In a poignant recollection of her early years, Lucy Sperlin shares her experiences of growing up during World War II, marked by the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. At just four years old, she vividly remembers the shock and fear that enveloped her household as her parents reacted to the news, foreshadowing the tumultuous years ahead.
As the United States declared war shortly after Pearl Harbor, Sperlin grew accustomed to the changes that war brought to daily life. Living on the East Coast, her family remained there due to her father’s employment at General Electric Co., where his work in electrical engineering was seen as vital for national defense. This decision allowed them to stay put while the world around them changed dramatically.
Childhood Amidst Conflict
Sperlin’s childhood was characterized by a blend of normalcy and the omnipresent backdrop of war. She recalls engaging in typical childhood activities, such as playing with dolls and ice skating, while simultaneously adapting to wartime restrictions. Her parents pulled down window shades before dusk to prevent enemy planes from spotting their lights, a practice that became routine.
The scarcity of resources was palpable. Sperlin recalls mixing orange color packets into white oleomargarine as a fun task, illustrating how children were engaged in the war effort. Families endured rationing, waiting in line for food coupons, which became a normal part of life. Cooking fat was saved for munitions, and even children contributed by collecting aluminum foil from discarded wrappers to turn in at school, highlighting the collective effort to support the war.
Transportation was also affected. With gas rationing in place, Sperlin’s father relied on a bicycle for his daily commute, reserving the family’s 1937 Willys sedan for rare occasions like Sunday drives. Finding a used bicycle for Sperlin in 1943, her father refurbished it with new tires, creating a cherished gift that symbolized resilience and resourcefulness during challenging times.
Observations and Emotions
Throughout the war years, Sperlin developed a fascination with the military. She would observe soldiers in uniform while traveling on buses and trains, learning to identify different branches and ranks. A visit from her uncle, a naval officer, left a lasting impression on her, capturing the admiration and pride felt by many families during this period.
Family trips to the Jersey Shore also transformed into experiences tinged with the realities of warfare, as blimps patrolled the coast for enemy submarines. News of the war filtered into their lives through Sunday newspapers and newsreels shown before films, juxtaposing the harsh realities of conflict with lighter fare from Disney.
Amidst these memories, Sperlin’s mother expressed her dismay upon learning about the internment of Japanese Americans on the West Coast. Her words reflected a deep empathy for those unjustly affected by the war. As rumors of atrocities in Europe surfaced, Sperlin’s mother could hardly comprehend the reality, questioning the veracity of such claims.
As the war drew to a close, Sperlin found solace in music, frequently listening to the poignant ballad “Roger Young.” The song, about a Marine lost in battle, struck a chord with her and became a soundtrack of her childhood, illustrating the emotional weight the war carried even into the home.
Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) marked a significant moment in Sperlin’s young life. She vividly remembers the announcement on the radio and the sight of a boy celebrating in the street, pulling cans behind his bicycle in jubilation, encapsulating the relief and joy felt by many at the war’s end.
A year later, her family embarked on a journey across the United States in a “new” 1941 Dodge Sedan, leaving behind the East Coast. For them, it was not just a relocation but a step into a new postwar life, filled with hope and possibility.
Today, Lucy Sperlin resides in Chico, California, reflecting on her childhood experiences that were profoundly shaped by the events of World War II. Her memories serve as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of families during one of history’s most challenging periods.
