Anchored in the Past - 03



This photo shows us leaving my grandparents' home in Moosup,
Connecticut.  My grandmother and my uncle, who was driving
us to the airport, are in the picture with me, my Mom, and my
sister, Lynn, whose head shows just behind me.  (This is also the
photograph from which I "extracted" myself to put me on the
ship next to Ed.  See last post)



I started my traveling life at an early age. Around the time Ed was visiting the Ile de France in New York, I was, at the age of four, preparing for my first Atlantic crossing! What that means is - I was probably picking out my favorite stuffed toys to take with me when we moved to England. My Dad made his career in the U.S. Air Force, and in 1951 he was transferred from Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts to an American base in England. His squadron was sent ahead, with spouses and children following later, traveling by military plane.



Once in England, our family lived off-base in a nearby town. I attended kindergarten and first grade at a local Catholic school. Our school uniforms included a necktie, which I learned to tie on my own - one of those inconsequential skills that you pick up and then never have reason to use again. A young boy and I traveled to school together on a bright-red, double-decker bus.


Heading off to school, first grade (September 1953)
























After 2-1/2 years in England, we learned that my grandfather was very ill, and we were flown home to the States. While my Dad returned to England to complete his tour of duty, Mom, Lynn and I again settled into my grandparents' home in Moosup. Lynn and I went to the Catholic school in town. After England, Dad was reassigned to Westover AFB. He lived there during the week, commuting home to Moosup on weekends.
Two more photos from our time in England:


Enjoying the water


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dressed for Christmas