Reflecting on Childhood Memories During World War II

Lucy Sperlin, now a resident of Chico, vividly recalls her childhood experiences during World War II, beginning from the shocking news of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. At just four years old, she absorbed the anxiety of her parents as they processed the grim reality of the United States entering the war. This pivotal moment not only marked the start of a global conflict but also shaped her formative years.

Life on the East Coast

Following the declaration of war, Sperlin’s family took precautions that became a part of their daily routine. They pulled down window shades before dusk to prevent enemy aircraft from spotting their home. Living on the East Coast, her father worked at General Electric Co. in New Jersey, contributing to war efforts through electrical engineering—a field deemed essential for national defense.

Despite the war’s shadow, Sperlin’s childhood was filled with typical activities. She played with dolls, skated on local ponds, and walked to the library for entertainment. Adjustments made by her parents, however, often seemed normal or even enjoyable to her. Mixing orange color packets into white oleomargarine, a butter substitute, became one of her favorite tasks, while her family stood in line for food coupons.

With rationing in effect, daily life was marked by scarcity. The family saved cooking fat for munitions factories, which earned them extra meat coupons. Sperlin and her friends gathered aluminum foil from cigarette wrappers, transforming it into sizeable balls to recycle at school, illustrating how even children contributed to the war effort.

Memorable Experiences Amidst Struggles

Gas rationing limited their use of the family’s 1937 Willys sedan. Her father often rode a bicycle to work to conserve fuel for their weekly Sunday drives. Despite the scarcity of rubber and metal for new bicycles, Sperlin’s father found a used bike for her sixth Christmas in 1943, refurbishing it with new tires and paint.

Throughout the war, Sperlin often observed military personnel while traveling on buses and trains. She learned to identify different branches and ranks, even singing their official songs. A visit from her uncle, a Naval Officer, left a lasting impression on her, highlighting the admiration she felt for those in uniform.

Summer trips to the Jersey Shore included watching blimps patrol the coast for enemy submarines. Family outings were coupled with exposure to the harsh realities of war through newsreels at the cinema, contrasting with the innocence of Disney films. Sperlin’s mother expressed her dismay over the internment of Japanese Americans, recalling a close friend whose family she believed would never betray the country.

As rumors of death camps in Germany surfaced, Sperlin’s mother could hardly fathom such cruelty, stating, “Surely, that can’t be right.” These sentiments reflected the confusion and disbelief many felt during the war.

When the war drew to a close, Sperlin experienced a profound sense of relief. On Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), her most vivid memory was the excitement of seeing a boy celebrating by dragging cans behind his bicycle, a spontaneous display of joy echoing the end of a tumultuous period.

In the aftermath of the war, Sperlin’s family embarked on a journey across the United States in a “new” 1941 Dodge Sedan. Her mother sought to escape the oppressive humidity of the East, while her father returned to the Cascade Mountains, aiming to embrace life anew in Seattle with their three children.

Sperlin’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of how childhood experiences during significant historical events can shape perspectives and memories for a lifetime. Her story highlights the resilience and adaptability of families during the trials of war, leaving an indelible mark on those who lived through it.