While family gatherings were commonplace during World War II, it was a rare and wonderful occasion when a member of the military could join in.
In 1943, the Schwamborn, Byam, and Boyce families gathered with friends to share in a celebration of the holiday. This was a particularly special occasion because of the time period this story takes place in - gasoline was rationed, which limited auto travel.
During wartime, a celebration with family is very special. While I don't recall what we ate on this Thanksgiving, food rationing made a holiday like Thanksgiving a changed experience. I remember my parents telling me the story of one meal - maybe it was even this one - in which we had a very unusual main course.
Since most major meat items went toward the war effort to feed service personnel, civilians had limited food stamps to use on meat.
The family was seated as the meal was served. On the plate were fluffy mashed potatoes, generously sliced meat portions, and a vegetable. There was family talk, as usual, and enjoyment of a very rare wartime meal.
McKeen, my grandmother, had furnished the roast. Someone, perhaps my father, asked him where he had obtained such a wonderful roast. Mac, McKeen's husband and my grandfather, explained there was a $1 million prized race horse he'd been asked to put down. He saw no reason not to claim a tender part of the horse for a roast for the upcoming family dinner. No one became ill, but I will say the family became a bit queasy when they discovered they'd just eaten horse meat!
Going from left to right, I'll introduce my family and friends included in the portrait.
First, my mother, Helen Schwamborn. During the war, she worked as a clerk for Bethlehem Steel at Terminal Island. She is also the first cousin to Wallace M. Byam. My father Henry, Helen's husband, is not pictured.
Next to Helen is Libby, who is Marion's mother and Florence's aunt. (I'll introduce them in a moment.)
Ann, third from the left, is a close friend of the family. Her husband was an Army Air Force Captain who flew bombing missions in the Pacific.
Florence, standing next to Ann, is Marion's maternal first cousin. Her husband, Paul, is not pictured.
Standing front and center is Sue, between Florence and Wallace. She is Helen's mother, Wallace's aunt, James's mother, McKeen's wife, and my grandmother.
Next is Wallace. At that time, he was employed at Lockheed in Burbank, California as a supervisor building war aircraft. He is well-known of course for his pre-war endeavors as the owner and designer of Airstream.
Next to his mother Sue is James, in uniform. It was very special to have the opportunity to share the holiday with Jim, who was stationed in Arizona and home on furlough. He served the United States Army Air Corps as a medic.
Next is Marion, Wally's wife who worked as an executive for the American Red Cross.
And finally, at far right, is McKeen my grandfather, who was a veterinarian. McKeen was husband to Sue, stepfather to Helen, father to James, and uncle to Wally.
It was a wonderful Thanksgiving with a wonderful group of family and friends. Time together is important.
Happy Thanksgiving from Airstream!
