Due to the fact that there aren't many members of the "Greatest Generation" who are on the web, I would bet that there are many younger visitors who never heard of V-mail. During WWII, rationing, "making do," recycling, and conservation were at their peak. A letter to a loved one overseas would begin with the writer doing his or her normal letter. It would go to a center that photographed the letter, reduced it in size and sent it to the destination where it was converted into a letter. Not being an expert on the mechanics of the process, it would be likely that the original letters were converted to microfilm and reproduced in an enlarged state at the destination.Please correct me if I am on the wrong track.I am so impressed with your access to such a wide variety of photos showing the Trenton I knew, and grew up in. I previously commented on the photo of Skelton School a few months ago, this is where I attended kindergarten prior to entering into the new, and modern Parker School, just two months after this photo was taken. In addition to my old buddy Tony Ponticello from kindergarten, I was teamed up with Dan (Skipper) Cowell, whose mother was the third grade teacher at Parker, Mrs. Cowell taught my entire family, and had become friends with my mother. Ms. Smith, and Ms. Mc Cruden were the first grade teachers, I then had the raven haired beauty Ms. Joyce for 2nd grade. My life changed completely in 3rd when I I had Mrs. Cowell. Skpper her son was not allowed to be taught by her, so he transfered back to his neighborhood school. In his absence, I became her surrurgate son. Mrs. Cowell was my inspiration, and took me with her family on trips, my first dinner out in a fancy resturant, and bought me my first long pants suit.
We stayed in touch throughout my adulthood, and I attended to her needs while her son who went on to Medical school, became the head of the Marshall University School of medicine. She never failed to send me a note with a "happy face" on it when she read of some accomplishment of mine noted in the Trenton Press. I gave the eulogy at her funeral at age 99. No one outside of my Mother and father had such a positive impact on me, and I owe any of my business success on her influence. Another 3rd grade teacher, was Lottie Dinkins, the mother of NYC Mayor David Dinkins. What a wonderful time of my life. If a teacher took a kid out to dinner today, there would be lawsuits, and criminal charges. Today, 3 weeks shy of my 76th birthday, I can still every line of the Parker School song.
Thanks for the memories pal!
Warm regards, and all good wishes
Mike Kuzma
MIKE: What a great addition to this post! You are one of the stalwarts on this website. Thanks.
Tom Glover