The attached pictures are of the time when my brother Frank came home on his first furlough from the Navy. The pictures were made by my sister Hazel in 1942 with her little Brownie camera which she had bought for a dollar. The black and white photos themselves are remarkable, the originals only 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches, including the borders.
It is so pleasing to remember Mom on this day when she was in good health and free of worry. After this there would be more times to come when my parents would have great concern for the safety of my brothers in World War II and in the future Korean War. But on this particular day when Frank was home and Mom could see he was safe, she was full of joy.
I was 6 that summer. I didn’t understand just what Frank being in a war meant. But I felt happy because I could tell Mom was so happy. Dad was relieved that Frank was home, too, but I remember he fussed about how much gas Frank was using, driving the family car back and forth to see Marcella every day. It seemed like Frank just wanted to be with Marcella all the time.
I am thankful that Hazel some how managed to buy a little camera and a roll of film. She and Alline both worked in the cafeteria at Campbellsville College. Hazel said at times some of the other girls did not want to work their shifts, and she would work for them instead for a little extra pay. Hazel was 20 then.
What precious remnants of that day, that time, that experience these pictures are.
