World   War   II

The  Demmy  Family

of   Uptown   Harrisburg

Now
in   its   third   printing

by

David W. Demmy, Sr.

©  2002

Double D Publications

Mr. and Mrs. William G. Demmy, Sr.

in happier days long
before

World War II

What style!

The   WWII  Blue   Star

 Presented to
families

 who had a son or
daughter serving in the

United States Armored Forces

Mrs. Esther Demmy had 2 blue stars for her

2 sons, in the US Army, serving their nation and family.

sample of one star flag – sample of two star flag appears on next page

The blue star was proudly displayed in the front window or door, of the home of the members, in the Armed Forces.

William G. Demmy, Jr., known as “June”, was inducted into the U. S. Army.  Grandma Demmy received her first Blue Star.

Author’s note:  Since Bill was a junior, he received the nickname of ‘June’ like many ‘Juniors’ of his generation.

Here is a single
son-in-service locket in a heart shape. The locket is plastic and in the
shape of a red heart. It features the 1 son-in-service rectangle with a blue
star on a white field with a red border. Cut out of the heart is another
heart that would frame the picture of the loved one in service. The reverse
side has a needle pin and early war cradle to secure the pin. The white
background and blue star appear to be hand painted. The heart measures 1.25 x
1.125”.

After the war, Bill relayed the following story to younger brother Floyd.  The story is about one of his inspections while going through boot camp.  “Sometime shortly after one of their forced marches, Bill’s training company had an inspection in the barracks.  When the inspecting officer came to Bill’s canteen, he unscrewed the cap and turned the canteen upside down.  Unfortunately, some water rolled out and onto the floor, splashing the officer’s highly spit-shined shoes.  Bill not only received a demerit for not emptying and drying his canteen, but he was given quite a lecture about paying attention to detail.  Everything, and the Army means everything, should be squared away after a maneuver  — the soldier, his rifle, his gear, his uniform, everything.  Failure to pay attention to detail could cost lives in combat”.  Bill didn’t forget that incident and it served him well during his tour of duty in Africa and Italy: 

Our uncle Bill was awarded a Division Citation for exceptionally meritorious conduct, while serving with the Fifth Army front in Italy with the service battery of the 151st Field Artillery Battalion of the 34th “Red Bull” Infantry Division.  ‘While driving an ammunition vehicle, Corporal Demmy observed ammunition burning and exploding in a nearby ammo dump as a result of enemy shellfire.  He was leading his truck at the time, but despite the danger involved, he finished the job and delivered the ammunition to one of the batteries.

On another occasion Corporal Demmy drove for 72 hours continuously, without an assistant driver, over a route being intermittently shelled by hostile artillery’.

Then Uncle Floyd was drafted into the U. S. Army – – see his story entitled, “Recollections of my Army Life during World War II”, and Grandma was given her second Blue Star.

Uncle Paul’s poor eyesight kept him out of military service, and Uncle Mick was too young for service during World War II.  Grandma’s son-in-law, our Uncle Hank, served as a member in the U. S. Coastal Artillery,  keeping America’s shores safe from invasion.  Later Uncle Mick and Uncle Harvey and Uncle Don would serve in the Armed Forces too.

Where was the Coastal Artillery on 9-11-01?

The OPA, Office of Price Administration, controlled necessity and luxury items, that citizens could purchase during the war years, eg:  sugar, gasoline, and rubber goods.

Ration books and coupons were assigned to folks who signed up for them.

The following pages display items from ration books belonging to our aunts  and uncles on the home front, in Harrisburg, during World War II.

OPA  Red Point Coins

Sample of Sugar Ration Book belonging to

Uncle Harold E. Beers, Sr.

Living at 2130 N. 7^th Street, Harrisburg

Cover of Aunt Ruth’s student Ration Book at age 12

Notice, Uncle Paul,  [P. R. D.], signed her name to it.

Uncle Mick’s student Ration Book at age 15

Variety of Ration Stamps for variety of products.

Notice, many stamps displayed military images to re-enforce the military goal of folks at home while our troops and sailors were on a foreign soil risking their lives for freedom!

Back Cover of typical Ration Book

“If you don’t need it, Don’t BUY it.”

GPO I 1943

Uncle Floyd’s ration book issued 5 May 1942 at age 15

Following the War, grandma still needed a card to obtain cooking sherry, here’s a copy of her 1946 card!

Here’s Grammie in
later years

Family Photos before and after the War

The Homestead on 7^th Street, uptown Harrisburg

The  Girls  in  the  Alley

Above, from the left, Aunt Ruth, Aunt Gret, and Aunt Martie!

First, they were childhood friends!

Then childhood sisters!

Then they became sister-n-laws and remained

Friends for over six decades!

Houses damage by storm on 7^th Street

Many houses had entire ‘front’ facade blown away!

Circa  WWII era.

Below Uncle Floyd and Uncle Mick posing on upper deck!

Mom  and  her  boys Following the War!

From left, Uncle Floyd, Uncle Bill, Grammie, and Uncle Mick.

 appears to be Aunt Loppy to far right!  She looks like Kitty ain’t!

They were lean, tuff young men, those Demmy boys.

Here’s the twins, Leola and Floyd!

Appears Uncle Floyd may be wearing a portion of one of his army uniforms and Aunt Leola is chust happy.

Circa Summer 1945 or 46?

 Aunt Ruth, Grammie
in fur, Uncle Floyd on leave, and Aunt Martie

Appears to be
wintertime!  Notice how thin their winter coats are!

Almost looks like
this pose was taken from Reservoir Park, with the Peters Mountain
range in background ?  

You’ve heard of the ‘70s Brothers Gibb!  (the Bee Gees)

Here’s the ‘40s Demmy
Brothers

Veteran Uncle Bill in dark army wool, young Uncle Mick, elder Uncle Paul, and Veteran Uncle Floyd in light army khakis.

– – –  Handsome devils one and all  – – –

The youthful members of the Demmy Clan

Aunt Ruthie

Aunt Martie

And  then, The Stud Veterans

Uncle Floyd  and
Uncle Bill

Where was this pic taken?

They look like they could become the ‘Simon and Simon’ Private Eyes of TV Land’s 1980’s private investigators show.

No wonder she chased him, until he caught her!

Another neighborhood sweetheart couple

Uncle Floyd and Aunt Gret

Will the real Vet please stand up!

And No, that’s not little David!

Here I is!

Uncle Bill, a family hero, matured from his experiences in the War!

This is a civilian version of the Army’s ‘Parade Rest’ command!

Uncle Don Rohrbach was a member of the U. S Coast Guard!  At the time  of the original printing of this book, other than displayed herein, this  author has no pictures of Uncle Paul or Uncle Don or Uncle Hank or Uncle  Bill, nor the ladies of the family,.  Upon receipt of such pics, we’ll  be proud to add their photos to this book.

This author has always admired the photo of Uncle Bill, in uniform, sitting in  a big old chair with the look of relaxation after having accomplished  something great – – obviously to me, having been a veteran of World War II  is something well accomplished and his relaxation well deserved.  It is understood that the photo this author has in mind is of Uncle Bill relaxing,  perhaps for a brief moment, somewhere in Italy during World War II;  however, authorities tell me it was taken in the parking lot office downtown  Harrisburg!

Cousins, aunts and uncles, we can surely use your old photographs.  Please  share ‘em with us so that we may share ‘em with the family at large.

David W. Demmy, Sr.

Author

DoubleD@Demmy.cc

Ó 2003

Double D Publications

Recycling was important for the war effort.  The Demmy’s were experts at recycling, having collected, saved, and recycled paper and other items for years, in their effort to help make ends meet. 

Now, all of America was asked and required to recycle for America’s War Machine.

Everyone was encouraged to buy War Bonds too!

Before they were old enough to be drafted, many young men, including

Uncle Floyd, worked at the former Pennsylvania Railroad.

CORNERSTONE

On the home front — World War II

Halloween 1942

area’s rich history

By Mary O.
Bradley
Of The Patriot-News

The Patriot-News  – Tuesday  October 30, 2001

In October 1942, America had been at war for 11 months.

It was Halloween time.

Men joined the military to fight, women took their jobs at Central Iron and Steel Co., girls knitted scarves for soldiers and boys collected scrap paper and tin cans. 

Everyone focused on the war effort, but as Halloween approached, adults and children took time to have some fun.

“Halloween parties are more than ever in order this year,” wrote columnist Mrs. Gaynor Maddox on October 26, 1942. “We need to relax once in a while, so let’s celebrate on Halloween.”

As residents planned parades and parties, their behavior understandably was tempered by the times. Perhaps the most telling indication of the wartime atmosphere was the Harrisburg Police Department’s directive that revelers could not cover their faces.

Harrisburg Police Chief Oscar L. Blough warned “that the wearing of masks or painting of faces has been banned for all persons over 12 years old. This rule has been made, he said, because of the war and to safeguard against possible acts of sabotage,” according to the former Evening News.

City police were assisted on patrol by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars auxiliary police to make certain the directive was enforced, as well as preventing Halloween pranks from extending beyond soaping windows or scattering confetti and corn.

The war also meant rationing of commodities on the home front. Most people celebrated close to home as automobile travel was curtailed by tire and tube shortages. Harrisburg Rationing Board announced Oct. 29 the allocation of new tires and tubes and retreads, as well as 41 pairs of rubber boots to workers and businesses involved in defense activities. The name and address of each recipient was announced publicly.

Consequently, extravagant Halloween costumes were not only considered inappropriate but often unavailable. The hosts for the Colonial Country Club costume dance told members “the committee is discouraging the wearing of expensive costumes in view of the war emergency.”

Originality was rewarded. Frances Hoffsommer won top prize for her Sadie Thompson costume.  (In the 1928 film, “Sadie Thompson,” actress Gloria Swanson portrayed Thompson, a San Francisco prostitute trying to begin a new life who tangles with the evil reformer Lionel Barrymore on a remote island.)

Dressed as bridesmaids, sisters Fay and Ruth Yost led the grand march into the New Cumberland American Legion post home for a Halloween party attended by several hundred Pennsylvania Department of Highways employees and their guests. 

Parents took up the challenge to make costumes for their children. Attic trunks were opened and closets raided to alter old clothes or stitch up new ones from cloth remnants. Hobos with dirty faces and patched jackets, princesses wearing crowns, shepherdesses in long skirts, nurses with perky white caps, animals with fluffy tails and soldiers with knapsacks were among the most popular. 

A boy dressed as a scruffy hobo and a girl as Gilda, the Good Witch of the North from the “Wizard of Oz” won prizes at the Paxtang Parent-Teacher Association masquerade party. The party was in lieu of the borough’s annual Halloween parade.

Even the selection of gifts was guided by the war. During a party in their home, Mr. and Mrs. Jake Turban of Umberto Avenue in New Cumberland awarded War Stamps, which were accumulated to purchase War Bonds.

Americans also had to contend with periodic blackout drills when all exterior lights had to be extinguished and no interior lights could be visible from the outside. A blackout test was conducted in the area the night of October 26.

In Steelton alone, 567 civilian defense volunteers were on duty during the exercise. In Harrisburg, violations of the Air Raid Precautions Act during the test resulted in fines, forfeits, and costs totaling $129. Residents and entrepreneurs were cited for leaving lights on in their homes and businesses.

While test blackouts were conducted periodically, residents did not have to contend with an evacuation drill.   G. Albert Stewart, chairman of the State Evacuation Authority, stated there was no immediate need to conduct an evacuation drill of civilians from areas in Pennsylvania that might be the focal point of an enemy air attack.

Rough times in Harrisburg

During the Great
Depression and the War Years

and

how we coped!

by

Floyd J. Demmy

November 1, 2001

During the war years of World War II, life was kind of tough.  No cars manufactured from 1941 through 1946.  The tube that toothpaste came in was made out of lead  — you had to turn one in, to receive a new tube of toothpaste.  Car tires had to be capped, as new tires were not readily available.  I recall seeing a car in downtown Harrisburg.  It was from down South with recaps upon it.  The recaps were riveted directly onto the old casing.

 On December 11, 1941, just 4 days after the Attack on Pearl Harbor, Buick lowered its prices to reflect the absence of spare tires or inner tubes from its new cars. Widespread shortages caused by World War II had led to many quotas and laws designed to conserve America’s resources. One of these laws prohibited spare tires on new cars. Rubber, produced overseas, had become almost impossible to get. People didn’t mind the spare-tire law too much, though. They were too busy dealing with quotas for gasoline, meat, butter, shoes, and other essentials.

         The government rationed many items that we needed for daily living.  The Harrisburg area War Price and Rationing Board was located at 210 North Second Street. Individuals and families had to sign up for ration stamp books.  These books were needed at that time in our nation’s history to purchase gasoline for your car, shoes, sugar for canning, flour, and many other things we needed to make life enjoyable.  In order to purchase berry juice or wine to make fruit cake during the holidays, you needed a ration card from the Liquor Control Board to obtain the juice or wine.  Other items we needed were rationed also:  butter, clothing, and shoes.  Cars, tires, refrigerators, washing machines, and radios were unavailable.  To obtain any of these items or appliances, even after the war had ended, you had to be on a waiting list.

            It wasn’t unusual, in downtown Harrisburg, to see a fellow sit down at the curb and place a piece of thin cardboard into his shoe to cover the hole in the sole of his shoe or both shoes and then continue his walk along the sidewalks.  If your shoes needed repaired, you visited the local five and dime store and bought a shoe repair kit and brads to fix the soles  and heels.  Most folks had their own ‘shoe last’ at home to repair the family shoes and boots.

         Few families had cars!  They walked or took a trolley or bus to work or to shop downtown Harrisburg or to attend worship services.   Everything made of lead or brass and even some silver items were used for the war effort.  Cigarettes too, like Lucky Strikes Green went to war.
That’s right!  The cigarette packs were green in those days.  Whatever was used to color the packs green was now needed for the war effort.  From that time onward, Lucky Strikes’ cigarette packs became white with red lettering.

         You may have taken a drive somewhere and you ran out of gas.  If you used your gasoline ration stamps up during a given month, you had to bum stamps from a friend or wait until the next month’s issue of your ration stamp book.  Having no stamps to be able to purchase more gasoline for your car, you walked home.  Since you were out of gasoline ration stamps and could not buy gas, you walked or took a trolley or bus to the War Price and Rationing Board office the following month for your new ration stamp book.  For a mere 5 cents, you could ride a Streetcar from uptown, around Sixth and Maclay, to Market Square.  Then, you could get a transfer and ride the Streetcar to the Hill [Allison Hill] section of Harrisburg, off of Market Street. 

         Whatever you wore eventually began to wear out.  Holes appeared in the elbows or knees.  They had to be repaired because you may not be able to buy new things.  Money wasn’t plentiful, as nowadays it is, for most folks.  

Oleo margarine came with a capsule to break and mix with the oleo to make it look like butter.  Without the capsule, the margarine resembled a block of lard.   We lived uptown on 7^th Street and we were eligible for welfare surplus foodstuff.  We pulled our family wagon from Maclay Street down 7^th Street to 5^th and Walnut Streets for surplus food that the Federal Government made available to deserving families.  My Dad died when I was 11.  In my immediate family, I had 6 brothers and sisters that survived infancy.  We didn’t throw anything away that could be used in some manner.  We recycled 50 years before recycling became popular, in the late 20^th century. 

The younger ones in my family received hand-me-downs and clothes from the welfare authorities.   We received baskets of food from the firehouses at Christmas time.  Also live chickens and used toys, too.  If you know of an elder person that saves rubber bands, string, paper bags, and other items today, it is mostly likely that they grew up during the Great American Depression and World War II.  They know how to save for a rainy day. 

When I attended grade school at Hamilton or Steele Elementary schools, nearly all of the boys wore knickers, and if your knickers were store bought, yours had elastic at the knees, but more likely your knickers had a strap and button at the knee.  Those knickers were provided by the welfare office.  Mothers had jars of buttons and snaps and other items to repair or fix clothing for their families.  Many a boy had patched knees on their clothing.  From the welfare folks, my sisters received plain petticoats or slips to wear under their welfare dresses.  

Before World War II and during the war years, a lot of people had a garden to help make ends meet and to provide themselves with fresh vegetables.  They made homemade bread and canned fruits and vegetables for the winter months.  Folks enjoyed the radio and listened to stories, soap operas, and the “Hit Parade”.  The whole family was glued to the radio, when favorite radio stories ‘came-on’.  The kids played games, which kept them busy most evenings and weekends.  Kids played jacks and ball, or kick-the-can.  Most folks saved a nickel whenever possible and did their best  to purchase U. S. War Bonds, by buying one 10 cent stamp at a time.

          Americans had blackout tests for civil defense. During these tests, throughout the war years, your house had to have blinds pulled with no light showing. After the all clear was sounded, we were allowed to open the blackout blinds. The daily mail was censored to and from military personnel. America had slogans like, “Loose lips, sink ships” and “Uncle Sam wants you.”
          Most homes had a blue star in the window to indicate a son or daughter was serving in the armed forces. Sometimes there would be a gold star displayed in a window. It indicated that their son or daughter had been killed in action.
          How did we cope? We coped in several ways. One, our petite, but strong willed Mother sacrificed much to keep us together. Two, our faith in our Heavenly Father, and his blessings bestowed upon us, kept us strong.
          We coped by doing what came naturally, recycling, accepting hand-medowns, and the ladies kept home or worked for the war effort, while young men went off to serve their country in the armed forces of the United States of America.
          We did it then and we can do it again. God bless America.

Respectfully submitted by
Floyd J. Demmy
4008 Eastbrook Road
Harrisburg PA 17109
Telephone: 652 – 5764
November 1, 2001
[Written shortly after the terrorist attack on New York City 9-11-01]

Tough times story – How native Harrisburg folks coped before and during World War II 

THE PATRIOT-NEWS l Sunday, November 11, 2001 Veterans’ Day

The Patriot-News solicits stories from readers who lived before, during, and after World War II and how they coped with the stress of those times in America’s history.

Readers offer words of wisdom on coping!

“Coping with difficult times has no cut-and-dried formula solution. It hinges on the resolve, stamina, and fortitude of each individual.”

“As a teen-ager at the time of Pearl Harbor and the start of World War II, I am reminded of the words of a French essayist [Alphonse Karr] who wrote ‘The more things change, the more they remain the same.’

“In trying to find ways to cope with recent waves of terrorism tugging at the nerves of our society, one first has to accept the fact that terrorism is nothing new, neither abroad or in the United States. Terrorists come in all colors, sizes and religious persuasions.

“For those looking for ways to cope with the anxiety of our times, I can only suggest what I have learned to do, and what I advise my family to do. Try, as much as you can to insulate yourself from what Dan Rather recently referred to as ‘media overload.’ You just have to try as hard as you can to tune out as much negativism as you can.

“Focus your mind on other things, such as reading inspirational books or playing some games with your kids. And most of all try to live just one day at a time, realizing that when it’s all said and done there is not a whole lot most of us can do to change anything.” The Rev. George D. Johnson of Susquehanna Twp.

“In those days, there were no psychologists or social workers to hold our hands or pills to relieve anxiety. We, children, looked to our parents, families and friends for direction. And those people simply went on living  and working.

“They were honest, responsible, disciplined, caring Americans. Most of them were first generation Americans who believed and trusted in this New World that their parents had immigrated to. They were determined to stand up for its beliefs and rights.” Theresa A. Bell of Upper Allen Twp. 

“My advice to everyone is to be ever observant, law-abiding, diligent, patient, hard-working, caring and knowledgeable via a minimal viewing of the least sensational news outlet that you can find.

“We’ll get through this — and be the better for it because this is America and absolutely no one or nothing can ever take us down. Remember that, as I always have done and you’ll be OK, just as I have been through thick and thin for many years.” Burton Z. Chertok of North Middleton Twp.

“It [World War II] was not a happy time. It was very intense. But we learned to share what little we had, and we grew up with a deep sense of service to others.” Betty J. L. Curtis of Harrisburg.

“Coping with difficult times has no cut-and-dried formula solution. It hinges on the resolve, stamina and fortitude of each individual.

“[During World War II], almost every person, both military and civilian became so engrossed in the job ahead that fear, anxiety and worry were not eliminated but they took a back seat for the five-year duration of the war.” Bill Dean of Camp Hill

“How did we cope? We coped in several ways. One, our petite, but strongwilled mother sacrificed much to keep us together. [My dad died when I was 11. I had six brothers and sisters.] Two, our faith in our Heavenly Father, and his blessings bestowed upon us kept us strong.

“We coped by doing what came naturally — recycling, accepting hand-medowns.  The ladies kept home or worked for the war effort, while young men went off to serve their country.

“We did it then, and we can do it again.” — Floyd J. Demmy of Lower
Paxton Twp.

“The best advice I can give is keep looking ahead and upward. Have confidence in yourself and realize the sun will come out after the rain.

“We are having a rainy spell now with this frightening and unfamiliar terroristic war, but we have to sacrifice to prevail. Look to the future when we can give prayerful thanks for being born in a free country and with a government which cares about its people.” Elizabeth Fontaine of Susquehanna Twp.

“Something was always being saved for the war effort: Tinfoil, string, toothpaste tubes, newspapers and tin cans. Everyone wanted to do his or her part and there was a great sense of unity.

“I hope that same sense of determined purpose will evolve and be sustained through this difficult time for our nation. There were many setbacks during the early days of World War II. There was some profiteering that was rooted out by Sen. Harry Truman’s committee. There was some sabotage by German infiltrators who got into Detroit through Canada. There was a shortlived organization drive by the German Bund and there were battles in the Pacific that did not go our way.

“But the nation persevered and we were victorious, even though it took the massive power of the atom bomb to bring hostilities to an end. Let us hope we have the leadership to guide us, and the will, to keep us together as one nation indivisible. An adverse outcome to this war would be just as chilling as it would have been if the Japanese and Germans succeeded in the 1940s.”
Raymond L. Gover of Hampden Twp., retired president, The Patriot-News

“After the initial shock of Pearl Harbor, we soon knew we would survive. We put our faith in the Armed Forces, our country’s leaders and our fellow man. With our faith in God and country, we will again survive because we are Americans!” Ella C. Hemperly of Middletown

“Although I am not old enough to have lived through the Depression or World War II, I am old enough to have lived in Germany 20 years ago. This was before the Berlin Wall fell and the Cold War ‘ended.’

“I was in West Germany, in a small town outside of Frankfurt, for three years, married to an Army NCO [noncommissioned officer]. I worked at the Army Medical Center in Frankfurt.

“The ‘Greens’ terrorist group was very active with many U.S. government [employees] and civilians being targeted. How did I live through this? By not giving in to fear — that is exactly what the terrorists want you to do.

“If you do, they win. You have to be realistic and play the odds. You take reasonable precautions and know that that’s all you can do. And then let it go — and live your life. You shop, work, travel, enjoy yourselves. And know that your government is taking measures to protect us.
Measures that we’ll probably never even know about!” Patricia B. Hocker of Annville

“In those days, we lived with a handshake as our promise or trust to perform a deed, and we lived by faith that whatever came our way, we used our best judgment. If that didn’t work, we tried another. There was a trust among neighbors that if one needed help, no questions were asked — the job got done.” Allan F. Hull of Camp Hill

“Patriotism was real. Morale was high. Churches were full, and even those families who had lost loved ones in the war were proud to display the Gold Star emblems in their windows.”

“The Depression and World War II years were harsh times. We made our own fun and diversions to balance the seriousness and shortages of these double eras. The lessons learned are still ingrained in my way of life.” Gerry Kessler of New Cumberland

“We were all involved and thought we were helping the war effort by giving up things.” Gwen Minor of Lower Allen Twp.

“Keep the faith! Faith in individual citizens, faith in government leaders and faith in the military. That’s what we did during World War II to keep up our morale.

“Doing our civic duty, having confidence in and concern for our neighbors helped us to bond together. We had hope and prayers to banish our fears throughout the war years.” Elaine Moser of Derry Twp.

“As a child in Italy, I experienced the rise and fall of [Italian Fascist dictator Benito] Mussolini, the Nazi occupation with all its atrocities, and the landing of the American troops for the liberation of Italy and the rest of Europe. With this, of course, came a certain amount of fear.

“Surprisingly, the experiences in my early childhood do not bring fear. Rather, they bring a resolve to continue doing what I was doing before the tragic events of Sept. 11, be it traveling abroad or within the USA.

“Did I change? Definitely yes! I feel a stronger sense of patriotism toward my adopted country. I am more aware of the needs of others. I am more aware of the need to be in unity with God, and although I think I understand the fear some persons have toward one group of people, I am more than ever aware that we do not place the blame on an entire group for the actions of a few — certainly I would not want to be held accountable for Mussolini just because we were both born in Italy.” Anthony Murdocca of Lower Allen Twp.

“I was only 121/2 years old on Dec. 7, 1941. Too young to have the fear and anxiety that my parents must have felt. Even as a youngster, I felt great pride in my country — for that matter, I still do. We all felt the cause was just and that, with everyone pulling together, we would right all the wrong in the world.”

“The war effort was obvious on all fronts and citizens of all ages did what they could do to help.”

“How to cope with the anxieties of today’s terrorism threats? I’m treating it the same as I did 60 years ago — with confidence, faith in my country and good common sense. I refuse to live in fear and look forward to VT Day, which I also know will come.” Peggy Burch Saliunas of New Cumberland

“There was a silence each of us had each time we heard an airplane. The fear was the worse thing of all — not knowing if anything was going to happen. “One thing I learned from all this is that war is hell, even in our minds, if not on the front lines.” Shirley Shaffer of Harrisburg

“The miseries of the Depression perhaps hardened us in forming our resolve to get through World War II and hope for a better life. I don’t know of any magic formula for surviving ‘tough times.’ Americans today want quick solutions to everything.”

“In my generation, it was determination to survive and try to live through a rough time. More than ever, family members drew closer to each other in mutual support and help.” Jack D. Smawley of Camp Hill

“I was 12 years old [on Dec. 7, 1941]. To see the look of despair on my daddy’s face was heartwrenching. He tried to explain it as well as he could but couldn’t imagine what we did wrong to the Japanese that they would bomb the innocent people of Hawaii.”

“We did what we had to live through the war years. By the time it was over, we were weary, but we endured.” Olive L. Troup of Millerstown

 Homemakers preparing Thanksgiving dinner in 1943, not only had to be creative cooks, but clever mathematicians.

Two years into World War II, rationing had become the law of the land to  ensure ample materials for the war effort and fair distribution of limited goods to consumers. Along with checking prices, shoppers had to calculate ration points to make sure they stretched to cover the family’s needs.

Favorite holiday recipes were discarded if they were too rich in rationed  ingredients.
Substitute recipes were created. For cooks who couldn’t get mincemeat filling 
for the traditional holiday pie, a recipe for victory mince pie using spiced 
apples and carrots was offered.

In November 1943, shoppers found these prices: a 16-ounce can of Del Monte peas, 15 cents and 16 points; a 12-ounce can of Niblets corn, 13 cents and 10 points; a 16-ounce can of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce, 17 cents and 10  points; and a pork loin roast, 30 cents per pound and 7 points per pound.

Each family member was entitled to a point ration book. Stamps were issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 8 points. Retailers could not give stamps as change, so shoppers had to keep track of purchases and present the exact amount.

Stamps had letters identifying the ration period and were color-coded to  designate the category, i.e. meats or canned goods. The government also  raised point values if a product became scarce or lowered the points if an  ample supply was on the market.

Rationing regulations prohibited trading in loose stamps. The grocer had to  watch as each shopper removed stamps from a rationing book.

Ration stamp calendars were published regularly in newspapers. The cost of  food was controlled by the federal Office of Price Administration, which set a  ceiling on prices charged by retailers.

The OPA ceiling price on turkeys in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon and Perry  counties for Thanksgiving, Nov. 25, 1943, was 63 cents a pound for birds up to 13 ½ pounds and 59 cents a pound for larger birds.

Fearing a shortage of turkeys, enforcement officers with the District OPA  warned retailers they would be checking to ensure that prices were kept within  OPA limits and no black market sales occurred.

Turkeys were reported scarce at markets Nov. 20, as dealers apparently  decided to withhold stock until Thanksgiving eve or Christmas. Large grocery  chains were low on stock, with one store manager reporting receiving only 75  percent of the 1942 supply.

The suggestion was made that cooks postpone the big Thanksgiving meal until  the following Sunday to force release of turkeys by growers.

Perhaps some residents took the suggestion to heart or substituted large  chickens because by Thanksgiving eve retailers were faced with a surplus. Some lowered prices, but many closed their shops with birds on hand.

The average price of a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings in 1943 was 
$11.50 compared with $10.50 in 1942; $8 in 1941; and $6.50 in 1940.

While prices were up, so were wages in Pennsylvania. The average weekly  paycheck rose from $39.49 in August 1943 to $39.57 in October. Workers in  the manufacturing sector earned an average weekly wage of $45.63 while  those in radio broadcasting took home $57.75 a week.

Wartime shortages cut into the Girl Scouts annual cookie sale in 1943. Local  scouts had received orders for 25,000 boxes of cookies, but bakers could only  fill 16,000 orders. Chocolates were substituted for the remaining 9,000 orders.

Food was just one commodity affected by rationing. Early in 1943, shoe  rationing went into effect. Clothing styles were trimmer to conserve dress and  suit material. Rubber was scarce. So were rubber boots.

Home-heating oil was rationed with allowances set at maintaining a  temperature of 65 degrees in a home.

With gasoline and tire rationing curtailing automobile travel, residents made Thanksgiving visits using public transportation. New York Central Railroad reported a 60 percent increase in Thanksgiving travel over 1942. Reservations were filled on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Airlines seats were sold out.

Patriotic citizens supported the war effort wholeheartedly, responding to  requests for vital material. Families donated heirloom pewter, which was  needed to build airplanes. Capital Bakers removed steel bumpers on its fleet of  more than 200 trucks and replaced them with wood bumpers.

Housewives collected kitchen fat in tin cans and took them to meat dealers. The fat was used to make gunpowder to — as one promotional ad put it — “blast  the Axis gangsters off the face of the earth.”

Harrisburg residents were generous to the war victims overseas and donated  50 tons of used clothing earmarked for Russia. Retailers added 12 tons of new  clothes.

“Harrisburg’s observance of the second Thanksgiving Day of World War II was  tempered with an air of sadness,” The Evening News reported. “While families returned thanks for the many blessings and privileges they enjoy, vacant chairs at the table indicated the absence of some loved one in the armed forces at home or abroad on the fighting front.”

End of this Cornerstone Article

The Veteran serving himself

Uncle Floyd and the
boys of

Company B, 54^th
Armored Infantry Battalion, 10^th Armored Division

Patton’s Third Army

Trooper Demmy is standing on far right.

Thus endth the War and the Demmy’s gave Grandma more grandkids.

The Demmy Clan before the big War

David Demmy, II Family, Circa 1913

Herman Wagner,  Grant Wagner,  Frank & Gertie
Bragunier,  Pearl & Bill Putt,  Sallie Koons Demmy,  Esther G. Demmy

George  & Kate  Reidell,   [daughter
Clara Wagner,  Lydia A. and David Demmy,  son William F. Demmy],
William G. Demmy, Sr

George Reidell, Jr.,   Dallas Bragunier,   John and  Dorothy Putt,   and,   teenagers,   Clara Demmy & Esther Demmy

Vintage photo of cousin Jim Sheaffer’s uncle, Alan Demmy Sheaffer, which is Esther Demmy Sheaffer’s son. 

Alan enlisted before he graduated from the former John Harris H.S. in 1942, but was fortunate enough to  receive his diploma in uniform.

 Alan was with the 2^nd Armored “Hell on Wheels” Division.