Maxine's Story: Chapter Four

Early 1940's in Keokuk, Iowa (a small city on the Mississippi)

Maxine: a twenty something working as a bank teller in Keokuk, Iowas.
                (She is also my mother.)
Nana: Maxine's mother (my grandmother) who has raised four children through the
                Great Depression and now has two sons overseas fighting in WWII   
Wilbur:  Maxine's fiance, who has just been deployed to someplace in Europe
Harold:  Mother's brother who is already serving in the Army someplace in Europe.
               (He is also my uncle.)

In the last chapter we left Maxine in New York City watching her fiance, Wilbur, march off to war.  This chapter will not be much about Maxine, but more about her brother, Harold.

I don't have the specific dates, but know that Mother is back home in Keokuk.  She and her sister, Marge still live at home, and both of their brothers, Frank and Harold.  Frank was on a ship in the Pacific Ocean, and Harold was someplace in Europe.

Harold was the youngest of the siblings and was known for his kindness to others.  He was the helper and in his quiet way took care of others.  While his older siblings, Frank and Maxine loved to be in the spot light, Harold preferred to keep a low profile. It seemed so cruel to have him thrown into a war where he might have to kill someone.  But like most young men at that time, he felt it was his duty to fight for his country.

 He was not allowed to tell his family where he was unit was deployed, but he found a creative way to hint at the location.  In one of his letters home he wrote. "I was really surprised when I thought I saw our neighbor, George, wearing a commander's uniform.  Turns out it was just a mistake."  It was from that letter, that my grandparents knew that Harold must have seen  General Eisenhower because his doppelganger was living right down the street from them.

Uncle Harold Carlson

One night when Harold's unit was settling in, he saw his name as sentry on the duty roster.  He was confused because he thought he had another duty that night, but figured plans had changed.  He mentioned it to his Sergeant but was told to just do the duty.  When he went to the sentry post, another soldier arrived a bit later.  Harold did not recognize him as he had just been transferred to their unit.  His name was Harold Carlson, too.  My Uncle Harold told the other Harold that he would finish the sentry duty (because that is what the Sergeant said) and they could straighten out the name thing the next day.

That night the unit was attacked and Uncle Harold was severely wounded.  If their names had not been mixed up , he would not have been at that post.  Not much is known about what happened in the next few days. ( My sister, Linda, has tried to find records, but the archives for part of WWII were destroyed in a fire and those records were lost.)  All we know is that my grandparents got word that Harold was missing in action.

It was close to that time that my grandmother wrote this poem.

My Christmas Wish--1944

What do I want for Christmas?

You ask me not in vain,

Today I'll give you my answer

And tomorrow 'twill be the same.

Of all the gifts this world possess

We see where'er we roam,

There's one I pray each day to have-

"I want my boys back home."

Sara Ann Carlson

I don't know how long Harold was missing in action.  I am not even sure if she wrote this before or after Harold was missing in action.  That is one reason I am writing these stories, because some of the parts become fuzzy and I no longer have Maxine her to tell me.  

I won't end on a sad note!  Harold was not missing in action.  He was in a hospital, alive, but in critical condition.  He would be coming home soon and he would live.  

Now, why did I put this as part of Maxine's Story?  Yes, Harold was her brother, but there is another twist that will be explained in a few more chapters.  

Maxine's Story Chapter Three

Early 1940's in Keokuk, Iowa (a small city on the Mississippi River)

Characters:
Maxine:  a twenty something working as a bank teller in Keokuk, Iowa.   (She is also my mother.)
Nana:  Maxine's mother (my grandmother) who has raised four children through the Great Depression and now has two sons overseas fighting in WWII.
Frank:  One of Nan's sons, in the navy, the ship's  (The USS Kwajalein an escort carrier) photographer, in the Pacific during WWII
Wilbur:  Maxine's fiance about to be deployed somewhere in Europe
Mrs. K:  Wilbur's mother
John:  Wilbur's cousin
Jane:  John's wife

Maxine, every hair in place,

In the last chapter, Maxine was promoted to Head Teller at the State Central Bank, Wilbur enlisted in the Army and Wilbur asked Maxine if she would marry him when he returned.

Wilbur was stationed at Fort Dix and would soon be deployed to Europe.  There was time for a family visit if the family could travel to Ft. Dix.  Maxine was planning this trip when Mrs. K. decided to join her. She also stated that the two of them could stay at her cousin's who lived near NYC. This was not quite the send off that Maxine and Wilbur had planned, but Wilbur's mother was determined to see her only son before he left for war.  Maxine was glad to have a traveling companion because this would be her first time to take a train to NYC.  She had traveled to Chicago and St. Louis by train, but never to NYC.

The trip to NYC was uneventful.  Maxine was having second thoughts about her travel companion.  Mrs. K. was a bit (no, a lot) overbearing.  One of her uncles had told her to beware of men wearing hats.  These men were con artists and trick people out of their money.  So, when Maxine and Mrs. K boarded the train in Burlington, Iowa that was all Maxine heard.  Don't talk to men wearing hats!

Chicago, Union Station

When they arrived to Chicago, they had a few hours before they boarded the next train that would go directly to NYC.  Maxine thought it would be fun to walk outside the station and have lunch at a cafe.  Much to her dismay and embarrassment, Mrs. K had packed a picnic with table cloth and eating utensils, and was setting out her banquet right in the middle of Union Station.  "This way we don't have to leave the station and risk being accosted by men wearing hats," she told Maxine.  Did Maxine dare say, "But, Mrs. K., almost all the men are wearing hats!"  No, instead she accepted the chicken sandwich and hoped they did not look too ridiculous as busy people sidestepped their little picnic island.

Chicago Union Station in the 1940's.  Notice, most men are wearing hats.

When they arrived to Grand Central Station, NYC, a man (wearing a hat) approached them and offered to take their suitcases.  Mrs. K. was so startled that she failed to realize that this man was her cousin, John.  He was there to take them to his home.  Maxine stifled a chuckle watching the flustered Mrs. K. try to explain why she was so shocked to see her cousin.

While at John's house, Maxine noticed a sketch of a sailor that was displayed on the piano.  It looked familiar, but how could that be?  She did not know these people.  Jane picked up the picture and brought it to Maxine.  "This is our son who is in the Navy.  He told us that the ship's photographer would sketch pictures of the guys if they would do certain chores, like clean his bunk, shine his shoes or other such things."  Maxine checked the picture a little closer, and saw the known signature of  F.C. that her brother, Frank, used on his works of art.

"That photographer is my brother," she said.  "That is why this picture looks so familiar.  Frank has a certain style in his drawings.  At least he did not draw a caricature like he usually does."  (If you have not read about Frank's caricatures, check this post. Frankly My Dear ).  (I always wonder how many other pictures by Frank were sent home while he was sailing in the Pacific.)

The only other event Maxine talked about during this trip was her only time with Wilbur alone.  There were only a few days to visit and Mrs. K. wanted her time with him.   The last night was saved for just Wilbur and Maxine.  But at the last minute Wilbur found out that the Army had a movie that they required all of the soldiers to watch.  He told Maxine, and she begged him to let her go with him.  She didn't care if it was some boring Army movie, but she wanted to spend this last evening with her fiance.

Maxine used her pretty smile and charisma to get into the rented theater full of soldiers.  She and Wilbur found a place to sit right in the middle.  Soldiers to the left and soldiers to the right.

 'Ah, this is nice,' she thought. 'I have Wilbur to myself for a nice evening at the movies.  I'd like some popcorn, but don't see anyone eating any, so I guess I will wait until after the movie when we can go to a nice restaurant for a romantic dinner.'

The movie was beginning!  The music was foreboding!  A man's voice was spouting out curt sentences.  He sounded like a Drill Sargent shouting out commands.  Maxine was not paying attention, instead checking out how handsome her Wilbur was.   She realized that this movie was like an educational movie explaining what NOT to do while on deployment.  There were dangers of all kinds.  Don't go to houses of ill repute.  If so, this will happen.  Oh, my, the pictures where quite graphic.  Maxine did not even know what venereal diseases were, but she soon received a scary education about it.  She tried to turn her head, but her eyes were frozen, and the sights were disturbing.

So, what would you do after such a surprising evening?  Maxine excused herself to the powder room,  checked her lipstick and hair, and met Wilbur outside the theater.  "I am ready for a nice dinner, now!"  She did not say a word to Wilbur and he did not say a word to her about the movie.  Were they in shock, or was any discussion unnecessary?


All I can say now  is that to hear Maxine tell this story she would start giggling, tears would run down her face, and she would only be able to giggle out her words.   How did they not know what this movie would be about?  Were they just so anxious to be together that they blocked out the topic of the movie?  She never talked about the nice dinner, or the name of the restaurant when she told this story.  That was all forgotten.  But the memory of that movie was imprinted in her brain forever.

That evening, Maxine and Mrs. K. rented a room at a hotel that overlooked the street where Wilbur would be marching with hundreds of other soldiers.  Wilbur told them that they would have a better view from the hotel than if they were on the street.  He said that they would not be able to pick him out of all the soldiers and watching from the balcony at the hotel would give them a better view.  He was right, Maxine was amazed at the sight of the streets with lines of marching soldiers.  As she watched, she was sure that she saw Wilbur, and Mrs. K.  shouted out, "There's my son, I see you, Wilbur!"

I will stop here, this was kind of long and I don't have pictures.   The next chapters will develop how certain events will change the future of so many people.  I will introduce a new character.

Maxine's Story, continued...

A Maxine's Story, continued... 

Maxine and Wilber

Early 1940's in Keokuk, Iowa (a small city on the Mississippi River)

Characters:
Maxine: a twenty something working as a bank teller in Keokuk, Iowa. (She is also my mother)
Nana: Maxine's mother (my grandmother) who has raised four children through the Great Depression and now has two sons overseas fighting in WWII.
Frank:  One of Nana's sons, in the Navy, the ship's photographer, in the Pacific during WWII
Wilbur: Maxine's fiance about to be deployed somewhere in Europe
Mrs. K:  Wilbur's mother

In the last post, Maxine was working at the F.W. Woolworth's Company.  She was in her early twenties, and if you remember, everyone loved the banana splits she created when she subbed at the soda fountain.  Maxine had, what many call a magnetic personality.  Her smile, charisma and genuine interest in people caught the attention of many a young man.  But her standards were high.  No drinking, no smoking and no gambling!  She would have none of that.

  Her quick mind and business skills caught the attention of the local banker.  He stopped by the store often and was amazed at how she handled difficult customers, how she attracted customers to her stationery department and how she multi-tasked with ease.  On one of his visits to buy yet another fountain pen, he asked Maxine if she would like to work at the bank as a teller.

These kinds of decisions were always difficult for Maxine.  How could she leave her friends at the store?  Where was her loyalty?  And of course, how could she leave those yummy hot fudge sundaes and banana splits!  It took the president of the bank to talk to the store manager and convince Maxine that it would be okay, and that she could still come back  for a sundae. 

So, at the young age of 22, Maxine became a bank teller at the State Central Bank.  She loved it.  Proving out each night was a challenge that she excelled in, rarely over or short on her end of day balance.   If so, it was only a matter of a few cents.  People were attracted to her window, always cheery and efficient.  Maxine remembered the lives of her customers, births, deaths, graduations, and other events.  She genuinely cared about people and made each customer feel welcome and important.

This is the State Central Bank Building as looks today.

The young men began lining up at her window to get some of that attention, but all in vain.  Maxine liked them, but none met her high standards.  Until, one day Wilbur K. caught her eye.  Soon they were dating.  Life was going as planned, at least for Maxine.  Wilbur was an upstanding young man and his mother adored Maxine.

One day when Maxine walked into the bank there was an official stern faced man there to greet her.  Somehow her bank window cash box was missing a lot of money.  How could that be?  Were they accusing Maxine?   Too many emotions were surging through her as she was escorted to the upstairs main office.  Each step she took brought disgrace and embarrassment.  When the door closed, the stern man said, "We know you did not do this, Maxine.   We have had missing money from other windows and suspected someone.   We set a trap using your window knowing that you were not a thief.  We now have proof to arrest the  head teller who exchanged your cash box during closing hours.  The police are now escorting him out.  So now, we need a new Head Teller (which was usually a man).  Would you be interested?"

Things were looking great for Maxine!  She had a boyfriend and now she was the Head Teller at the Central State Bank!   What more could she want!  And then, poof, Wilbur enlisted in the Army.  I don't know if he was drafted or if he enlisted, but he would soon be in the Army and the future was now uncertain.  It was not a surprise, because it seemed all of the young men were leaving to serve their country.

Wilbur's draft card.  I blocked out part of the name.

And just like many young women and their beaus.  Wilbur asked Maxine to marry him when he returned.  I am not sure how sure Maxine was in accepting.  How could she say no to him when he was going to risk his life?  She thought she loved him.  He met her standards.  His mother adored her.  He loved her.  Of course, she loved him.  He had just caught her by surprise.  Maxine accepted and wore her ring proudly.  Yes, things were going great for Maxine, as long as Wilbur returned.

Wilber

Sump Enchanted Evening

I promised myself that the next post would be a continuation of the Maxine Story, but sometimes things happen that change plans.

This all began when I was going to be on a Zoom meeting with other instructors for the Cuyamungue  Institute.  Cuyamungue Institute  I had never used Zoom and was in the process of installing it.  I must have clicked on something that has nothing to do with Zoom and after a few more clicks felt like I was in a wormhole.  Usually, when I do this, Ray is my tech support and solves my mistake.  He says I get too click happy.  When he says that, I always wonder where click unhappy would take me.   He sometimes uses the term PEBKAC.  Of course, he says that with a smile since I know it means, "Problem Exists Between Keyboard and Chair."  Anyway, back to me trying to get on Zoom.

I thought I had begun this installation early enough to have plenty of time before the meeting to check it out.  Instead, I was berating myself for waiting, and now as time was cruelly moving along, I was just moving through sites discussing Skype, Alexa and Google Chat.  Time to call Ray, I thought.  But at that time there was crashing and banging and grumbling reverberating below my feet.  (Better not call Ray because he was 'breaking bad' in the basement.)

I ventured down the steps to the basement and was greeted with sudsy water coming out of the laundry room.  Ray was holding a hose and staring into the sump pump.  Oops, maybe I better go back upstairs and figure out the Zoom problem myself. 

Ray sees me before my escape.  "The (bad word, very bad word) keeps overflowing."

"Maybe we should get a new sump pump and have someone install it," was my suggestion.  Ray informed me that he had installed sump pumps and would not need someone else to do it.  Plus, this one is not that broken.  It is just the hose.  A little duct tape will solve this problem.  Looking down at the sump pump I wondered how the hose caused it to lean against the wall of the hole.  It's sad face looked at me telling me it was tired and needed to retire.

Here is the duct tape solution.

 Ray told me that he just had to readjust it and it would be fine.  But, maybe he should do the wash from now on, or if I did decide to do the laundry, let him know.  Some how this all did not sound good, but I happily retreated to my office and was able to get on Zoom with no problems. (too late for my meeting though)

We usually share laundry duty, but I did not complain that Ray wanted to take over for now.  A couple of days later, there was more grumbling and crashing and some very bad words coming from the basement.  Hmmm.....I bet the duct tape failed.   I did not go down this time because my suggestion would be the same.  I knew Ray was not going to give up.

"The #%#! thing is fixed now!" he stated. "But I still want to do the laundry, just to be sure.  I had to stop the sump pump from dancing when the washer was draining into it.  So I put my a crate on top of the screen and then s tool box on top of the crate. (The screen has been over the hole to keep the cats from falling in.) 

Final Solution, Tool Box on Crate on Screen.

So that is the story of our sump pump.  Ray is still doing the laundry.  There seems to be no more overflow, and no more bad words coming from the basement.  Strange, I have written other Rae stories where that Rae often said a few choice words.  Is it the name, or am I just one lucky lady?

Frankly My Dear Principal, I Don't Give a Damn

Early 1940's in Keokuk, Iowa (a small city along the Mississippi River)


Characters:
MAXINE- A twenty something young woman working as head bank teller in Keokuk, Iowa.  (She is also my mother.)
NANA- Maxine's mother (my grandmother) who has raised four children through the Great Depression, and now has two sons overseas fighting in WWII.
PAPA- Maxine's father (my grandfather)
HAROLD- Son of Nana.  He is a soldier in the Army deployed somewhere in Europe.
FRANK-   Son of Nana.  He is in the Navy as the photographer on the Qudualin.
MARGE-  Daughter of Nana


I have changed some of the characters because like all families each member adds personality to the story.  It is impossible to write Maxine's story and not include how family dynamics helped form Maxine.  So this Maxine's Story might end up longer than I intend.  My sister, sometimes describes our mother's family as being bohemian.  And that sounds right.  Papa was an artist.  He painted oils, carved figures, built furniture and made grave stones.  Nana had her garden with her cow and chickens.  But she also had jobs, off and on.  She worked in a tomato factory and a telephone operator.  The local doctors would refer patients to her because she worked wonders with medicinal herbs.

There were five children.  Norman died at the age of two.  As a child I could hear the tinge of sadness in Nana's voice when talking about Norman.  Frank was the oldest child.  He was a talented artist, but sometimes those skills get him into trouble.  Maxine was next in line and then her sister Marge.  I always wondered what it would have been like to live in the shadow of Maxine.  Marge was quiet, smart with figures, and loved her nieces (Linda and Me).  Harold was the youngest, so kind and was as sweet as Frank was mischief.

Speaking of Frank, here is an example of why having him as an older brother, might have been difficult for Maxine.  Here is a picture of my grandparents with Frank, their first born.

Nana, Papa and Uncle Frank

While in high school, there was an issue with the principal that had the students in an uproar.  I am not sure what it was,  but the students were furious.  (Maybe this is where I should create a reason to spice up this story, but no, I will not embellish.  I must stay with the facts that I remember hearing.)  Frank was never one to stand on the sidelines when trouble brewed, but shouting and complaining was not his style.  When he got home from school,  he went to his room.  Nana was impressed to see him working so diligently on his school work, so she did not let the rest of the children disturb him.

The next day, Nana received a phone call from the school.  She needed to come immediately.  There was a major problem.  Her son, Frank, was in trouble.  Nana rushed out, wondering what had happened. This sounded much more serious than his other escapades.

Walking into the school, Nana noticed that the secretary could not keep eye contact with her.  A tight subtle smile was trying to burst into a laugh, but she kept it in check.  Nana was escorted to the Principal's Office.   Frank was sitting, head bent, looking at his feet.  The principal was glaring at him and continued that glare to Nana.

"Mrs. Carlson,  look at what your son posted on the main bulletin board this morning."

This is where I wish we had the picture.  All I can do is explain it, and it is really not very nice.  Frank had drawn a caricature of a donkey with its rear end facing the front.  The donkey is looking around as if to check what is behind it.  Instead of the head of a donkey, Frank had drawn a perfect image (with the usual exaggerations of a  cartoonish face) of the principal.  The caption below read:  "Which end is the real ass?"

Nana looked at Frank and said, "I am really disappointed in you, Frank.  If you would spend time doing your school work instead of drawing this kind of stuff, you would not be failing your classes.  We will deal with this when you get home."

"Well, Mrs. Carlson, Frank will be spending three days at home, so maybe he can do his work then.  We can not allow this kind of behavior."

Frank left the office, but Nana remained.  "I understand why you are upset, but you must admit, he did draw your face perfectly."

The principal looked at her, grinned and said, " I hope you don't mind, but I think I will keep this picture.  I think my wife would find humor in it."

I have not idea what happened to Frank when he got home, probably nothing but a lecture.   Word must have gotten out about the picture because later that year, for a school festival, the teachers asked Frank to draw caricatures of each of them to display in the halls.  He would then have a booth to draw caricatures for a dime as a fund raiser.

Frank agreed, but only if the teachers signed a letter saying no punishments would be given if they did not like the end product.

Here is one of Frank's pictures that I found that he had published in the Kwaj-Line news letter.  He was the cartoonist for the ship's news letter.  I am sure this man is one of the sailors on the ship, probably one of the officers.

Step Right up to the Carlson Circus!

I could not let Mother's Day pass without another Maxine story.  Born in 1919, she experienced living through the Great Depression.  Her family, like many at that time, was quite creative in entertaining themselves.  One summer (and I think this was continued for couple of years) they put on a circus.  Everyone in the neighborhood and surrounding area was invited.  Each family member participated.

Signs were designed to advertise this event.  "Come to Carlson's Circus!"  "See Daring Acts that Defy Gravity!" "Laugh, Eat, and Gasp!"  "Have Your Palm Red by a Fortune Teller"  "Enjoy the Trained Wild Animals"   The signs were colorful and looked like smaller versions of Ringling Brothers' Circus signs.  My grandfather was an artist.  He drew the pictures and Maxine and her siblings colored them.  I wish I had a sample, but none has survived through the years.

The children set out to distribute their signs: Frank, the oldest, (13), Maxine (11), Marge (9) and little Harold (6).  The park across the street had a bandstand where they posted their largest poster.  The rest of the posters found homes on telephone poles and the small neighborhood store window.  The word was out!  Time to prepare!

The Carlson Children, Frank, Maxine, Marge and Harold

All of the Carlson children had learned acrobatics from their father.  They practiced routines and soon it was The Big Day!  The backyard was the venue.  People came and sat on the ground in a large circle.  Here came the Carlson Children playing kazoos, a toy street organ and a drum.  They were dressed in costumes that my grandmother had made.  Their dog had a lion like collar around his neck. and little tufts above each paw.  Marge was carrying, Hank, the cat who jumped from her arms and ran into the makeshift Fortune Teller's tent.  Small bags of peanuts were passed out to the audience.

Harold, stepped forward and announced the first act.  Leo the Ferocious Lion did typical dog trick like sit, roll over and shake hands.  The crowd loved it...or maybe they just enjoyed watching a little boy trying to get his a 'lion' to jump through a hoop.  Maybe something frightened Hank, the cat, because he ran out of the tent, through the hoop, distracting Leo.  Leo set out after Hank dragging his ruffled mane.  They disappeared down the ravine path behind my grandfather's workshop.  After the dog...oops...the lion act, Harold bowed and introduced the acrobats.

Of course, Maxine was the star.  She began by doing forward flips to the center and then standing on her head.  The rest did flips and cartwheels around her.  Maxine then flipped up, did a few jumps and landed in the splits...hands raised and smiling at the crowd.  She was loving the attention.  Frank was not so much into the acrobats, so after a few forward flips he picked up the drum and did a drum roll.  The excitement was growing...what was next?  Maxine climbed a ladder to a bar that her father had suspended from some sort of structure.  (He was a carpenter as well as an artist.)  She swung to the middle and did a few stunts...and then....there she was...hanging by her heels, swinging high above the ground...and still smiling at the crowd.  The applause was deafening.  (Maxine always blamed her bumpy heels on this....that she would hang from her heels...but I always thought cause was her refusal to wear shoes large enough...and stuffed her size 7 foot into a size 6 shoe.)

  Maxine, Frank and Marge disappeared into three different tents.  Harold announced that his mother had baked  pie, for refreshments and made tea or lemonade for drinks.  After the final act everyone would be invited to enjoy the food and the side acts.  He pointed to the row of slumping tents; "Get Your Picture", "Have Your Palm Red", and "See the Bearded Lady". " But NOW"....he sang out...."Ladies and Gentleman....please, be quiet and stay in your seats....The Amazing Mr. Frank Carlson...my father....is about to risk his life for your entertainment.  Look up!  There he is!"

And yes, there he was...my grandfather walking the tightrope.  Back and forth...standing on one foot...then the other...turning quickly...oh no!  He slipped!  Ah...he caught himself...he is chuckling...was that on purpose?  He was truly enjoying himself...as was the crowd.  He grabbed the tightrope with both hands, swung down, did a small flip and landed on his feet with a sweeping bow to all.

The last part of the Carlson Circus was to visit each tent.  In the first tent was Marge....face covered with fur.  She was a bit shy, so just sat there as people passed through her tent.  Next was Maxine's tent.  She was the fortune teller, dressed in full costume and jewelry with an upside down fishbowl as her crystal ball.  Only one person at a time was allowed in the tent...and they had to leave out the back.  Once inside, Maxine would ask to see the person's palm.  Holding the palm in her hand, Maxine would use red lipstick to write a small red X on the palm...and then said, "Now, you have had your palm red. Please step out the back to Frank's tent for to have your picture made."

Frank's tent was open on one side.  There was a long line.  His tent was the most popular.  Each person sat down across from him as he drew a quick caricature.  Of course, some of them were much more comical than others...as he usually would exaggerate some facial feature...but everyone would recognize each drawing.  And...of course...if some pretty young lady come in...her picture always looked beautiful.

This is an example of Frank's work after he was older.

The circus was over but many stayed longer to visit with friends.  My grandfather lowered the tightrope and formed a slack line where he gave tips on how to do this. Neighborhood children loved trying their skill and balance.  Adults would attempt and soon realize how difficult it was.  Everyone was comparing the pictures that Frank had drawn.  Everyone had red palms. Everyone was full of good food.  Everyone had a fun afternoon at the Carlson Circus.

A Maxine Story

 Early 1940's in Keokuk, Iowa (a small city along the Mississippi River)

Characters:
MAXINE- A twenty something young woman working as head bank teller in Keokuk, Iowa.  (She is also my mother.)
NANA- Maxine's mother (my grandmother) who has raised four children through the Great Depression, and now has two sons overseas fighting in WWII.
HAROLD- Son of Nana.  He is a soldier in the Army deployed somewhere in Europe.
WILBER- Maxine's fiance.  He is in the Army and will be deployed to Europe soon.  Maxine and Wilber became engaged before he leaves.
MRS. H-  Wilber's mother
MORTON- A soldier in the Army with the nick name of, The Senator, given to him by his Army buddies.

There are many other characters, but these are the main ones for the beginning of this story.   Let's go back to when Maxine had graduated from high school at the age of 16 in 1937.  The Great Depression did not hinder her from getting her first job in a box factory.  Oh how exited she was.  It was loud and dirty, but Maxine was excited to make her own money and be able to buy fancy clothes.  This is the only graduation picture I can find of Maxine.  It is a bit blurry, but I think the pose is all Maxine.

Maxine's job was making lids for containers.  These containers would be for things like ice cream and cottage cheese.   During slow times, Maxine would draw pictures on the insides of the lids.  These were innocent pictures of women wearing clothes that mother had designed.  On one lid she decided to write a note.  How did she know if others enjoyed her pictures if no one could write back to her?  So, she wrote, "Hi, this is Maxine.  If you like my picture let me know."  And of course, she added her address.  Here is a sample of what she drew on the container lids.

We must remember, that Maxine is only 16.  The Depression has been dreary and difficult for everyone.  This is her first step into the real world.  She really did not expect a reply, and if she did get a reply, she did not expect the one that came in the mail a month later.  Maxine never told me the exact message, but I think it would be rated XXX and not for the eyes of an innocent 16 year old.  Nana burned the letter in the old kitchen stove.  For the rest of her time working at the box factory, Maxine continued drawing pictures in some of the lids, but never again did she write a note.  Here are a few of early pictures of Maxine.

Maxine is on the right.  I am not sure what play this is but she is in a costume she designed.

A year later, Maxine changed jobs.  She was now the stationery department clerk at F.W. Woolworth.  Now she would wear pretty dresses to work and not worry about getting dirty.  She was responsible for ordering greeting cards, stationery, writing utensils and other various items found in such a department.  She loved it.  She liked making the displays pretty.  She liked meeting people and helping them.  I found this picture of her while she was still working at F.W.Woolworth, August 16, 1940.   She is top row, second from the left.  I am sure she wished that she had smiled more.

Maxine is top row, second from the right.  This is F.W. Woolworth Co., 1940

Her favorite part about working at Woolworth's was subbing at the soda fountain.  This is where she learned the proper way to dip ice cream out of the container.  "Do not dip deeply into the carton making a big hole.  You must start at the top and go in layers."  (It has something to do with the air in the ice cream.)  People began to notice when Maxine was subbing.  The root beer floats were perfect and the ice cream sundaes were amazing.  Maxine made them just the way she liked them with lots of toppings.  She always added extra hot fudge and whipped cream.  Banana splits were her favorite.  Strawberries, chocolate and marshmallow cream would be poured on just full enough but not overflowing the dish.  Then she would pile on the whipped cream, nuts and not one, but three cherries (one for each dip of ice cream) topped these delicious creations.  There were always the most customers waiting in line when Maxine was subbing at the fountain.  Finally, the owner of the store told her that she needed to stick with the recipes because they were making no profit when she subbed.

This is the end of this part one.  How long will Maxine be employed at F.W. Woolworth?  When will she meet her true love?  Is he really her true love?  These will be answered in the next chapter of this story with no title.