"V" - SHE WAS AFRAID OF THE DARK

Many stories about victims, plus her vivid imagination contributed to a real fear of the dark.   This fear lasted until she had children of her own and was forced to act responsibly as an adult. 

"U" - SHE WAS HAPPY TO LIVE IN THE USA

When school began each morning, we pledged allegiance to the American flag, and were proud to do so.  After the end of WWII, citizens felt protected and were especially patriotic.  Our flag had forty-eight stars until 1959, when Alaska and Hawaii entered the Union.   

"T" - SHE WANTED TO TRAVEL

During the Fifties, my family seldom traveled other than driving an non air-conditioned car to nearby cities and states. We left early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the mid-day heat.  Prior to one trip, Mother placed a huge block of ice in a pan and placed it underneath the car's interior fan in hopes the air would be cooler as the ice melted.  I remember hoping someday my environment would expand - maybe I would even "fly" to other parts of the country.   

"S" - SHE WORE STIFFLY STARCHED CLOTHES

A lot of time was spent taking care of clothes.  After our 100% cotton outfits were worn, they were re-washed and hung out to dry on the clothesline - then heavily starched and ironed.  Clothes were stiff and wrinkled very easily - especially when "smootching" with a date.

"R" - SHE STOOD UP FOR HER RIGHTS!

Girls were taught to be submissive during the Fifties.  I am very happy that has changed, but my husband is probably not!

"Q" - SHE LIKED BEING QUIRKY

   I was named after my daddy, Joel Clayton Smith.  My parents thought two children were enough, and since they already had one daughter, I was their last chance for a boy.  They added an "l" and an "e" to Joel to make Joelle.  I loved the name Joelle because it was different, and was disappointed to eventually learn that Joelle is a common name in France. 

"O" - SHE WANTED TO LIVE NEAR THE OCEAN

Water activities ruled!  Everyone swam, skied, floated down rice canals - anything to be in or near water.  Teenagers gathered at Cow Creek to picnic and swim, and sometimes traveled to McFaddin or Gilchrist beach.  There was a "Miss Water Sports - 1959" beauty contest in Orange, Texas, that most of the high school girls entered.