Frank’s Letter – Sept. 28, 1940
Tag: Bernice
Frank’s Letter – Sept. 9, 1940
Goof
Parks Family Photo
I have been asked to provide some family history as in who’s who. I will begin to deal with this as it relates to my mother, who after all is the main focus of the blog. This family photo was the first of four Parks Family photos taken between 1947 and 1965. The photo was taken in the living room of 1352 South 4th Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania which was the family home at the time.
Bernice’s Second Letter
Dear Bernice … from Brother Frank
Dear Bill … The First Letter
Sweet Sixteen
As I mentioned, my future parents, Bernice Parks and William (Bill) Huntley met 76 years ago this month in July 1940.
Planning the Visit …
July 1940 Recollections …
In July of 1940, as my future parents are planning to meet, the world … or at least Europe is at war.
The weekend that my parent’s first meet was Saturday, the 20th and Sunday, the 21st of July. While my parent’s were frolicking at Dorney Park … the exiled Czech government arrived in London. And during the month of July, the Battle of Britain began with Luftwaffe raids on channel shipping … as well as attacks on Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Yesterday, I was speaking to my Aunt Lucille, who is now 93 and still a smart gal … looking forward to our first woman president, Hillary Rodham Clinton … but I digress …. Aunt Lucy was recalling her double date with Charley Daniels and my future parents, Bill Huntley and Bernice Parks. Over the course of the weekend they went on a plane ride over Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton … she said how exciting that was because they had never been in a plane before; they took a hike up to Big Rock and they went to Dorney Park – the Disneyland of Allentown, PA. She said how Bernice was so nervous about dating this handsome Marine officer that as she exited the roller coaster she accidentally hit her head and a rather large bump appeared on her forehead. I imagine that was quite the impression!
Bernice – 1939
In February of 1939, my mother-to-be was 14. Here she is on the left … on the right is her big sister, Lucille.
Bernice & Lucille
Bill and Frank
As I mentioned, my father and uncle joined the Marines on the same day in February of 1939. They obviously became buddies and shared stories about their respective families. Both came from rather large families – my mom being one of 11 and my dad one of 8.
They were stationed in Quantico, Virginia. Being located only 4 or 5 hours away from my grandparent’s, Harry and Mabel Parks, home in Allentown, Pennsylvania I guess they discussed a visit by my dad. And after a reasonable amount of time … or about two years … my dad and another Marine buddy, Charley Daniels, planned a visit in July with plans to have a double date with my mom and Aunt Lucy.