Seasons Under the Sun

Claudias’ Story – Part 8

November 6, 2024

Claudia’s Story – Part 8

With childcare space secured by June, Alma Robertson and Carol Bridges were the first two “moms” hired by the Naval Air Station followed by Stephanie Davis and Joy Iverson. A total of eight children…six during the day plus two afterschool care. The First United Methodist Women’s Auxiliary donated cots, blankets, toys, and books. Others baked bread or shared vegetables from their victory gardens to make soup for the children. Even others volunteered their invaluable time. The lady in purple, whom Claudia learned was Ida Smith, volunteered to do the cooking. Was a complete surprise to everyone! She wore a different colored apron every day and never missed either a day or a different apron. And Dr. Morse not only agreed to the project but also insisted upon reading from his favorite children’s books before naptime.

One afternoon while the children played outside Claudia placed clean sheets on the four cots in the bedroom designated for the older children. Minnie stuffed a pillow into a cotton pillowcase, plumped it up and set it at the top of a cot.

Claudia shook out another sheet and said, “Did you know after we first met you at church, Mark told his dad that night he met Minnie Mouse!”

Minnie laughed. “I suppose our names do sound similar!”

“Min-nee?” a voice called from downstairs.

“Is that Ida?” Claudia asked.

“Ida.” Minnie shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

“Min-nee!” Ida called again with a more forceful shrill. “There’s two officers down here to see you.”

“Officers?” Claudia asked as she followed Minnie out into the hallway. “What can this be about?” Claudia peered over the railing. Two naval officers, a man and a woman, stood in the foyer.

As Minnie and Claudia descended the stairs, the man looked up. Claudia immediately recognized him. “Petty Officer Williams!”

“I should have known you had a hand in this.” Smiling, he removed his head cover and placed it under his arm.

“You two know each other?” the female officer asked.

“Yes, we’ve met, but only briefly,” Petty Officer Williams replied.

“Please come into the den. May I offer tea? We are out of coffee.” Minnie led the guests to the den.

“No, thank you, ma’am. We are fine. I failed to introduce Petty Officer Dina Ethridge. She is a WAVES Specialist S, a personnel supervisor. PO Ethridge, this is Claudia Woods and Minnie Morse and….” Petty Officer Williams turned his attention toward Ida.

“Ida Smith’s my name. Mrs. Ida Smith. What’s a WAVES…isn’t that what you called her?”

“Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services,” the young woman answered politely.

“Well, ain’t that a hoot? WAVES! Thank you, for your service, Miss Ethridge! Let me get you that tea. Hot or iced?”

“Thank you, Mrs. Smith. Don’t trouble yourself. We only a few minutes.” PO Williams smiled.

“Please, sit down,” Minnie motioned to the hunter-green upholstered sofa that sat parallel to the picture-window overlooking the backyard. Six children including Claudia’s were busy at play.

Minnie and Claudia took a seat in the matching chairs situated across from the sofa. Ida stood in the doorway and fiddled with the pockets on her apron…a full-length white cotton, starched and ironed, covered in a print of pink cupids with red bows and arrows.

Petty Officer Williams leaned forward and smiled. “You are probably curious why we are here. I was curious, too, when every woman I interviewed when asked if they had children had the same reply. ‘They’re being kept at Minnie’s house.’ I digress. Petty Officer Ethridge, please explain.”

The young woman dressed in the traditional WAVES dark blue dress uniform with gold-colored buttons sat perfectly poised and confident. “In March when our civil plane mechanic Jo Beth Murphy mentioned your endeavor…I believe you know Miss Murphy?”

“Yes, we do,” Claudia answered. Minnie nodded.

“Well, I thought your plan a brilliant undertaking. You may be unfamiliar with the Lanham Act 44 passed in 1940 giving the Federal Works Agency funds to build houses and schools for those laborers working in the defense industry. Now that the U.S. is actively at war and our defense most crucial, those funds have been reallocated to provide childcare for mothers who work defense related jobs. I have here…just a moment…” pausing to open the dark-blue leather purse slung over her shoulder and across her chest. “This is an official letter from the Federal Works Agency addressed to you, Mrs. Morse, with instructional procedures for claiming funds for your childcare center. Since funds won’t be necessary for construction, your funds most likely will be used for food and supplies. Could also be used to hire caregivers.”

Petty Officer Ethridge retrieved the letter and held it out. A bracelet fastened about her slim wrist slipped underneath her dark-blue jacket as she extended her arm. Minnie took the letter and opened it.

“I don’t know what to say,” Minnie blubbered; tears flooding her eyes.

“How did the Agency know about us?” Claudia asked, trying to keep her emotions at bay.

“In April per the Agency’s requirements, I sent a letter along with an application requesting funding. I conveyed the extreme importance the eight women who were recently employed as civil workers are to us on base. I also explained the adversity preventing our hiring more capable women. Motherhood should not be a deterrence from serving our great country.”

Minnie opened the letter to reread it. “I can’t wait to show this to Vernon. He will be disappointed he was not here to meet you both.”

“Thank you for all you do here,” Petty Officer Williams said as he nodded at PO Ethridge. “Mrs. Woods, if you should ever change your mind about visiting the recruitment office, I would be proud to serve alongside you. You’ve proven you’d make a fine WAVES officer…see a problem before you and solve it!”

The Naval officers stood. Claudia, dumbfounded by Petty Officer Williams’ words, rose slowly. Minnie escorted the officers to the front door. Petty Officer Williams stepped onto the porch, replaced his hat, and proceeded to the Navy Staff car…a dark blue 1940 Plymouth…parked at the curb. Bold white letters ‘U.S. Navy ~ Naval Air Station’ were centered across the front doors. A crest of a large light blue sphere bearing a white star with a red circle in its center adorned both back doors.

As Petty Officer Ethridge stepped over the threshold, Minnie asked, “May I call you Dina?”

The young woman turned, “Yes, of course.”

“I wanted to invite you and Officer Williams to come back anytime. Vernon, Mr. Morse, and I usually have Sunday dinner alone and would enjoy your company. Anytime you’re free. Any of the officers who are away from home are welcome as well.”

“That would be lovely. Thank you. I’ll pass that along.”

“Do you mind my asking about the bracelet you’re wearing?”

“No, not at all.” Dina held up her wrist and jingled her bracelet. “This is my identification tag…name, naval serial number, date of service, unit and religion. We, the WAVES, are required to wear them in some fashion or another…necklace or bracelet…even though we’re serving stateside.”

Minnie’s sorrowful eyes betrayed her smiling face. “Vernon served in the Great War, and I keep his tags in my jewelry box. May I hug you?”

Dina surprised by the request, said, “Yes, you may.” Minnie enveloped her in such a tight grasp that left Dina completely surprised by and delighted in.

Claudia joined Minnie and together they watched the Naval staff car pull away. Claudia turned and smiled at Minnie. “We’ve done it!”

“You’ve done it!” Minnie replied.

“May I use your telephone? I’ve got to call Mallory!”

~~~~~~~~~~~

The ID tags WAVES wore as mentioned above is a fact. Women as well as men who served in any branch of the military were required to wear identification tags just as they are today.

The Lanham Act 44 is also a fact:

“In 1940, the United States passed the Defense Housing and Community Facilities and Services Act, known as the Lanham Act, which gave the Federal Works Agency the authority to fund the construction of houses, schools and other infrastructure for laborers in the growing defense industry. It was not specifically meant to fund childcare, but in late 1942, the government used it to fund temporary day care centers for the children of mothers working wartime jobs.

As the war ended in August 1945, the Federal Works Agency announced it would stop funding childcare as soon as possible. Parents responded by sending the agency 1,155 letters, 318 wires, 794 postcards and petitions with 3,647 signatures urging the government to keep them open. In response, the U.S. government provided additional funding for childcare through February 1946. After that, it was over.”

Read more about childcare during WWII by clicking this link:

https://www.history.com/news/universal-childcare-world-war-ii

~~~~~~~~~~~

That concludes Claudia’s story. I am hopeful you enjoyed reading it. Drop a line and let me know what you think about Seasons Under the Sun.

Claudia’s Story – Part 7

Claudia’s Story – Part 7

After meeting with the six women at Cole Park who were very much interested in working at the base, Claudia volunteered to visit the pastor of the First United Methodist Church. She had called the church secretary earlier in the week and set up an appointment Thursday morning at ten-thirty. Not wanting to take advantage of Mallory’s friendship, she brought her boys with her. Michael and Mark enjoyed the ride in the red wagon. Was an adventure. They pretended to be pirates aboard a ship lost at sea. Unbeknown to the gulls floating above them, the birds in this imaginary tale led the way to shore and to safety.

“You’ve got to be kidding!” Claudia exclaimed upon arrival and seeing the number of steps leading to the church entrance. “Disembark, mateys! Help your captain haul this old-battered ship to shore before we take in any more water!”

“Aww, Mommy!” Michael sounded insulted but Claudia noticed a smile.

Claudia helped Mark from the wagon. Michael grabbed the front and with Claudia at the back; the two carried the red wagon up the fourteen steps to the front door. Mark trailed behind, stomping on each step. The church constructed of light-colored brick and white stone sat serenely against the cloudless sky. The church steeple rose in a sharp spiral and ended with a cross at its tip. Claudia parked the wagon on the landing near the front double doors. Taking her sons’ hands, she opened the door. The church lobby was wide and spacious and brightly lit. Stained-glass windows framed all four walls. The stone floor was shiny and almost transparent. So still and quiet, Claudia wondered if anyone was in the building. Seeing an arrow pointing to the church offices, she and the boys followed it. At the door marked ‘Pastor Eric Booth,’ Claudia knocked.

A woman in her 40s opened the door and held it out widely. “No need to knock. Please, come in. You must be Mrs. Woods.”

“Yes,” Claudia stammered. “Claudia Woods. These are my boys. Is it okay that I brought them? I should have asked before.”

“Of course. Children are always welcome. I’m Mrs. Dunlap, the pastor’s secretary. Would your boys care for a lollipop? I’m afraid I only have grape or cherry.” Mrs. Dunlap took a candy jar from the edge of her desk and held it behind her back awaiting Claudia’s consent. The boys danced about excitedly. When Claudia nodded her head, Mrs. Dunlap held out the jar for the boys to make a selection. “Now,” she said returning the jar to its place and taking a seat behind the desk. “Please, have a seat.”

Claudia helped remove the cellophane from the boys’ candy then sat in the high-back leather chair situated in front of the desk. Michael pressed against her legs as she lifted Mark to her lap.

“I’m sorry to say but Pastor Booth is unable to meet with you today. Had an emergency hospital call from one of our members.” Claudia’s crestfallen-look triggered Mrs. Dunlap’s sympathy. “Pastor Booth told me a bit about why you were coming today. If you would possibly tell me more, I’ll see how I may help.”

Between the boys’ slurpy candy crunches and time spent retrieving a Kleenex from her purse to wipe Mark’s face, Claudia told Mrs. Dunlap about the childcare need. Mrs. Dunlap listened intently and enthusiastically. “That sounds like a wonderful plan. But I can tell you now that we have very few extra rooms to use for your purposes. Maybe once or twice a week but not seven days a week. But don’t give up. I’ll share this with Pastor Booth, and I hope all goes well for you.”

“Thank you. May I leave a few pamphlets from the Naval Air Base?”

“Yes, please do.” Mrs. Dunlap placed the offered stack on her desk.

“Would you mind directing me to the ladies’ room?” Claudia held up Mark’s hands. “Sticky hands.”

Mrs. Dunlap laughed. “Yes, of course. Upstairs and the first door on the right.”

Claudia placed Mark on his feet and nodded at Michael whose lips were stained bright purple. “Thank you for meeting with us today.”

“And thanks for the candy!” Michael added. “Yeah, thanks!” Mark chimed in.

Easily finding the ladies’ restroom, Claudia washed the boys’ faces and hands. “Let’s go home, boys. Maybe our ship has been repaired.”

Both boys laughed. Their mom was quite the comedienne. As the three walked toward the stairs, a door opened to one of the rooms. Claudia assumed it to be a classroom. As a child, Claudia attended a Baptist Church and was familiar with rooms set aside for Bible study. All churches must have them, she decided. Two women who looked to be in their late sixties entered the hall.

“Excuse me, Miss. I think you dropped something,” one said.

Claudia turned as the boys preceded to the stairs. “Stop!” Claudia called after them. The boys as if lassoed by an invisible rope abruptly halted.

“This must be yours,” the woman repeated holding out a N.A.S. pamphlet.

“Yes, thank you. It is. Must have fallen from my purse.”

The second woman, whose eyebrows were painted one-eighth inch higher than her natural brow line and cheeks rouged in bright red, asked, “Are you the young woman organizing childcare for working mothers?”

“One of them, yes. How did you know?”

“I’m Marjorie Harrison. Ellen Dunlap, our pastor’s secretary, is my daughter. She told me you were meeting with Pastor Booth today.”

“Did he help you, dear? He’s a lovely man,” the first woman said.

“Well, I’m not sure. He wasn’t in.”

The first woman’s face lit up like she’d just witnessed the lighting of a Christmas tree on town square. “Why don’t you join us? I’m Constance Wright, chair for our women’s auxiliary service group. Marjorie and I were getting more coffee. It’s time for dessert. Please, come in.”

The boys stopped their horseplay when they heard the word ‘dessert’ and trotted up closer to Claudia. Claudia took them by the hand and followed Constance Wright and Marjorie Harrison into the room of twenty or so women. The ladies’ conversations and laughter receded as the newcomers followed Constance to the front.

Constance stood behind a podium and announced, “Ladies, may I introduce to you…oh, I didn’t get your name.”

“Claudia Woods.”

“Yes, Claudia Woods. Mrs. Woods is organizing childcare for mothers who want to work at the naval base.”

One seventy-five-year-old bespectacled woman, whose purple sweater was buttoned askew over a green floral dress, sat on the front row. Frowning she blurted out, “We can’t have our women fighting on the front lines! It’s not proper. Women have always stayed at home rearing their children while the men go off to war!”

“But what if childcare could be provided for those women who want to serve their country by working here at the base? Or need extra money to pay the bills while their husbands are serving overseas? There are numerous civilian service jobs women can do to relinquish men to more urgent matters. A secretary or a transcriber or a plane mechanic or a mail sorter…to name only a few. These women won’t be fighting overseas…they’ll be right here in Corpus!” Claudia answered excitedly without giving Constance a chance to hem-haw in response.

The woman in the purple sweater opened her mouth in rebuttal but her neighbor elbowed her lightly. Finally, the woman folded her hands in her lap as her glasses slid down the bridge of her nose.

A woman sitting in the back of the room stood. “What do you need?”

Constance stood to one side giving Claudia the floor. Claudia eased behind the podium. Mark hung on to one side of her skirt. Michael turned to look out the window at the surroundings below.

“First of all, we need a space for the children.”

“How many?” one woman on the third row asked.

“Well, I’m not sure. There are six children among those women who’ve recently shown interest. But there may be more once the word spreads.”

“Why don’t you know for sure?” the lady in purple asked.

Claudia smiled. “The women can’t apply for a job until childcare has been secured. They’re immediately turned away without it.”

The woman in the back stood again. “My name is Minnie Morse. I would be happy to offer my house as a place for your childcare. I have five bedrooms. Way too big for just me and my husband. Would you be interested?”

Claudia was shocked. Words escaped her. This offer was too good to be true.

Constance responded cheerfully, “Thank you, Minnie. What a generous offer! Let’s have dessert and let Claudia and Minnie talk privately.”

The women who had been seated, stood and mingled around the dessert table. Their voices low….no doubt discussing what just took place.

“Would you two like a piece of cake?” Constance addressed Michael and Mark whose eyes were already trained on the white linen-covered table at the back of the room.

“A small piece,” Claudia answered for them.

Constance led the boys toward the dessert table. Claudia turned when she heard her name.

“May I formally introduce myself? I am Minnie Morse. My husband Vernon is a retired physician who specialized in pediatrics. We love children. Would you like to come see if our house is suitable for your cause?”

“Your offer is beyond my deepest imagination! But shouldn’t we at least ask Dr. Morse if he’s onboard with an invasion of children into his home?”

Minnie patted Claudia’s arm and winked. “He will be. I promise.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

So, who doesn’t enjoy a lollipop? This simple hard candy on a stick comes in various flavors and is available in all sizes. But do you know the history of the lollipop? Here’s a fun fact:

A book called Food for Thought: Extraordinary Little Chronicles of the World claims modern lollipops were invented by George Smith from New Haven, Connecticut. Smith started making these sweet candies in 1908. He named them after a popular racehorse at the time…Lolly Pop….and trademarked the lollipop name in 1931.

Music, literature, and film industries often use lollipops as a symbol of youth and joy. The Chordettes first appeared on American Band Stand in 1957 and sang their catchy tune, “Lollipop.” Roald Dahl used lollipops as a symbol of childhood in his book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Lollipop Guild were quirky little characters found in The Wizard of Oz. Even television’s Kojak often held a lollipop in his mouth to contrast his tough detective image with an unexpected sweetness.

Do you have a favorite flavor? Orange, grape, or cherry?

~~~~

The final segment of Claudia’s story will be posted Wednesday, November 6th

Claudia’s Story – Part 6

November 1, 2024

Claudia’s story continues:

Claudia rounded-up her boys, walked to their apartment, and unlocked the door. The boys scampered to their room to play. She glanced at the clock as she entered the kitchen. Three o’clock. Thirty more minutes until time to meet Matthew at school. Enough time to iron a few things. Claudia dropped her purse along with the pamphlet on the kitchen counter and opened the cabinet under the sink. She withdrew an empty coke bottle and filled it with water. After popping in the cork that held the spray nozzle, she hurried to the hall closet where the ironing board and iron were kept. It only took a few minutes to set up the board in the living room and plug in the iron to heat. She turned on the radio and began to iron one of Alan’s cotton work shirts.

At exactly six, Alan walked through the front door. Michael and Mark ran to greet him. Matthew, sitting on the sofa, looked up from the book he was reading. Claudia rushed from the kitchen and kissed Alan’s cheek.

“Sorry, I need to put the ironing board away. Busy day today. Matthew, take your shoes to your room. They don’t belong in here.”

“That’s fine. Hey, Matthew, when you return, I want to hear about your day at school. What did you two do?” Alan bounced Michael and Mark over each hip and tossed them gently on the sofa. When he tickled them, they giggled and kicked to be set free.

“The meatloaf is cooling. The English peas are done. Just need to mash the potatoes. Boys, wash up.”

“Peas! Uck!” Michael grumbled as the boys filed to the bathroom.

“Just bury them in the potatoes. Can’t taste them that way,” Matthew advised from his own pea-eating experiences.

With dinner over, Claudia cleared the table while Alan bathed the younger boys and got them ready for bed. Matthew grabbed his satchel by the front door, sat at the table, and pulled out his geography book. His yellow pencil popped out along with the book and rolled toward the end of the table. Matthew slammed the pencil still with his hand, placed a ruled-page writing tablet on the table and opened his book.

“Need help in here?” Alan asked as he entered the kitchen.

“Finishing the pans. The boys bathed?”

“Yeah, in their pajamas waiting for a bedtime story. What’s this?” Alan slid out the pamphlet partially concealed under Claudia’s purse.

“Nothing, really.”

“Then why do you have it? Claudia, you know you can’t get a job on base!”

“Was just curious, Alan. And what if I wanted to get a job there or anywhere, wouldn’t you support me?”

“What if you wanted to? Seriously? Well, number one…I forbid it! Number two…what did you intend to do with the kids? Leave them at home to fend for themselves?”

Claudia turned from the sink of dirty pans and glared at her husband. “Forbid me? Did you just say you forbid me? Only my father ever forbade my doing anything.”

“Yes, I did! What on earth, Claudia? What are you thinking?”

Matthew crept around the corner. Concern in his voice, he asked, “Are you guys fighting?”

Alan turned around. “No, we’re not fighting…just having a discussion.”

Matthew studied his parents who’d never raised their voices against each other until now or as far as he knew. “Well, when Michael and I have discussions like this, we get into big trouble and are sent to our room!”

“Fair enough.” Alan glanced at Claudia who had turned back to the sink. “I’ll go read to the boys.”

Claudia remained silent. What was she doing? Why was he being so stubborn? Why was she? She had no intentions of seeking employment at the base. She understood the boys came first. But why didn’t she say so? Was she upset because he dared speak the words, ‘I forbid you?’ Did those three words conjure up memories from her teen years when her father tried desperately to harness her rebellious nature? She owed Alan an apology! And she would tell him before the night ended.

After breakfast the next morning, the day continued as routinely as all the previous weekdays. After walking Matthew to the corner of Menger’s campus, Claudia and the younger boys met Mallory and her boys at Cole Park. Mallory parked the stroller by the bench where Claudia sat. Jack, Michael and Mark ran to the slides.

Mallory lifted up Greg and placed him on her lap. “Is everything okay? You seem out of sorts.”

“Oh, Alan and I had a fight last night. So silly…about working at the base.”

“But you’re not going to work at the base. Didn’t you tell him?”

“Yes, but I’m not sure he understands why I’m so worked up about it. Know the name of that big church on the hill?”

“Where? Oh, there. Sure. That’s First United Methodist. Are you guys searching for a church home?”

“No, we should be. I was wondering if they’d have any space we could use for childcare.”

“So, you’re still thinking about that? How do we even know there’s a need?”

Claudia smiled cunningly.

“I’m not sure I like that look. What are you thinking?”

“What if we place flyers around the complex inviting women who might be interested to an organizational meeting?”

“But where would we meet? Our apartments are way too small.”

“Here! At the park!”

“But didn’t you and Alan have a fight over this?”

“Not this! Come on, Mallory. Let’s canvas the complex to see how many moms desperately need the work but can’t because of the lack of childcare.”

“I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I’ll do what I can.”

“Great! Let’s go!”

“Where?”

“To the laundry room!”

~~~~~~~

Fun Fact:

I found this interesting article in Southern Living about the demise of ironing over the past two decades. Do you still iron? Did your mother? Grandmother? Prior to ironing, my mother sprinkled our clothes with water and placed them in the refrigerator in plastic bags. Sometimes I felt there was more laundry in our fridge than there was food! Clothes were also starched by either being soaked in the sink or sprayed on during the ironing process. Stiff and wrinkle-free was the norm. The article explains that today’s generation would rather wear sweatsuits, yoga pants, or denim jeans to avoid ironing at all costs. There is not a need for ironing “everything” as there was in the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Tablecloths, hankies, pillowcases and sometimes even sheets were ironed. A wrinkled garment was definitely a no-no! Today’s fabrics are constructed of material that comes out of the dryer wrinkle-free. No need to plug in that old iron to eliminate wrinkles. Some still iron…I do. But ironing today is more like pressing. When you’re tasked with ironing a starched cotton dress shirt or making sure the creases on a pair of slacks are perfectly straight, then we can talk about ironing!

https://www.southernliving.com/death-of-ironing-6525715

If you have driven down Shoreline Drive in Corpus Christi, Texas, surely you have noticed the 15-foot bronze statue depicting Jesus standing at the front of a boat stilling the storm on the Sea of Galilee. This structure sits on the First United Methodist’s grounds facing the Corpus Christi Bay. The statue is secured on pilings 38 feet deep, constructed of 4,200 pounds of metal and built to withstand hurricane-force winds. In Latin, Corpus Christi means the body of Christ. Read more about how this amazing bronze statue came to be at FUM’s website:

https://www.ccfumc.com/christstatue

Claudia’s Story – Part 7 will be posted Monday, November 4th.

Claudia’s Story – Part 5

October 30, 2024

Claudia’s story continues:

The office was small. Naval insignia and blue and gold posters were displayed about the room. A young woman dressed in a naval staff uniform…a white short-sleeved button-down-the-front dress with a long blue tie secured in a square knot at the neck…sat behind the reception desk. The lobby area held ten straight-back chairs. Five of them occupied by men. Claudia walked to the desk. The woman smiled.

“Are you here for the position?”

“The position?”

“Plane mechanic. We’re hiring today. If interested, take a seat. Petty Officer Williams is conducting interviews. Name?”

“Uh…I don’t know.”

“You don’t know your name?” the receptionist asked amusingly.

“My name is Claudia Woods…I don’t know about being interviewed…about this job.” Claudia noticed pamphlets listing civil job opportunities stacked on the corner of the desk. “May I have one?”

“Yes, of course. Have a seat. Petty Officer Williams will answer any questions you have.”

Claudia glanced at her wristwatch. Her business with the Rations Board didn’t take long; she could spare a few more minutes. She turned and took a seat. All five men, as if never having seen a female before, strangely watched her every move. Self-consciously Claudia adjusted her skirt over her knees and crossed her ankles.

One by one the men were called to the inner office. Claudia grew nervous as the last man entered. Who was behind that door? What was going on in there? She chuckled to herself as she thought of the scene from The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy, the tin man, the scare crow, and the lion first encounter the Great and Powerful Oz. Claudia’s mouth seemed parched when the last interviewee exited the office. He glanced her way and left the lobby.

“You may go in now, Miss Woods.”

Without correcting the receptionist, Claudia rose from her seat and readjusted her purse strap over her shoulder. She eased the office door open and found Petty Officer Williams sitting behind an oak desk; his head bent over paperwork. A framed portrait of a single-mast ship with three billowing headsails gliding through a sea of green hung on the wall behind him.

“Have a seat,” he said motioning to the chair in front of the desk.

Claudia slowly sat down.

“Name?”

“Claudia Woods.”

Upon hearing a female voice, the officer looked up from the paper on which he was writing and put his pen down. He was smartly dressed in an open-collar khaki uniform. The Petty Officer’s insignia devices pinned to his collar…an eagle with wings outspread perched over three chevrons…denoted his rank.

“Tell me Miss Woods. Why are you here today?”

“Mrs. Woods. I’m married.”

“I see.” Petty Officer Williams scrutinized her, never breaking eye contact.

Claudia fidgeted in her chair and felt like some sort of germ smeared on a glass slide being examined under a microscope. Finally, she spoke, “I’ve seen the posters all over town asking for civil airplane mechanics. I was curious about the position.”

“Do you have experience as an airplane mechanic, Mrs. Woods?”

Claudia frowned. “No, I was under the impression from the posters that experience was not necessary.”

“Why are you interested in this particular job at the N.A.S.?”

“To do more for the war effort; to serve my country.”

“Do you have children?”

Claudia wriggled her wedding band around her finger. Not from nervousness but from a newly found sensation of annoyance. “Was that question addressed to the five men who preceded my interview?”

Claudia regretted her response when Petty Officer Williams’ eyebrows shot upward. “It’s a legitimate question. Women are responsible for the care of their children. I dare say very few fathers are asked to leave their assignments to care for ill children. That’s a mother’s job, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Are there female mechanics on your staff now?” Claudia boldly asked.

“Well, yes, there are. Single women.”

“So, your poster is wrong.”

“I’m sorry?” Petty Officer Williams’ face reddened.

“There isn’t an urgent need for plane mechanics at the Naval Air Station. I was mistaken.” Claudia stood. “Sorry to waste your time. It’s a shame more women…even married ones…are not hired to replace the men who are needed elsewhere…at the battle fronts overseas, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Have a nice day, Mrs. Woods,” Petty Officer Williams grumbled.

Claudia left the office and walked back to the La Armada apartment complex. Her mind caught in a whirlwind of thought and frustration.

Mallory greeted her at the door. “Come in. My younger two are napping. Yours are in Jack’s room. How did it go?”

Claudia removed her purse from her shoulder and practically plopped down upon the sofa.

“Cup of coffee?” Mallory asked already preceding to the kitchen.

Claudia breathed in and looked around. This apartment’s layout was exactly like her own except the bedrooms were on opposite sides. Guess all the units were similar. Mallory handed Claudia a mug of hot coffee and sat down beside her.

“You’re not joining me?”

“I have water. So, did you get your ration books exchanged?”

“Yes, no problem there. Mallory, I’ve not asked. What does your husband do on base?”

“He’s an aviation cadet. Why?”

“So, he knows the female mechanics who repair the planes?”

“I don’t think so. But I know a couple. Why?”

Claudia placed her cup on the coffee table and turned toward Mallory. “Would you introduce them to me?”

“Well, yeah, of course. What’s this all about?”

Claudia pulled the pamphlet from her purse and handed it to her friend. “Ever see these?”

“Claudia, wait! Are you interested in being a mechanic?”

“Well, you won’t believe this…but I interviewed with an officer from the base before I came home.”

“You didn’t!” Mallory sat back against the sofa; astonishment washed over her face.

“Well, sort of. At first it was just an impulse…a curiosity. The interviewer was far from encouraging. Was only interested in single female candidates. Mothers are definitely taboo it seems. My curiosity turned to resentment. I was actually rude to a U.S. Naval officer!” Claudia laughed.

“Oh, my.”

“So, tell me about these women. Are they single?”

“Yes, the two I know…Sarah Kenedy and Jo Beth Murphy.”

“How do you know them?”

“Met one in the laundry room, the other in the mail room. They also live in our complex. What are you up to?”

“What if there are actually moms out there…even in our complex…who’d be interested in working at the base?”

“How is that possible without childcare?”

“Exactly! What if we organize childcare?”

“Who?”

“You and me…and whomever else wants to help.”

Mallory chuckled. “How would we do that?”

“Oh, I don’t know…was just a thought. Anyway, thanks for watching my boys for me. Remember I owe you a favor.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fun Facts:
Prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, women were only allowed to serve in any branch of the military as nurses. After the US declared war on Germany and its allies, each branch of the service had a women’s auxillary: The Women’s Army Corps (WACs), Navy Women’s Reserve (WAVES), Coast Guard Women’s Reserve (SPARS), Marine Corps Women’s Reserve (USMCWR), and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Approximately 350,000 women served in the military during WWII. These brave, 1940s trail-blazing women replaced men in noncombative rolls…were office workers, gunnery instructors, trained new pilots, flew transport planes, repaired equipment and freed men up to fight.

Women were crucial in the civilian industry as well as they replaced the men who served in the military. Rosie the Riveter became a familiar symbol during WWII. Rosie’s iconic motto, “We Can Do It,” described the determination and grit women who worked in factories exhibited. Women learned new skills and earned their own wages even though they were lower than a man’s salary doing the same job. These women developed a keen sense of self-worth, pride and value for being part of an extremely important endeavor.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt became a household name. Eleanor and her supporters brought visibility and power to feminism in the 1940s. Eleanor inspired women around the world. Throughout the war, the president sent his “missus” on fact-finding missions and listened carefully to her counsel. She became his chief campaign asset and a tireless worker on his behalf. After her husband’s death, Eleanor Roosevelt had thought to retire, but President Truman needed her as an adviser and an ad hoc diplomat. Her collaboration with women’s organizations and with the fledgling United Nations provided women with a useful role model during the post-war period as they readjusted to lives as homemakers. paragraph taken from an article about feminism during the 1940s…interesting read.
https://www.theclassroom.com/feminism-during-1940s-14003.html

~~~~~~~~~
Part 6 of Claudia’s story will be posted Monday, November 4th

What is Claudia’s plan? Will she succeed?

Claudia’s Story – Part 4

October 28, 2024

Claudia’s Story – Part 4

As soon as Claudia opened the door to the apartment, Michael and Mark bolted like two dogs breaking free from their leashes and ran to their bedroom. The door slammed with a bang behind them. Claudia proceeded to the kitchen and put away the groceries. This morning’s coffee called out to her. She removed the basket insert from the percolator and turned the knob on the gas burner. Once heated, she poured the coffee into the same cup she had used that morning.

Sitting at the table, she propped her feet in a chair, sipped her coffee and tried to ignore the sounds coming from the boys’ room. She glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed. Too late for the boys to take a nap. Almost time to walk back to the school to meet Matthew.

Yesterday’s newspaper lay in disarray across the table. Claudia reread the front-page headlines:
—War Strategy! President Roosevelt meets Churchill in Morocco—
—The Pentagon Largest Office Building Dedicated in Arlington, VA—
—Aircraft Carrier USS Independence Commissioned—
—Corpus Christi Blackout Mandate Effective Immediately—
—Coffee Coupon Number 26 Expires April 25—

Claudia slumped in her chair. So much going on in the world! And what was her contribution to the war effort? Knowing which coupon to use before its expiration? Covering the apartment windows with black cloth? Saving bacon grease? Collecting tin cans? Being okay with only one new pair of shoes each year? Giving up nylons and makeup? Really? Was that all? She was following all the ration rules. Then why was she so restless? Shouldn’t her role of wife and mother be sufficient? Taking care of her boys and loving her husband? Shouldn’t cooking, cleaning, laundry, ironing, grocery shopping, teaching her boys right from wrong, reading to them at night or breaking up occasional scuffles be enough? Shouldn’t she be fulfilled and content? Was this her only purpose in life? Couldn’t she do more? Shouldn’t she do more? Each passing day mirrored the last. The month of April found Claudia restless and unhappy. If not for Mallory, Claudia thought, all sense of happiness would be lost or at least certainly missing.

One Wednesday morning the two women walked with their children to the end of the L-Head Pier to watch the shrimp boats come in. The boys laughed excitedly as a colony of gulls followed the boats from the jetty to the dock.

“Mallory? May I ask a favor?”

“Of course.”

“Would you watch my boys tomorrow while I go to the Ration Board’s office to change the addresses on our ration books? I’ve failed to do that.”

“Yes, that’s no problem. What time do you think?”

“After lunch? The boys usually take a nap at one. Or at least Mark will. I don’t want to bombard your apartment with more rowdy boys! I’ll return the favor. Just say when.”

Mallory smiled. “I’ll hold you to that. Tomorrow is fine. Maybe I can persuade the older two to nap as well.”

Thursday afternoon Claudia tapped softly on Mallory’s apartment door. Jack opened the door widely and grinned.

“Where’s your mommy, Jack?”

“In there,” he pointed and turned quickly, intending her to follow.

Claudia grabbed her two sons by the hands and stepped into the Jenkins’s living room. Mallory sat on the sofa rubbing Rudy’s back as he lay straddled across her knees. Greg, who held a brown teddy bear tightly under his arm, napped at the end of the sofa.

“Oh, Mallory! This is not a good time.” Claudia still gripped Michael’s and Mark’s hands.

“Not at all! Jack has just tuned the radio to hear Challenge of the Yukon.”

Claudia stared back blankly.

“Not familiar? It’s the story of Sgt. Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police. Enforces law and order during the goldrush days.”

“And Yukon King! His sled dog!” Jack blurted.

“Yes, and King. My boys love the adventures. Jack, show Michael a picture of what King looks like. We were just looking at it.” Mallory adjusted the baby.

Opening a book sitting in the center of the coffee table, Jack thumbed through several pages. The book contained pictures of dogs from the smallest to the largest breeds. Finding the page he was searching for, Jack pointed to a picture of a large dog with long, thick black fur. White fur trimmed its legs, chest and head. The dog’s tail curved over its back; its pointed ears stood upright.

“An Alaskan mala..malu..” Jack fumbled then glanced back at his mother for help.

“An Alaskan malamute. That’s right. Claudia, your boys will love it. They can sit right here on the floor in front of the radio to listen. It’s a thirty-minute show.”

Claudia released her boys. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be.”

Mallory smiled. “Not to worry. We’ll be right here when you come back.”

Claudia had already reminded the boys to be on their best behavior and felt it unnecessary to harp at them. She waved goodbye but her farewell went unnoticed by her children. Michael and Mark and Jack sat huddled in front of the radio already captivated by the show’s theme song. Mallory waved as Claudia closed the door.

As Claudia walked beside the sea wall on Shoreline, the gusty winds whipped against her. Fifteen minutes later she arrived at the two-story building where the War Rations Board’s office was located. She smoothed down her windblown hair as she looked around the lobby for a directory. There…Rations Board Office Room 206. She glanced to her left and spotted the stairs. Reaching the second floor, she walked down the hall toward the Ration Board’s office. As she approached Room 203, she saw that same Naval sign she had seen in the grocery store’s window advertising for inexperienced civil plane mechanics. An urgent plea she read again. She was curious but continued to the War Rations Board’s office.

With five new ration books in hand, Claudia placed them in her purse and exited the office. Curiosity overtook any rational thought. Claudia opened the door to Room 203 and entered.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Fun Fact:

Challenge of the Yukon aired on Detroit’s WXYZ radio station on February 3, 1938. The Lone Ranger and The Green Hornet also aired on WXYZ. Challenge of the Yukon was an adventure series about Seargent Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police and his trustworthy sled dog, Yukon King. The duo fought evildoers in the Northern wilderness during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. Quaker Oats sponsored the series.

From September 1955 through September 1958, Seargent Preston of the Yukon was broadcasted in color on CBS on Thursday evenings. Richard Simmons starred as Sgt. Preston. At the conclusion of each episode, Sgt. Preston would turn to his companion and say, “Well, King, this case is closed.”

The series was so popular after its original prime-time Thursday night broadcast, it was shown on Saturday mornings in the early 60s.

Dell Comic books also produced issues based upon both the radio and television episodes.

If you’d like to return to yester-year, you may listen to some episodes of Seargent Preston and Yukon King here:

https://archive.org/details/OTRR_Challenge_of_the_Yukon_Singles

~~~~~~~

So, did you listen to the series on the radio or watch it on television? I was surprised to learn the television series was broadcasted in color! But then we didn’t own a color television at that time. My brother and sister and I watched Sgt. Preston and King on Saturday mornings along with our other favorite shows: Adventures of Superman, The Roy Rogers Show, Sky King, and The Adventures of Rin-Tin-Tin. What were your favorite shows from Saturday morning’s lineup?

Claudia’s Story – Part 5 will be posted Wednesday, October 30th. Does Claudia have an interest in becoming an airplane mechanic? Will she apply? Come back Wednesday and find out.

Claudia’s Story – Part 3

October 25, 2024

Claudia’s story continues….

With the boys secured, Claudia pulled the wagon over the grass and exited the park. She walked to her next destination with a spring in her step…feeling better after meeting Mallory. She chuckled inwardly. Recollecting high school days after moving from Oklahoma when finding girl friends in Oak Hill most challenging. But why did that memory suddenly surface? Was so long ago…well, only twelve years, but still.

Claudia parked the wagon outside H.E. Butt Grocery store’s entrance and helped her boys out. She placed three cotton tote bags along with her purse over her shoulder and took Mark’s hand.

“Don’t touch anything!” she instructed as the three entered the store.

The store was spacious and well-lit. A large sign hung over several stocked shelves at the back of the store. Hard to miss. ‘Get Your Rationed Items Here!’ Claudia glanced to her right. Wheeled shopping carts nested together waited for eager shoppers to use. The cart held a medium sized basket on top with a smaller one at the bottom.

“Can I ride down there?” Michael asked.

“Me too! I want to ride!” Mark exclaimed.

Claudia shook her head as she pulled a cart from the rack. “You’d take up all the room. Help me push. Michael, hold this side. Mark, hold on over here.”

Claudia with the assistance of her two sons propelled the buggy toward the back of the store. The shelves contained cubby-holes stocked with boxed or canned food items. Prices clearly marked…Lord Mott string beans, 19-ounce can / $0.14; Green Giant peas, 20-ounce can / $0.15; a 10-pound bag all-purpose flour / $0.43; Dole pineapple juice, 1pint / $0.15; a 16-ounce glass jar of peanut butter / $0.32.

Claudia chose the items she needed from the canned goods and corralled the buggy with her boys clinging to its sides toward the dairy, meat and bakery aisles. With her shopping done, she proceeded to the front of the store. Each of the two cash registers was manned by a woman. Two ladies with their buggies of purchases waited in one line, three at the other. Claudia pulled her buggy to a stop behind the first line and removed the War Ration Books from her purse.

The boys became antsy as they waited. Michael’s boredom accelerated into aggravating his younger brother. Mark whined wanting to go home and pushed against her legs. Claudia lifted him and placed him on her hip. Michael moved behind the cart. Pushing the buggy back and forth, he made whistling and whirring noises…mimicking a flying airplane. Claudia gripped the side of the buggy banking his imaginary plane into a landing, halting his play.

When her turn to check out finally came, Claudia balanced Mark on the counter and handed her War Ration Books and the three empty totes to the woman behind the counter. The woman read the name and address written at the bottom of the book.

“Claudia Woods?”

“Yes.”

“Still live at 1053 Elmwood in Beaumont?”

“No, we just moved here….my husband works at the Port.”

“Hmmm.”

Color drained from Claudia’s face. Surely this woman wouldn’t refuse to take her ration stamps because of a changed address! She desperately needed these groceries. Her pantry grew sparser with each minute she stood in line. Suddenly she recalled one of the original rules from the OPA…Office of Price Administration.

“I can use my stamps in any store in the United States,” she declared matter-of-factly.

“Oh, yes ma’am. I know. I was going to suggest changing your address on your family’s books as soon as possible.”

“Oh,” Claudia sighed in relief. “And where do I do that?”

The woman smiled, “There’s a Ration Board office located on Shoreline. The main one is inside the courthouse downtown.”

“Thank you,” Claudia smiled. She watched intently as the checker rang up the order and removed the corresponding red or blue stamps for either canned goods, cheese, oils or coffee from two of the five books.

“The total cash owed today, Mrs. Woods, is $2.75,” the clerk announced.

Claudia lifted Mark from the counter and placed him on his feet in front of her. Deterring any sudden ideas of dashing away to retaliate against his brother, she lightly wedged Mark against the counter with her legs. She removed the bills and coins from her purse and slid them toward the checker. The woman placed the groceries in Claudia’s tote bags and handed them over one by one.

“Welcome to Corpus. And thank you for shopping with H.E. Butt today.”

Claudia with filled tote bags balanced on her shoulders hustled the boys out of the store. As she pushed through the door, she glimpsed a sign taped on the outside of a display window.

Urgent! Plane Mechanics Needed ~ Naval Air Station
No Experience Necessary ~ Apply Today

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

H-E-B:

H-E-B, a familiar brand of mega-supermarkets in Texas, reported an annual revenue of $38,000,000,000 in 2023. There are 337 store locations with 145,000 employees within 164 Texas cities. San Antonio hosts the most stores with a total of 46. How did this Texas company begin? In 1905 Florence Thornton Butt moved her family to Kerrville, Texas. With a sixty-dollar loan, she established Mrs. C. C. Butt’s Staple and Fancy Grocery, a one-room grocery store on the ground floor of the family home. In 1919 she turned management of the business over to her youngest son, Howard Edward Butt. As a boy, Howard delivered groceries from the store by wagon. When he took over the store’s management after his return from the Great War, Howard introduced major low-cost distribution innovations that eliminated middlemen and maximized profits. In 1930, Howard Butt changed the store’s name to H.E. Butt Grocery Company. In 1942, the year Butt installed air-conditioning in stores and introduced frozen foods, he also opened the first store in San Antonio under the name H-E-B.

Are you a shopper at H-E-B or better yet, an employee?

https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/h-e-b

Office of Price Administration WWII:

“Following the beginning of World War II, The Office of Price Administration was established to control rents and the overall cost of items that might be affected by the conflict. Executive Order 8875 was implemented on August 28, 1941. This proclamation was set up within the United States Office of Emergency Management. Its main purpose was price control.

Previously, in mid-1940s, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had reinstated a World War I advisory board for national defense. At the time, it was the council’s responsibility to oversee consumer protection and price stabilization. These two functions were then merged into OPAC (Office of Price Administration and Civilian Supply).”

https://totallyhistory.com/office-of-price-administration/

Rationing Boards WWII:

“Rationing involved setting limits on purchasing certain high-demand items. The government issued a number of “points” to each person, even babies, which had to be turned in along with money to purchase goods made with restricted items. In 1943 for example, a pound of bacon cost about 30 cents, but a shopper would also have to turn in seven ration points to buy the meat. These points came in the form of stamps that were distributed to citizens in books throughout the war. The Office of Price Administration (OPA) was in charge of this program, but it relied heavily on volunteers to hand out the ration books and explain the system to consumers and merchants. By the end of the war, about 5,600 local rationing boards staffed by over 100,000 citizen volunteers were administering the program.”

https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/rationing-during-wwii#:~:text=The%20Office%20of%20Price%20Administration%20%28OPA%29%20was%20in,over%20100%2C000%20citizen%20volunteers%20were%20administering%20the%20program.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you have learned a little bit of history here…

Claudia’s Story – Part 4 will be posted Monday October 28

Have a great weekend! Until next time…

Claudia’s Story – Part 2

October 23, 2024

Claudia’s Story Part 2:

Three hours later Matthew carried the red Radio Flyer wagon with wooden slat side railings down the stairs. Claudia followed holding Michael’s left hand and carried Mark on her hip. Safely at the bottom, Michael clambered over the sides of the wagon while Claudia placed Mark at the front. It was time to walk Matthew to school. Although he insisted he didn’t need her to go along, it was still time.

Matthew dressed in brown pleated trousers and a white cotton shirt pulled his brothers in the wagon. When they were but two blocks away from the elementary school, he relinquished the wagon’s handle to his mother. Without asking questions, Claudia pulled the wagon to the end of the sidewalk that led to the school’s entrance.

“Did you remember your spelling book?”

“Yes, it’s in my satchel.”

“Here’s your lunch. Not much. Sliced cheese and bread. Oh, and carrot sticks and an apple,” Claudia said holding out a paper bag.

Matthew took the sack begrudgingly. “That’s what I had yesterday.”

“Well, I’m sorry. I do my best. You should be thankful to have this!”

Two cute spunky girls who looked Matthew’s age…fifth graders…walked past. One smiled bashfully; the other giggled. Matthew’s eyes darted toward his mother. His glare harsh enough to freeze any words forming on her tongue.

“Okay, we’ll see you this afternoon,” Claudia said, suppressing a smile.

“You don’t have to come get me! I can walk home on my own!”

“How about we wait for you on the corner?”

Satisfied, Matthew walked fearlessly up the sidewalk into the school building. When did her son become so independent? At what age were children embarrassed being with their mothers? Claudia missed the days of receiving countless hugs or holding him on her lap hours on end. She glanced over her shoulder at Michael and Mark…five and three. Michael, completely imprisoned within his own world, watched as school-aged children hurried by. Mark looked up and smiled his sweetest smile. Maybe she still had time with these two.

“Let’s go to the park. What do you say?” Claudia asked cheerfully.

Mark clapped his pudgy hands together.

“Yeah!” Michael exclaimed.

Claudia pulled the wagon down the sidewalk and crossed the street at the corner. The park was just four blocks away. The day was beautiful…the weather mild even for January. Before they moved, Alan told her there wasn’t really any wintry days of concern here. Weather similar to their eleven years in Beaumont.

“Look at that big tree, Mommy!” Michael pointed as they entered the park.

“Yes, it’s a palm tree. Tall, isn’t it? There are more…let’s count them.”

Michael counted. “One…two…three…four. Oh, Mommy, look! Swings!”

Claudia stopped. Michael propelled himself out of the wagon. As she helped Mark from the wagon, Michael dashed toward the swing set. Claudia placed Mark on his feet and followed the toddler as he ran after his brother. The set held three wooden seats. One was occupied by a little boy.

“Push me!” Michael cried as he plopped onto a vacant seat.

A young woman with light brown shoulder-length hair and a slim build gently rocked a two-seat black baby stroller. She stood near one of the twenty-foot palms and watched the boy who sat on the seat next to Michael. The boy who looked Michael’s age pumped his stout legs back and forth in an effort to swing higher.

Claudia smiled at the woman as she placed Mark in Michael’s lap.

“Michael, hold your brother! Hold on, Mark! Here you go!”

The boys gleefully waited for Claudia to pull the two ropes attached to the seat toward her. She gently pushed at Michael’s back as the swing’s momentum brought the boys back within reach. Mark giggled as the swing moved back and forth; back and forth.

“Sadly, after the war started the park was raided for metal parts. Someone took all the chains and metal seats. Only the frame remained for several months until some of the dads in the neighborhood added the ropes and wooden seats. Oh, I’m Mallory Jenkins…by the way.”

“Claudia Woods.”

“New here? Haven’t seen you before. My boys and I come every morning. Nice to get out of the house, know what I mean?”

“Yes, I do. Moved here three weeks ago from Beaumont.”

“My husband Dave is in the navy. We’ve been here a year.”

“My husband is a traffic controller at the Port.”

“Nice.”

At the sound of whimpering simmering within the stroller, Mallory lifted out a toddler and placed him on her hip. “This young man here,” she said slightly bouncing the child in an effort to soothe his whining, “is Greg. The one on the swing is Jack. And the baby in the stroller whom I hope is still asleep is Rudy. Seems you just have boys, too. Just the two?”

“I have three. Matthew is in the fifth grade at Menger. Michael is five; Mark three.”

“Jack starts to school this fall. Maybe he and Michael will be in the same class. Greg is two; Rudy six-months. We live at the La Armada.”

“We do, too! On the second floor.”

“We’re on the third.”

Claudia smiled at the young woman whose openness and friendliness were exactly what she needed…what was missing…a female companion…a friend.

When the boys tired of swinging, they all moved to a sandbox positioned behind the swings and near the slides. Claudia and Mallory sat on a nearby bench facing the bay and watched the boys play.

The sun’s bright rays warmed Claudia’s face as she looked out toward the water…a kaleidoscope of blue hues with only occasional ripples lapping against the last step of the concrete sea wall. Feathery white clouds which seemed to break away from puffy cumulus clouds whisked across the blue sky. A dark shadow in the center of the bay bobbed along with the current. Claudia realized the shadow a reflection from the large cloud floating directly above it. She breathed in deeply. Something indescribable about the smell of salty sea air. Gray and white gulls soared overhead and called out in high-pitched screeching cries.

As the women continued to visit, they learned they shared so much in common…grew up in small farming towns out of state; moved to Texas while in high school; married and started families at a young age; moved to Corpus because of their husband’s jobs.

“Oh, the time!” Claudia exclaimed. “I still have grocery shopping to do.”

Rudy began to cry. “We need to go, too. I knew Rudy wouldn’t last long. His tummy is only set on a three-hour timer!” Mallory laughed. “Will we see you tomorrow? Maybe we could take the boys for a walk down to the end of the pier.”

“Yes, that would be nice.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fun Fact:

The Radio Flyer Wagon was created by Antonio Pasin, a 16-year-old Italian immigrant who arrived in America in 1914 and began working as a manual laborer in Chicago. By night, he built little red wagons and sold enough of them during the day to found the Liberty Coaster Company in 1923, named after the Statue of Liberty in the New York Harbor. His wagons sold for less than $3 each and even during the Great Depression, he sold around 1,500 per day.

https://www.backthenhistory.com/articles/the-history-of-the-radio-flyer-wagon

I’m sure every American family owned a little red wagon. My family certainly did. We’d take our red wagon to our city park and ride down the hills…more like bunny slopes…holding onto the tongue of the wagon as someone pushed from behind. To a kid riding in a wagon down a hill of any size was adventurous and held just the right spark of danger.

Were you aware there are nine species of palm trees in Corpus Christi? Where did they come from? Well, the website www.eyeandpen.com tells us. Spanish missionaries brought the first palm tree plants to the gulf coast cities during the 17th and 18th centuries. The missionaries knew the value of the palm tree. They provided shade, their fronds when woven together provided shelter, and their fruit provided food. Over time the palm tree transplants adapted to the coastal climate and became a part of the local landscape. When you’re driving to Corpus and see the towering palm tree’s fronds swaying in the breeze, you will know you’re nearing the coast.

Another fun fact is about the history of La Armada Apartment Complex in Corpus Christi. The construction of the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi brought a large number of military members, civilian employees and their families. From 1940-1941, Corpus Christi’s population increased by thirty percent making it the fastest growing city in Texas. The La Armada apartments were built to help address the housing shortage. The complex comprised of 250-units and was located on Ayres Street. It was the first of four projects undertaken by the Housing Authority. These properties have since been modernized and the Housing Authority continues to use them for affordable housing.

Claudia’s Story Part 3 will be posted Friday, October 25th.

Claudia’s Story Part I — October 21, 2024

Claudia turned back the white sheet and sat up on the side of the bed. Alan was in the shower. It must be four-thirty. She pulled her housecoat over her blue cotton nightgown and stumbled down the dark hall tiptoeing past the boys’ room. She entered their small kitchenette and switched on the light.

Why she needed the light she was uncertain. She could brew a pot of coffee with her eyes closed. Or so it seemed. She ran water into the aluminum percolator filling it to the six-cup mark etched on the outside. Scooping roasted coffee grounds from a tin, Claudia filled the basket insert with coffee then turned on the front gas burner. She placed the pot over the flame and waited for the water to boil. Soon the brown brew would be seen burbling against the bubble of glass atop the coffee maker’s lid. Why Alan insisted upon having his first cup of coffee with her before he left the house so early, she never understood. Was it that he enjoyed starting his day with her or just enjoyed having a hot cup of coffee ready as soon as he showered and dressed?

Alan walked into the kitchen nicely dressed in dark navy slacks, black boots, and a starched white short-sleeved shirt. He slipped his hands around Claudia’s waist and kissed the back of her neck. She poured coffee into his mug bearing the Port of Corpus Christi’s name in sea green letters.

“You should trim your beard.”

“You don’t like it? Keeps my face warm.”

“It’s not cold,” Claudia laughed as she turned and kissed his bearded cheek. “Want some eggs or toast? I can stir up something.”

“Nah, I’ll eat at the port. Busy day today. Tons of oil being freighted out. What are you doing today?”

Claudia poured herself a cup of coffee and joined him at the table in the living room. The kitchen had barely enough room for one person much less a dining table.

“Hmmm. Not sure. The boxes have been unpacked. The apartment is clean. Not much more to do in this tiny space.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, honey, it’s not your fault. But you have to agree it’s small. The boys were excited about the bunk beds the first couple of weeks. But now Matthew has little interest sleeping on the top…even with a cool ladder on the end.”

Alan smiled and took a big gulp from his mug.

“Think after we walk Matthew to school, I’ll pull the little guys in the wagon to that park I saw by the water the other day. Need groceries, too.”

“Is this the week we use a stamp for coffee and sugar?”

“Coffee…yes. Sugar not for two more weeks. Hope they have pork chops.”

“Good. Sounds like you have a good day planned. I’ll see you guys around six tonight. What’s planned for dinner?”

“A surprise I’m sure…never know what the grocer will have.”

“We can drive down to the marina Sunday to see if there’s speckled trout to buy…too early for fresh shrimp. The boys might get a kick out of seeing the fishing boats.”

Claudia stood when Alan did. She followed him across the room to the front door where he grabbed his navy-blue jacket from the closet and kissed her goodbye. After closing the door, Claudia leaned back against it. It was too early to wake Matthew for school, and she certainly didn’t want to accidentally wake the younger two. Made for an extremely long day with two cranky little boys under foot. She wanted to dive back into bed and spin herself into a cocoon deep inside the blanket but knew better. She looked around. Nothing more to unpack or stuff in a drawer or hang on a wall. She would have to search for something constructive to do before boredom set in. Seems she too had lost all her initial enthusiasm about moving to Corpus Christi.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fun Fact:

Orders signed by President Roosevelt in February and April 1942 gave control of terminal and port facilities and the movement of ships to the War Shipping Administration. Responsibility for port security and merchant-marine personnel went to the United States Coast Guard. The intracoastal waterway was opened to nine-foot barges. By the end of 1943, the Port of Corpus Christi exported 1,005,916 tons of crude and refined oil for the war effort.

https://www.cctexas.com/sites/default/files/American-World-War-II-Heritage-Texas-Coastal-Bend-Cities.pdf

For my story Alan is not a member of the Coast Guard but is a newly hired harbor traffic controller. The park Claudia plans to take the boys is called Cole Park, located off of Ocean Drive near the Corpus Christi Bay. The park is in existence today.

All community members participated in rationing food, clothing items, auto parts, rubber, and gasoline. Ration books which contained stamps were issued to every American. These stamps were used to purchase sugar, coffee, cooking oil and canned goods. Each stamp had point values and had to be used with each item purchased. Once a person’s monthly stamps were used up, that particular item could not be purchased. This made meal planning and menus difficult to manage at times. And we think grocery shopping and meal planning a chore.

Claudia’s Story Part II will be posted Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

What Happened to Claudia?

Was there a particular character you may have grown to like or to dislike in Heart of Texas that you did not find while reading Seasons Under the Sun? Did you wonder why they were not mentioned or wonder what may have happened to him or to her? Claudia, Franklin’s niece, is one such character for me.

Do you remember her story? Claudia Hill, age fifteen, arrived with her grandmother at her Uncle Franklin’s home in Oak Hill to escape the horrendous dust storms in Oklahoma where she lived with her parents and older sister on a farm. Finding a glimmer of independence from her parents for the first time in her life, Claudia took advantage of this newly found freedom and indulged herself in a teenaged lifestyle she would never have undertaken living under her father’s roof as a farm girl. She was smitten by Alan Woods, a young man five years older. The two entered into a secret relationship that through one mistake completely altered their lives. Upon hearing Claudia is with child, Alan Woods leaves without a word. Claudia’s parents along with Franklin and Maggie arrange for her to move to Beaumont to live with Gavin, her half-brother, until the baby is born. Eight months later during a torrential rainstorm, Alan returns to Oak Hill searching for Claudia with hopes of making amends. Alan is told Claudia moved to Beaumont and that she named her baby Matthew Alan. Eventually Claudia and Alan marry and begin a happy life together.

To condense the size of my original manuscript, the entire chapter containing Claudia’s involvement in organizing childcare for women who wanted to work at Corpus Christi’s Naval Air Station during WWII was deleted. So, for the next nine blogs, I plan to share excerpts from that chapter for your perusal. I’m hopeful you’ll find interesting facts about women’s involvement in WWII.

Stay tuned for Part I.

Tidbits about Texas Schools

September 3, 2024

With school back in session and college football the major topic of discussion, I wanted to share some tidbits about Texas schools I gleaned while researching Seasons Under the Sun. You may already know these facts, but just read along as I share with others.

In chapter one, you will read that William plays baseball at Austin High School. Did you know Austin High School’s first day of classes was held in September 1881? The campus has been moved seven times with its current location constructed in 1974 on Cesar Chavez Street. The school mascot is Mr. Maroo, a giant maroon fuzzy creature. Why the Maroons? The students are called Maroons because of their team colors of maroon and white. In 1930, other city high schools thought Austin High should change their mascot to a name of an animal. The school refused and the Maroons proudly hail from Austin High to this day. When asked what is a Maroon? Simply answer…someone who wears maroon and boosts Austin High School.

The University of Texas located in Austin, Texas, was conceived in 1827 by the Congress of the Republic of Texas with the idea to open a public university in Texas. The university’s doors were finally opened in 1883. During WWII, students, faculty, and alumni left to participate in the war effort. The school calendar was compressed allowing seniors to graduate before departing for the service. Twenty-two university researchers contributed to the Manhattan Project, the nuclear weapons program. Today UT provides degrees in business, law, film, architecture, and engineering. In chapter one, Sam takes night classes in electrical engineering.

In chapter five, we follow William as he attends Baylor University and plays baseball for the Bears. Also, in chapter five we read that Emily opens a medical clinic at Mary Hardin-Baylor. Fun fact: Baylor was chartered in 1845 by the Congress of the Republic of Texas. Today it is a private Baptist research university and is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Baylor is the largest Baptist university in the world. In 1851, the students were separated by sex, making the Baylor Female College an independent and separate institution. The all-male institution moved to Waco, Texas, and the all-female institution held classes in Belton, 42 miles away. Baylor Female College became known as the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1934. Both Baylor and Mary-Hardin Baylor are now coeducational institutions. During WWII, Baylor was one of 131 colleges and universities nationally that offered students a path to a Navy commission through the V-12 Navy College Training Program.

Did you know College Station’s Texas A&M University began in 1871 under the name Agriculture and Mechanical College of Texas? Despite its name, the college did not teach any classes in agriculture, but concentrated on classical studies, languages, literature, and applied mathematics. The student life was molded by the Corps of Cadets. The Corps was divided into a battalion of three companies, and the rivalry between the companies gave birth of the Aggie spirit and future traditions. However, no bonfires, yell practices, or athletic teams existed yet. Social clubs and fraternities were discouraged. Anyone wearing an Aggie ring will find this fact concerning no set traditions amazing! During WWII, Texas A&M produced over 20,000 combat troops, contributing more officers than both the United States Military Academy and United States Naval Academy combined.

Texas Technological College (Texas Tech University) was established by legislation in 1923 and opened its doors in 1925 with only six buildings and an enrollment of 914. It is the only campus in Texas that is home to a major university, law school, and a medical school. During WWII, 6,000 glider pilots trained at South Plains Army Airfield, now the site of Lubbock’s municipal airport. In chapter fourteen, Owen sends home a letter describing his experience as a pilot-in-training in Lubbock. Due to Lubbock’s flat terrain and mild weather, training facilities were established on 34th Street and 50th Street. Civilian pilots instructed the aviators as military pilots were serving abroad. Pilots took pre-training classes on the Tech campus and lived in one of the male dormitories. Due to the majority of Tech’s male professors joining the war effort, most classes were taught by women.

If your favorite Texas school is not mentioned above, I apologize. These schools/universities are mentioned in my book, or I found their school’s history during WWII interesting.

There’s nothing like Texas football. Wear your colors proudly. Until next time…