I WAS BORN IN THE SUMMER OF '42!

Like a good wine, celebs such as Carole King, Aretha, Wayne Newton, Babs Streisand, Tammy Wynette, Paul McCartney and others came into the world in 1942! And yes, I too enjoyed cloth diapers on Forest Street, North Brookfield. In wartime, the world was much, much, different back then.


FDR's Fireside Chats sustained American's confidence as we waged a World War. IRVING BERLIN's hit "This is the Army Mr. Jones" seemed to put American Patriotism in high gear.Joe Louis, unlike the Draft Dodger, Ali, enlisted in the army. His fight record was 57-1.


Best Actor went to James Cagney in Yankee Doodle Dandy .. the story of North Brookfield's own George M. Cohan! Best Actress went to Greer Garson  "Mrs. Miniver."


In February of 1942 by order of the government, automakers halted production of civilian passenger cars. Eligible for new cars were 1. Doctors, veterinarians, and visiting nurses. 2. Ambulance services. 3. Ministers, 4. Firefighters, 5. Police,6. Public health and safety workers,  7. U.S. Mailmen,8.  Taxicab services, 9.Highway construction and repair workers 10.War plant executives and workers.


Wartime proved to be exciting in The Brookfields. My late friend F. James McCarthy - LaBelle's Food Center, NB told me of giving our "rationed butter and coffee to his friends." Sub-rosa activities were common in WWII as in all wars.


My parents bought a house in April of 1945 for $4,500. Six months later realtor Ed Quinn stated to dad "Your house is now worth $7,500!" Mother sold it in 1986 for $100,000. .. a nice profit, indeed.


Being born in 1942 seems to be special. Radio featured Fibber McGee and Molly, Bob Hope, Dinah shore, LUX RADIO THEATER, ONE MAN'S FAMILY, . "The 3 network stations in New York shrank from broadcasting four nights a week to just one."


My references for this blog entry can be found in 'YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS by Betsy Dexter, WARNERS TREASURES, Warner Books.


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
The Spirit of '76 to be! 7/29/1942