The WWII Years, The Move to Brentwood

The mood in Washington during the war was tense. There was a fear that the Germans would send a submarine up the Potomac to bomb the Capitol. School children were given instructions on how to react to such a bombing. Staples, such as flour, meat and sugar were rationed. At night everyone was expected to adhere to the blackout. Kathleen worked as one of the blackout wardens. Each night, she would walk around the neighborhood to ensure that all lights were extinguished.

Sometime in the early 1950’s, Chester and Kathleen moved to a modest two story home with a screened-in porch and a yard large enough for her to keep several gardens. The home, located on Upshur Street in Brentwood, Maryland, was often a site of family gatherings.


Chester rests on the porch of his Brentwood home


The family often gathered on Easter Sunday, and other special days each year.
Shown here are: Jeannie, (Patti, probably, with her back turned), Debbie, Mary Anne, Helen