northern Illinois) received the flight tests for their private pilot's licenses at the Waterman Airport."
Going to War, We're Going to Need Pilots. --GreGen
Monday, September 5, 2016
Looking Back: Use of Silk in Hosiery Abandoned for War Effort
From the August 31, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
Even though we were not yet officially at war, we were definitely preparing for it.
1941, 75 Years Ago: "The United States ordered today that the use of silk in the manufacture of hosiery and other civilian items be abandoned in the favor of production of silk powder bags and parachutes for the Army and Navy."
--GreGen
Even though we were not yet officially at war, we were definitely preparing for it.
1941, 75 Years Ago: "The United States ordered today that the use of silk in the manufacture of hosiery and other civilian items be abandoned in the favor of production of silk powder bags and parachutes for the Army and Navy."
--GreGen
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Undersea Battleground Explored Off North Carolina Coast-- Part 2
Every member of the SS Bluefield's crew survived the attack by the U-576. Every member of the U-576's crew died and are still aboard.
The expedition found that the submarine's dive planes were tilted up with the intention of surfacing. The ship's captain had done all he could to help his crew escape.
After the German submarine sank the Bluefields, it came under attack by Navy planes which dropped depth charges and it was also swept by machine gun fire from another merchant ship in the convoy.
During the course of the Battle of the Atlantic, nearly 1,600 sailors, including 1,100 merchant mariners, died just off the North Carolina coast. Most of these deaths came in 1942 which was the time of the most severe fighting. After that there weren't too many attacks.
Dives to the ships are being made in a mini submarine. The approaching storm, however, has temporarily delayed the exploration which has returned to Beaufort.
--GreGen
The expedition found that the submarine's dive planes were tilted up with the intention of surfacing. The ship's captain had done all he could to help his crew escape.
After the German submarine sank the Bluefields, it came under attack by Navy planes which dropped depth charges and it was also swept by machine gun fire from another merchant ship in the convoy.
During the course of the Battle of the Atlantic, nearly 1,600 sailors, including 1,100 merchant mariners, died just off the North Carolina coast. Most of these deaths came in 1942 which was the time of the most severe fighting. After that there weren't too many attacks.
Dives to the ships are being made in a mini submarine. The approaching storm, however, has temporarily delayed the exploration which has returned to Beaufort.
--GreGen
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Undersea Battleground Explored Off North Carolina Coast-- Part 1
From the September 2, 2016, Charlotte (N.C.) Observer "A haunting moment as expedition reaches World War II U-boat, freighter wrecks off Cape Hatteras."
This is a story of a victim, the culprit and then the culprit became the victim as well. The U-boat sank the freighter and then became a victim itself and was sunk. The two ships lie close together.
The NOAA and its research partners are searching the remains of two ships sunk close by and about the same time during the horrific, but little-known for the most part Battle of the Atlantic. This is the part that occurred right off the shore of the eastern United States.
The NOAA is in the process of mapping this underwater battlefield.
--GreGen
This is a story of a victim, the culprit and then the culprit became the victim as well. The U-boat sank the freighter and then became a victim itself and was sunk. The two ships lie close together.
The NOAA and its research partners are searching the remains of two ships sunk close by and about the same time during the horrific, but little-known for the most part Battle of the Atlantic. This is the part that occurred right off the shore of the eastern United States.
The NOAA is in the process of mapping this underwater battlefield.
--GreGen
Friday, September 2, 2016
Shorpy Home Front Photos: Mackey's Creamery, Sausalito, Californi
From the August 18, 2016 Shorpy.
MACKEY'S CREAMERY, 1943: June 7, 1943 Restaurant soda fountain, Sausalito, California. There are cigarette butts all over the floor, some of the men are reading newspapers and one guys seems mesmerized by his cell phone (Not, though). I didn't see a single ash tray in the photo, but figure they could have used some. Maybe the waitresses were grossed out by the butts.
There is a sign that reads: "Due to Coca-Cola rationing we are compelled at times to substitute other colas."
There are spring-loaded hat holders on the backs of the seats
Comments: Located at 639 Bridgeway Blvd., Sausalito.
Advertising for Mackey's Creamery: "Donuts Made Fresh 3 Times Daily. Plain. per dozen -- 25 cents. frosted, per dozen -- 30 cents. 639 Bridgeway. Phone: Sausalito 59."
Butts All Over the Place. --GreGen
MACKEY'S CREAMERY, 1943: June 7, 1943 Restaurant soda fountain, Sausalito, California. There are cigarette butts all over the floor, some of the men are reading newspapers and one guys seems mesmerized by his cell phone (Not, though). I didn't see a single ash tray in the photo, but figure they could have used some. Maybe the waitresses were grossed out by the butts.
There is a sign that reads: "Due to Coca-Cola rationing we are compelled at times to substitute other colas."
There are spring-loaded hat holders on the backs of the seats
Comments: Located at 639 Bridgeway Blvd., Sausalito.
Advertising for Mackey's Creamery: "Donuts Made Fresh 3 Times Daily. Plain. per dozen -- 25 cents. frosted, per dozen -- 30 cents. 639 Bridgeway. Phone: Sausalito 59."
Butts All Over the Place. --GreGen
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Looking Back to 1941: DeKalb Aviators Training in Canada
From the August 10, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago. "DeKalb has two aviators who are engaged in war training in Canada at the present time. Spencer Mark, connected with the Waterman airport, has just returned from Trenton, Canada, where he visited Harry Reed of DeKalb, who is a flight officer.
"Mack did not have opportunity to go to Chatam, New Brunswick, where Ray Tucker is an instructor in a Canadian army aviation camp."
Not At War Yet...But. --GreGen
1941, 75 Years Ago. "DeKalb has two aviators who are engaged in war training in Canada at the present time. Spencer Mark, connected with the Waterman airport, has just returned from Trenton, Canada, where he visited Harry Reed of DeKalb, who is a flight officer.
"Mack did not have opportunity to go to Chatam, New Brunswick, where Ray Tucker is an instructor in a Canadian army aviation camp."
Not At War Yet...But. --GreGen
Looking Back to 1941: Collecting Aluminum for Looming War Effort
From the August 10, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1941, 75 Years Ago. "Confidant that considerable waste aluminum in the shape of discarded pots and pans, parts of old radio sets, washing machines and wringers and household articles of similar nature still remain in the homes of DeKalb, the DeKalb Aluminum Defense Committee today issued an appeal to the people of DeKalb to bring discarded, but valuable metal, to the dump which has been created at Third and Locust Streets."
I imagine this would have something to do with leading up to yesterday's post about the Boy Scouts.
--GreGen
1941, 75 Years Ago. "Confidant that considerable waste aluminum in the shape of discarded pots and pans, parts of old radio sets, washing machines and wringers and household articles of similar nature still remain in the homes of DeKalb, the DeKalb Aluminum Defense Committee today issued an appeal to the people of DeKalb to bring discarded, but valuable metal, to the dump which has been created at Third and Locust Streets."
I imagine this would have something to do with leading up to yesterday's post about the Boy Scouts.
--GreGen
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