Early Family History - World War II

updated 13 May 2024

 

Before I was born, there seems to have been a time of unusual clarity, honesty and unity in America. The Department of "Defense" was properly named the War Department. Wars were viewed as occasional tragedies. There were years of peace between conflicts. Enemies that attacked the United States were confronted by a united nation and a determined national will. The idea that the country would be in a constant "state of emergency" (since the 1950's, when President Eisenhower declared it), or that a succession of wars would devolve into simultaneous conflicts, all without a proper declaration of war by Congress, was far from anyone's mind as the end of World War II was celebrated.

In his last days, my father's most frequent memories were of his Navy days. Mother had an equally exciting time on the home front. The Diver archives provide a glimpse into the war as our folks experienced it.

Ration coupons: a hassle!

Complete with cats, the residence where my mother, Faith (Arnold) Diver, stayed during her Waterbury CT days shows off a beautiful entry garden. This photo is from Google Street View, October 2016.

78 Columbia Blvd., Waterbury CT, October 2016

Gas Ration Coupons

Mother worked at what later became the American Brass Company.
She had to ask permission to buy the gas necessary to get to her new job.

Mother and Father got together when they could,
though Father was sent all over by the Navy.
Most folks travelled by rail during the war years.
Troop trains were a common sight.

Posted 13 May 2024 by Jeff Diver

Location: Waterbury, CT, USA

Labels: cats Gasoline Rationing Regulations Rationing War Ration Book Waterbury CT