We were in Chaumont from 1953-1955. Just to see how smart you are....who was the President at that time? In 1954, we could see signs and scrawls on fences and other buildings deploring the executions of the Myron & Ethel Rosenberg in the states. As May 4Th is May Day in France, we were not permitted in town as an incident may occur. A lot of demonstrations were taking place.
The base would consistently issue rules regarding our conduct, dress, etc. For instance, we were not allowed to wear jeans in town. Most of the French women wore skirts and pants/slacks of any kind were frowned on. As we were guests in their country, we had to conform or stay home. We griped a bit but stayed true.
Every Sunday, the French citizens would dress up in their best and stroll around the city/town. The church in town was only attended by a few old women. The little kids would pee in the gutter and their parents just smiled. We were aghast, of course!
We rode the bus to the base and had to get checked in at the AP gate. For some reason, I was always stopped. They thought I was French.
Have to stop here.
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2 comments:
Eisenhower. Good to know the US was pissing off folks in other countries even in the 50s. :) I would not have though you wore jeans in the 50s either. I never recall my mom wearing them then, only the really young high school girls. Where were your pearls and pumps and shirtwaist, ala June Cleaver, Donna Reed, mom on Father Knows Best? Did you miss the women's training class for then? LOL
Guess so! I think we called them dungarees then.
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