by Jerry Blackerby
During World War II we lived in or near Mineral Wells, Texas. The 1940 census shows Mineral Wells with a little over 6000 people. An infantry training camp, Camp Wolters, was located near Mineral Wells and by 1945 there were as many as 30,000 troops in training. Mineral Wells became overrun with young soldiers going through training at Camp Wolters.
Mom's sister came to live with us during the summer of 1945 after she graduated from high school. She got a job working behind a soda fountain on the mezzanine floor of the Baker Hotel. She worked until nine in the evening. I walked 12 blocks to the Baker Hotel to escort her home each night.
Mom didn't think an eighteen year-old young lady should be on the streets alone at that time of the night with all of the young soldiers in the town. Although I was only eleven years old, Mom sent me to walk with her as protection. What a difference in times from 1945 until now.
Copyright © Jerry Blackerby 2005, 2006