Second World War: Armistice and Oleo Experience

Youngster during the second World War recalls oleo, the armistice, and new roller skates.

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I have two memories that have stayed with me of the second World War. At the time they happened I had no idea of what war was, as I was only 5 years old.

My aunt and uncle had moved in with us, and I enjoyed playing with my cousin, who was just a toddler. My aunt was so jolly and funny. I just loved being with her.

One day I heard laughter in the other room and went to investigate. My aunt was holding a little brown colored pill, looking at it closely. On the table below I saw what I thought was a bowl of lard. When I asked what it was, I was told it was a new kind of butter, called oleo. I didn't think I'd like it. My aunt could find no way to open it so she held it up as she stuck a pin in it. Everyone had a good laugh as the yellow fluid squirted all over.

Then came the day my dad bought me some new roller skates.

I was so proud of them. My dad was in front of the house showing me how to use the skates when I heard a lot of noise.

The streetcar a half-block down from our house had stopped. Windows opened, and people were laughing and crying. Dad started jumping up and down and yelling. I stood there ready to run. I was scared. "Dad, what's the matter?" I asked, starting to cry.

Dad replied, "The War's over, the Armistice has been signed!" I accepted the fact and went back to skating. I couldn't see what was so exciting.

It was a few years later before I understood what the Armistice was.

Evelyn Williams-Hall
Sioux City, Iowa
