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June 22, 2008 00:43:40
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Remember When: Jersey City in the 1940s were good times, bad times
These were the good times. Our high school was a parochial school, academically challenging. We were very much into the "Big Bands" and the dances of the times.
Every Friday night, several of the parochial schools would run a dance to the records in sets that would have slow and fast numbers. Doors closed at 11 p.m. sharp. It was fun.
Dating took us either to New York or Journal Square in Jersey City to the luxurious movie theaters with their huge softly carpeted, draped lobbies with wide center stairs leading to the upper orchestras and loges. Since most of us had little money available, after the theater we had the choice of either a ride home by a bus or a sundae or sandwich followed by a walk of a couple of miles or more home
These were the bad times. By high school graduation, World War II was upon us, and most of the boys went directly into the service out of high school.
At home every night was a "blackout" with all shades drawn, no lights or even cigarettes allowed outdoors. We had to use food stamps for various items that were scarce, there was strict gas rationing, bacon and grease were saved for use in the war effort.
Letters to the boys were sent to APO addresses and a good part of their replies when they could send them were blacked out for security. There was a constant worry where our friends were "over there" and very little information.
There always was heavy fighting and bombing and constant death notices of the young boys, now men. Mothers nervously awaited the current news.
Finally, it was over and the streets were full of returning war veterans. Many did not come back, and many were badly wounded. Some looked forward to college under the G.I. Bill, and many wanted to forget the past and settle into family life. With the entire service coming home at the same time, jobs and homes were hard to find.
Louise Kelleher
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