The Political Dance Seven Decades Ago

A man by the name of Franklin Delano Roosevelt was president of the United States back when I was very young. All I knew about the man was that he was a Democrat and that he had Polio.  I also knew that some people praised him while others disliked him.  Some said he was trying to save the world from the horrors of war II.   There were also those argued that  he started the war when he cut off the flow of metal, airplane fuel, and other commodities  to Japan.

Folks also said that Mr. Roosevelt's car, a four-door Lincoln convertible was the first presidential car to take on it's own personification.  The Roosevelt's called it 'Old 99'  because that was the number on the original license plate.  Later they took to calling it the 'Sunshine Special' because the president liked to ride in it with the top down as often as was feasible.  Because of his Polio he was confined to a wheelchair, but while riding in the 'Sunshine Special' with the top down he was able to appear in person without the aid of the chair.

The 'Sunshine Special' was considered pretty high-tech for the day.  It had a siren, flashing lights, a two-way radio and grab bars on the sides so Secret Servicemen could ride on the large running-boards outside the vehicle to protect the president.  With all that, the one thing it lacked was bullet proofing, and that  concerned the Secret Service since there had been a previous assassination attempt on Roosevelt.

When Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan in 1941 the concern for a more secure car was heightened.  The problem was there was no money in the immediate budget to have an armored car built and time was of the essence, so the Secret Service came up with a unique plan.

On December 8th, 1941 President Roosevelt was driven to the capital to give his famous "Day of Infamy" speech in a heavily armored 1928 Cadillac 341A Town Sedan .  The Cadillac had previously been owned by the infamous gangster Al Capone and confiscated by the Treasury Department when Capone was arrested.

Mr. Roosevelt used Capone's Town Sedan until the 'Sunshine Special' could be retrofitted with bullet proof tires, iron plated doors, inch thick windows and plenty of storage space for machine guns and pistols.   The modifications increased the weight of the 'Sunshine Special' to  9,300 pounds.  In spite of all the armament, Mr. Roosevelt still preferred to ride with the top down.

Well, all that was a bit before my time, but I heard the stories over and over while sitting in my mothers lap. It didn't mean much to me then.  My sister and I couldn't have cared less about the political state at that time.  Our home was safe and secure and our family close and happy. Isn't that really all that matters to young children?

I remember the warmth and rich aroma  of my mothers kitchen where she spent hours preparing meals from scratch.  There was really very little to cook back then but somehow she always managed to prepare enough to feed  our family and the hordes of hungry people that always stopped by at mealtime.

During the war you couldn't just walk into a grocery store and buy what ever you wanted like you can today.   Everyone was issued war stamps and tokens.  Food was rationed and you could only get as much food as you had tokens or stamps for.  Sugar, and milk were always in high demand but in short supply. There were times when paper products couldn't be found. Gasoline was also rationed and the national "Victory Speed" was 35 mph.    But you know.. people all pulled together.  I can't remember anyone whining or complaining at least with any sincerity.   Everyone considered it their Patriotic  Duty to comply and help because they had been raised with a sense of loyalty and values.  They respected and appreciated their life in America and were willing to sacrifice everything they had for it; and so many did with their lives.

Friends, family and many strangers took their meals with us.  People in the armed forces were especially welcome.   I remember often sitting wedged in elbow to elbow around our kitchen  table with barely enough room to raise our forks to our mouths. I remember also in those difficult times, much laughter and merriment at that table.

Our home was open to  everyone.  The doors were never locked.  There was  no need to lock them. We slept with our windows open and the screen doors unlatched.  That is  not to say there wasn't crime in those days.   Of course there was, but somehow it always passed over us and never touched us or anyone in our community, maybe it was  because we all watched out for each other. People, it seemed, were more compassionate toward their fellow countrymen back then.

We'd often find chalk mark drawings left by hobos on our fence.  A crudely drawn cat meant that the lady of the house was kind and that there was a good chance she would give you food if she had any to spare.   We always offered food and water to hobos when we could.

 For those of you who just turned up your  noses at the use of the word "hobo", that is what  they were called back then..hobos, tramps, bums. No one took exception to being called those names, words had little impact. It was respectful the way people treated people that counted. Political correctness was not an issue. People were just people that's all,  Kindness begot kindness.  There was something called The Golden Rule back then.  My grandparents lived by it. My parents lived by it and I grew up with it. "Do on to others the way you would have them do onto you."  It was such a different way of life then.  It meant so  much more to be a part of a community, a city, a state, a  nation.  It was a kinder, less selfish time.