By Barbara Marschall, Guest Commentary
I have always been fascinated with history, especially American history. Stories about the men and women who helped to shape our country demonstrate the patriotism, heroism and true courage of past generations.
Of course, there were times and events in our history that are more interesting than others – times and events that were instrumental in making our nation what it is today. The generation of Americans who came of age between the Great Depression and World War II were ordinary people who faced historic challenges, made extraordinary sacrifices, demonstrated great acts of service and heroism and were proud of what they accomplished. They were united by a common purpose and common values – duty, honor, courage, responsibility and love of family and country.
A few years ago, Tom Brokaw authored a book on “The Greatest Generation” to pay tribute to these men and women and their many contributions to the lives we lead today. He boldly states that they are “the greatest generation any society has ever produced.”
The Scott County Historical Society has partnered with the Scott County’s Library System, the Veterans Services Office and the Minnesota Historical Society to collect, record and preserve the history of Scott County residents who are part of this “Greatest Generation.” My daughter coordinated this project in Prior Lake, and I agreed to interview local residents willing to share their memories from the 1930s through the 1950s – stories about their family, school years, entertainment, the Depression, jobs, military service, World War II, life on the home front and the modern 1950s. I spent time with people I had never met before and with others that I knew quite well. I recorded stories about life in Scott County from people who grew up here, raised their families here and still live here. I listened to stories from people who grew up in different parts of our country but now call Scott County their home. Many of the stories had a similar theme. They lived in a critical time that shaped the history of our nation and the world. They were ordinary people with a modest demeanor that achieved great things.
In the 1930s, many families lost their farms, businesses and jobs. Homeless and unemployed men drifted across the country looking for work or a handout wherever they could find it. Fifteen million people were out of work; 30 million Americans had no income of any kind. Many banks were closed. The landscape was slowly changing from rural to urban, but one in three Americans still lived on a farm. Crop prices were low and annual farm incomes were around $400. Families survived on ration coupons and made do with what they had. Baseball was the national pastime from Yankee Stadium to sandlots across America. Stalin and Hitler were building their armies and plotting to change the world. The people I spoke with agreed those times were hard, but I heard no complaints about missed meals or the hardships that became part of daily life. Instead they talked about great childhood memories, loving families, lasting friendships and their appreciation of a simple lifestyle.
This generation experienced the first military draft in our history. They have vivid memories of where they were when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Many young men left farms, ranches and jobs to enlist in the service. Some exchanged their cap and gown for a military uniform. They understood what needed to be done and were willing to fight for what they believed in. They fought their way across the battlefields of Europe and the South Pacific, filled with terror and the will to survive. Some of their war stories brought tears to their eyes and somber reminders of the bravery of those who did not come back.
The enduring contributions of the women of this generation dramatically changed the old rules of gender. During the war years, 35 percent of the workers in this country were women. They went to work in factories and laboratories and raised the families left behind. They drove trucks, learned to weld and operated machines to keep factories running. They led the effort to mobilize the resources and spirit of this country from the years of the Depression through the rebuilding following the war.
They celebrated when the war was over, and began to rebuild their lives. They returned to leading ordinary lives, started businesses, continued their education or pursued careers that had been postponed. They demonstrated maturity and discipline beyond their years and willingly accepted responsibility for their future. Their positive attitude contributed to the prosperity of the 1950s. They loved their country and their lives, and they were not afraid to show it.
They valued the contributions of Babe Ruth, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. They were entertained by Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and Woody Guthrie. They listened to the “Lone Ranger” series on the radio and flocked to the movies to see Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Errol Flynn, Roy Rogers, Betty Davis, Henry Fonda, and Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
When I agreed to interview members of this Greatest Generation in Scott County, I was eager to hear their stories. What I did not expect was the impact or effect these stories had on me. It was my honor and privilege to spend time with them. I was humbled by their gracious and genuine hospitality and inspired by the many stories they shared. I have a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices they endured and the examples they set for all of us. Each narrative was distinctive but reflected the common experiences of the time in which they lived. These are the stories of my parents’ and grandparents’ generations, many of which have been forgotten or never shared because no one asked them. General Robert E. Lee once said, “It is history that teaches us to hope.”
If you have family members from this generation who are still living, ask them to share their memories from years past and preserve their record for future generations. If you, or someone you know, is interested in sharing stories or helping to collect stories, call the Scott County Historical Society at (952) 445-0378 or info@scottcountyhistory.org [1]. Training is provided in conducting interviews. The Web site also contains information on the history of Scott County and the collections and exhibits in the Stans Museum.
Prior Lake resident Barbara Marschall is a commissioner on the Scott County Board. She can be reached at (952) 496-8744, by e-mailing bmarschall@co.scott.mn.us [2] or by mailing the Scott County Government Center, 200 W. Fourth Ave., Shakopee, MN 55379.