My father worked for International Harvester Company Tractor Works
where torpedo parts were manufactured for the War Effort. As part of the Civil Defense Corps, he made neighborhood rounds with
the block captain, wearing white steel helmets and arm bands, carrying flash lights and night sticks. They made sure shades were drawn during blackouts, as enemy aircraft was a threat.

My mother had a small victory garden. Groceries were purchased through rationing. We all participated in scrap and paper drives.

Our family was typical.