A Fun Find for Savings Bonds
A co-worker recently suggested that I do a search on my computer for “U.S. Treasury” and “Guest Star.” Those two things did not seem to...
War Stories
Saving and sharing the memories of our past before they're lost and gone forever
- Jun 20, 2016
- 2 min
Let’s All Grow a Victory Garden!
Have you eaten any home grown vegetables lately? I must admit that I haven’t. After trying to grow my own tomatoes two summers in a row,...
29 views
- Apr 15, 2016
- 1 min
The Forgotten Heroes of the Home Front
The United States would not have won World War II without the millions of soldiers, nurses, and factory defense workers who served during...
7 views
- Aug 28, 2015
- 1 min
How Lucille Ball’s Teeth Helped Win the War!
This is bizarre story from World War II! In 1942, Lucille Ball, actress and future star of I Love Lucy, had several lead fillings put...
2,373 views
- May 31, 2015
- 1 min
Character Profile: Ava Stilwell
For those of you who have read Songbird and Song of Return, do you have an image of Ava in your mind? If you are like me, I am always...
18 views
- Mar 30, 2015
- 2 min
A Yankee Army Invades Ft. McClellan and the Hearts of Anniston
Before Songbird began in May 1943 and Edwin, Barry, and Sydney ever saw Ft. McClellan, the real-life 27th Division from New York made the...
20 views
- Mar 13, 2015
- 2 min
A Women’s Club Makes the News in 1941!
Today, we have women’s bunko groups, mommy and me groups, and painting parties. In the 1940s, they had garden clubs! I love reading old...
37 views
- Mar 5, 2015
- 1 min
Nylons Help Win the War!
Women sacrificed many things during World War II, including their nylon stockings! DuPont began producing the popular hosiery in 1939,...
53 views
- Jan 9, 2015
- 1 min
Party Like it's 1943!
A new year always makes me reflect on new beginnings and think back to old beginnings. Songbird begins on May 28, 1943. As we look...
47 views
- Dec 5, 2014
- 1 min
A War-Time Christmas List
Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? If you were buying for a World War II soldier, what would you buy? According to a 1941...
29 views
- Nov 21, 2014
- 2 min
The Art of War
Even in war, art must go on! Edouard Patte, a Red Cross Inspector, was surprised to find an art studio when he visited Fort McClellan’s...
77 views
- Nov 14, 2014
- 2 min
German Soldiers in Alabama!
German soldiers in Alabama! For those living in the state during World War II, it was a startling realty. In the summer of 1943,...
26 views
- Sep 26, 2014
- 1 min
Frilly Fashion is Gone with the Wind
In 1939, Gone with the Wind premiered, and women began to wear fuller skirted and more romantic feeling clothing. Nylon stockings were...
31 views
- Aug 8, 2014
- 2 min
War Halts Television Production!
When World War II began, television sets were just emerging onto the scene. Manufacturers were busy figuring out how to make the...
40 views
- Jun 19, 2014
- 1 min
The Dead Walk at Night - True Radio Entertainment
In the 1940s, radio was entertainment! I asked my grandfather, James Barry, about his favorite radio shows growing up. One of the first...
9 views
- May 22, 2014
- 2 min
We Can Do It!
Have you ever wondered just what exactly “Rosie the Riveter” did for the war effort? This fictional wartime heroine based on hundreds of...
5 views
- May 15, 2014
- 1 min
Love and War
While World War II produced innumerable soldiers, tanks, and warships, it also produced something else – marriages! With the...
20 views
- May 10, 2014
- 1 min
There are Big Opportunities in the Big City!
When Jason and I talked to older adults at the Fair on the Square a few weeks ago, they all had the same thing to say about Anniston, AL...
32 views
- Apr 28, 2014
- 1 min
Charles White: Witnessing History
In an earlier post, we learned about the burning of the Alabama Hotel in 1944 and the tragic death of a young war bride. We had the honor...
35 views
- Apr 24, 2014
- 1 min
A Piece of History
I will be in Jacksonville, AL this weekend for the city’s Fair on the Square Living Museum. At my table, I am excited to have my...
44 views