Thanksgiving again brought the family together with Grandpa and Grandma Claar at the Phelps' home for dinner. Reg offering to say the blessing said, "Lord, we have had a tough year, and I don't think our family would have made it if it hadn't been for Thee at our side. We are thankful for so many things, with the safety Thou hast given to our family being uppermost in my thoughts. I ask Thee to bless this food that is set before us. Please put Thy healing and protective hands on all of our servicemen and women scattered around the world. We also ask Thee to be a comfort to all of the lonely people who have been separated from their loved ones because of this conflict. We pray these things in Jesus Christ's name, Amen." Grandpa Claar said, "Thank you Reg, for your wonderful prayer, and thank Thee Lord for Thy Bounty."
The above was from my book, "Gibbon's Secrets", and it was my reminder of my dad's prayer that Thanksgiving back in 1942. I made the same type of prayer Thanksgiving, we just celebrated this week - I did pray for the healing and protection of our servicemen and women who are again scattered around the world 67 years after that 1942 Thanksgiving. Again lonely people are separated from their loved ones because of a new conflict - needing our prayers and support. I ask any and all of you that are reading this blog to set aside time this coming week to repeat my prayer - it is so needed at this time and would be so appreciated by the individuals either presently in the service of our country or are at home waiting for their safe return.
Thanks!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Forward from "Gibbon's Secrets"
Many of the incidences in this story are true, but there are also some, although strictly fictional, definitely are appropriate for the time frame of the 1940's. Many of the individual characters in the story were truly a part of this story but some of them are fictional, and their resemblance to actual individuals is strictly coincidental. Some of the names have been purposely changed or added to the story to complete the fictional picture.
With the 'Great Depression' nearing its end, and the war in Europe appearing to be getting stronger, the small town of Gibbon, in the middle of Nebraska, acquired a look of change.
This introduction to "Gibbon's Secrets" in my Forward hopefully sets the tone for the readers to understand the setting of the story - the 1940's - the home front during World War II. My father left me three scrap books containing clippings from local newspapers during the war, and through them I developed a "true" World War II time line of various battles or happenings during each year - starting in 1940 and ending in 1945. I felt that it would supply my readers a taste of the World War II history which we should never forget or try to distort. I was also given the opportunity to share Frank Chambers' experiences before going overseas plus his time during the "Battle of the Bulge". Frank's experiences are detailed in the Postscript toward the end of the book. I invite anyone reading this blog to check out the availability of my book on my web site www.budsbooks.com.
With the 'Great Depression' nearing its end, and the war in Europe appearing to be getting stronger, the small town of Gibbon, in the middle of Nebraska, acquired a look of change.
This introduction to "Gibbon's Secrets" in my Forward hopefully sets the tone for the readers to understand the setting of the story - the 1940's - the home front during World War II. My father left me three scrap books containing clippings from local newspapers during the war, and through them I developed a "true" World War II time line of various battles or happenings during each year - starting in 1940 and ending in 1945. I felt that it would supply my readers a taste of the World War II history which we should never forget or try to distort. I was also given the opportunity to share Frank Chambers' experiences before going overseas plus his time during the "Battle of the Bulge". Frank's experiences are detailed in the Postscript toward the end of the book. I invite anyone reading this blog to check out the availability of my book on my web site www.budsbooks.com.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Chapter 32 - "Gibbon's Secrets" - Kearney Army Airfield 1943
Kearney Army Airfield brought both business and celebrities to the area. Gibbon, being so close to Kearney, had the opportunity to share in this increase in business, and the kids in town enjoyed seeing the huge B-29's flying along the Wood River channel. It seemed as though the planes would follow the river as a part of their training exercise, and Bud's friends spent time under this fly-by pattern, pretending they were part of this war exercise. Each time a B-29 would fly over they would make up different battle situations relative to their bombing run.
Bud hunkered down near a bend in the river, and said, "Hang tight guys. As soon as their bombing run is over, we'll attack the village, and save our officer that was captured by the Japs. Donny, Stanley and I will be opposite side of the town square, and when I blow my whistle everyone move in toward the 'City Hall'."
Duncan said, "I'll circle around the other side of twon with Wally, and when we hear the signal will move in quickly."
Just the, a big B-29 skimmed the tree tops along the river. Bud thought to himself, 'This is perfect timing, how neat is this.'
Bud hunkered down near a bend in the river, and said, "Hang tight guys. As soon as their bombing run is over, we'll attack the village, and save our officer that was captured by the Japs. Donny, Stanley and I will be opposite side of the town square, and when I blow my whistle everyone move in toward the 'City Hall'."
Duncan said, "I'll circle around the other side of twon with Wally, and when we hear the signal will move in quickly."
Just the, a big B-29 skimmed the tree tops along the river. Bud thought to himself, 'This is perfect timing, how neat is this.'
Monday, November 23, 2009
Gibbon's Secrets - Ch 28 - World War II Time Line 1942
November 24th - 1942
Paving operations for the runways at the Kearney Army Air Base were completed.
These are memories we need to conserve - they are special to me as my dad hauled gravel for the paving project at the Kearney Army Air Base.
If you have memories of Nebraska during the 1940's - write them down for your families, they will cherish them.
RG Bud Phelps
Paving operations for the runways at the Kearney Army Air Base were completed.
These are memories we need to conserve - they are special to me as my dad hauled gravel for the paving project at the Kearney Army Air Base.
If you have memories of Nebraska during the 1940's - write them down for your families, they will cherish them.
RG Bud Phelps
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Chapter 23 - "Gibbon's Secrets" - Spring of 1942
Now with the spring of 1942 just around the corner, more changes were in store for this central Nebraska area. Meetings had been held regarding the development of an ordnance plant just west of Grand Island.
The government had purchased 1,920 acres of farmland west of Grand Island, and the plant was to be named “The Cornhusker Ordnance Plant”. This was just one of many ammunition plants to be built across the United States this year to support the war effort. This particular plant was being designed with separate lines; to produce either bombs or artillery shells.
Reg went for an appointed meeting with the general contractor regarding hauling gravel for the construction of the ordnance plant. Th e General Superintendent for the Kiewit-Condon Company was Mr. Dan Bell. “Hi Reg, we meet again. It has always been my pleasure working with you. I’m sure that all your trucks will be needed to haul the gravel for this project.” Reg said, “I’m glad to be involved in the ordnance plant project, Mr. Bell, and I’m sure my guys will be able to meet the scheduling requirements with my trucks.”
“Reg, you can drop the mister; it’s Dan from this point forward. I will fi ll out the necessary paperwork and have everything ready for you to sign within the next couple of days. Come back over to my office Monday. construction is scheduled to start on March 1st.”
Monday morning Reg walked into Mr. Bell’s offi ce, and introduced himself to his secretary. “My name is Reg Phelps, and Mr. Bell requested that I stop back here today about my contract for the ordnance plant
project.” “Have a seat Mr. Phelps and I’ll advise him that you are here.” She returned to the outer office and said, “Mr. Bell will see you now.” Reg was ushered into Mr. Bell’s offi ce. “Good morning Mr. Bell, I am
here as you requested to pick up the paperwork for the ordnance plant project.” Dan said, “Good morning Reg, remember you can call me Dan. Have a seat, and let’s talk over the project.” Reg said, “Okay Dan, all my trucks are available, and I’m looking forward to a project that will certainly help our war effort here in central Nebraska.”
“I agree Reg, and that is one of the major reasons that I’m excited about the project. I’ll get right to the point. We would like to hire your three trucks to haul gravel for the ordnance plant project. We will give you a
required schedule, and will make all of the arrangements for acquiring the gravel from pits as close as possible to the site.”
“Will I be able to take care of my other customers during the same time period, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your schedule?” “Reg, we will give you the schedule of our needs for the gravel, and the specific days involved. Hopefully you can work out your other customers’ needs around this schedule. How does that sound?”
“That sounds great Dan, I don’t see any problems, and I do thank you for including me in this project. I promise to do my best to meet all of the required deadlines. With my three trucks I don’t foresee any problems.”
“Okay, Reg. Give me your mailing address and I’ll get the schedule worked out and send it to you shortly. We want to start construction on March 1st, if at all possible.”
The government had purchased 1,920 acres of farmland west of Grand Island, and the plant was to be named “The Cornhusker Ordnance Plant”. This was just one of many ammunition plants to be built across the United States this year to support the war effort. This particular plant was being designed with separate lines; to produce either bombs or artillery shells.
Reg went for an appointed meeting with the general contractor regarding hauling gravel for the construction of the ordnance plant. Th e General Superintendent for the Kiewit-Condon Company was Mr. Dan Bell. “Hi Reg, we meet again. It has always been my pleasure working with you. I’m sure that all your trucks will be needed to haul the gravel for this project.” Reg said, “I’m glad to be involved in the ordnance plant project, Mr. Bell, and I’m sure my guys will be able to meet the scheduling requirements with my trucks.”
“Reg, you can drop the mister; it’s Dan from this point forward. I will fi ll out the necessary paperwork and have everything ready for you to sign within the next couple of days. Come back over to my office Monday. construction is scheduled to start on March 1st.”
Monday morning Reg walked into Mr. Bell’s offi ce, and introduced himself to his secretary. “My name is Reg Phelps, and Mr. Bell requested that I stop back here today about my contract for the ordnance plant
project.” “Have a seat Mr. Phelps and I’ll advise him that you are here.” She returned to the outer office and said, “Mr. Bell will see you now.” Reg was ushered into Mr. Bell’s offi ce. “Good morning Mr. Bell, I am
here as you requested to pick up the paperwork for the ordnance plant project.” Dan said, “Good morning Reg, remember you can call me Dan. Have a seat, and let’s talk over the project.” Reg said, “Okay Dan, all my trucks are available, and I’m looking forward to a project that will certainly help our war effort here in central Nebraska.”
“I agree Reg, and that is one of the major reasons that I’m excited about the project. I’ll get right to the point. We would like to hire your three trucks to haul gravel for the ordnance plant project. We will give you a
required schedule, and will make all of the arrangements for acquiring the gravel from pits as close as possible to the site.”
“Will I be able to take care of my other customers during the same time period, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your schedule?” “Reg, we will give you the schedule of our needs for the gravel, and the specific days involved. Hopefully you can work out your other customers’ needs around this schedule. How does that sound?”
“That sounds great Dan, I don’t see any problems, and I do thank you for including me in this project. I promise to do my best to meet all of the required deadlines. With my three trucks I don’t foresee any problems.”
“Okay, Reg. Give me your mailing address and I’ll get the schedule worked out and send it to you shortly. We want to start construction on March 1st, if at all possible.”
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Grand Island Ordnance Plant Presentation - November 22, 2009
Howard Ulrich will be presenting "The Cornhusker Ordnance Plant, 1950's and 60's" on November 22nd as a follow-up program given last year about the World War II years. The presentation will be in Wood River, Nebraska.
The reason I bring this up is because I featured the Cornhusker Ordnance Plant and it's construction which began March 1st 1942 in my book "Gibbon's Secrets". My dad hauled gravel during the construction of the ordnance plant and my mother worked at the Cornhusker Ordnance Plant during 1942 & 1943.
That was a very important part of my growing up period as I was so proud of my parents for the part they played during World War II.
The reason I bring this up is because I featured the Cornhusker Ordnance Plant and it's construction which began March 1st 1942 in my book "Gibbon's Secrets". My dad hauled gravel during the construction of the ordnance plant and my mother worked at the Cornhusker Ordnance Plant during 1942 & 1943.
That was a very important part of my growing up period as I was so proud of my parents for the part they played during World War II.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Question #5 from my book "Cover Your Nut"
05 - Do I need a computer and telecommunication equipment?
Computers can assist the small businessman in general accounting and inventory controls, and give managers the tools to better measure the effectiveness of their activities in the company's operations. Business and accounting software programs (such as QuickBooks) can be customized to fit the specific needs of any type of business. These programs can be very beneficial to give management quick reports from the accumulated transactions and though the customized listing of the chart of accounts.
Telecommunication equipment (phones, fax machines and network connections) are necessary for all common business functions: sales, purchasing, financing, operations and administration.
This book will assist the reader in establishing the key accounting information before starting the business computer programs, supplying tools toward the development of better financial statements.
Computers can assist the small businessman in general accounting and inventory controls, and give managers the tools to better measure the effectiveness of their activities in the company's operations. Business and accounting software programs (such as QuickBooks) can be customized to fit the specific needs of any type of business. These programs can be very beneficial to give management quick reports from the accumulated transactions and though the customized listing of the chart of accounts.
Telecommunication equipment (phones, fax machines and network connections) are necessary for all common business functions: sales, purchasing, financing, operations and administration.
This book will assist the reader in establishing the key accounting information before starting the business computer programs, supplying tools toward the development of better financial statements.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
"Gibbon's Secrets" - from the Epilogue
I did join the Navy in 1951, during the Korean Crises, completing my pledged "secret" to my pen pal of World War II, Dale Pitke. I served as an Aviation Storekeeper Petty Officer and saw duty aboard the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Valley Forge, completing my four years in March 1955.
Wally Buchanan found out where I was living and gave me a surprise visit. We talked over old times, growing up in Gibbon, and I showed him the picture of our third-grade class dress-up day. I remembered most of the individuals in the picture but Wally remembered all of them and wrote their names on the back of my framed picture. That picture is the one I used on the front cover of this book.
Before starting to write this story I visited a boyhood friend who still lives in Gibbon, Duncan McGregor. We talked during lunch about our times growing up in Gibbon. Duncan supplied me with actual programs from the grade school operettas and plays that we were a part of. (They are included in this story) We drove around Gibbon, even to the North Side Park, and reminisced about the "Good Old Days". We did not however, step inside of Mr. Ross's Barn... (It is long gone.)
Wally Buchanan found out where I was living and gave me a surprise visit. We talked over old times, growing up in Gibbon, and I showed him the picture of our third-grade class dress-up day. I remembered most of the individuals in the picture but Wally remembered all of them and wrote their names on the back of my framed picture. That picture is the one I used on the front cover of this book.
Before starting to write this story I visited a boyhood friend who still lives in Gibbon, Duncan McGregor. We talked during lunch about our times growing up in Gibbon. Duncan supplied me with actual programs from the grade school operettas and plays that we were a part of. (They are included in this story) We drove around Gibbon, even to the North Side Park, and reminisced about the "Good Old Days". We did not however, step inside of Mr. Ross's Barn... (It is long gone.)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A Veterans Day Remembrance - Chapter 19 "Gibbon's Secrets"
On December 7th 1941 - Reg, Addie, Jean and Bud were visiting next door at their neighbors, George and Cecil Pitke's. The Pitke's had invited them over for Sunday dinner after church. When everyone was seated around the table, Cecil said, "I wanted to share this special treat of having our son Dale home on leave from the Navy." Dale quickly responded, "Mom and Dad, you are such a blessing to me and being home with you is really something special. Dad, would you say grace before our meal?"
George said, "It is with pleasure today, that I thank Thee Lord for the joy of spending this Sunday with our son Dale and our special friends the Phelps'. Lord, we ask Thee to continue protecting our loved ones and to bless this food that is set before us. In Jesus' name we pray - Amen."
Then later in this chapter came this announcement!
The radio was on, with a low pleasant sound of music in the background, when the song was interrupted with a news flash. "It was just reported that Japan has delivered simultaneous bombing attacks on Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Wake Island, and Guam. Japanese forces have invaded Malaya and Thailand, seizing Shanghai, and declaring war on the United States and Great Britain."
I insert this portion of my book "Gibbon's Secrets" as a tribute to the men and women in our US Armed Services that were killed in this attack on Pearl Harbor and to all killed or injured during the World War II engagements. I also pay tribute to all of the United States Veterans who have served in the past and in the present - God Bless You and Your Families!
George said, "It is with pleasure today, that I thank Thee Lord for the joy of spending this Sunday with our son Dale and our special friends the Phelps'. Lord, we ask Thee to continue protecting our loved ones and to bless this food that is set before us. In Jesus' name we pray - Amen."
Then later in this chapter came this announcement!
The radio was on, with a low pleasant sound of music in the background, when the song was interrupted with a news flash. "It was just reported that Japan has delivered simultaneous bombing attacks on Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Wake Island, and Guam. Japanese forces have invaded Malaya and Thailand, seizing Shanghai, and declaring war on the United States and Great Britain."
I insert this portion of my book "Gibbon's Secrets" as a tribute to the men and women in our US Armed Services that were killed in this attack on Pearl Harbor and to all killed or injured during the World War II engagements. I also pay tribute to all of the United States Veterans who have served in the past and in the present - God Bless You and Your Families!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Chapter 1 - "Gibbon's Secrets" opening paragraphs
The brilliant morning sun beamed into Bud's bedroom, and he vaulted out of bed not wanting to waste a minute of this bright sunny morning in Nebraska. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he rummaged through his closet for something to wear. Finding what he needed, he pulled up his pants, tucked in his shirt, and tore into the kitchen for his breakfast.
Bud, thinking about all the war news he'd been hearing on the radio and seeing in the papers, wondered if any sense could be made of the cruel treatment shown by Hitler. He quickly devoured his cereal and a piece of cinnamon toast and launched out the door, heading for Donny's house. Bud's goal this morning is to gather all of his friends to talk about the war.
Bud stopped at Donny's house, and he came to the door displaying his normal timid nature, looking like he was going to be blamed for something. "Is something the matter Bud?" Bud said smiling, "No Donny, nothings the matter, we just need to spend some time in the park"
Bud, thinking about all the war news he'd been hearing on the radio and seeing in the papers, wondered if any sense could be made of the cruel treatment shown by Hitler. He quickly devoured his cereal and a piece of cinnamon toast and launched out the door, heading for Donny's house. Bud's goal this morning is to gather all of his friends to talk about the war.
Bud stopped at Donny's house, and he came to the door displaying his normal timid nature, looking like he was going to be blamed for something. "Is something the matter Bud?" Bud said smiling, "No Donny, nothings the matter, we just need to spend some time in the park"
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Ten Instructions from a very good book.......
The man who knows right from wrong and has good judgment and common sense is happier than the man who is immensely rich.
Have two goals: wisdom-that is, knowing and doing right-and common sense.
The wise are promoted to honor, but fools are promoted to shame!
The good man is covered with blessings from head to foot, but an evil man inwardly curses his luck.
We all have happy memories of good men gone to their reward, but the names of wicked men stink after them.
Don't talk too much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!
TO LEARN, YOU must want to be taught. To refuse reproof is stupid.
It is better to get you hands dirty and eat, than to be too proud to work and starve.
Telling the truth gives a man great satisfaction, and hard work returns many blessings to him.
A wise man doesn't display his knowledge, but a fool displays his foolishness.
Have two goals: wisdom-that is, knowing and doing right-and common sense.
The wise are promoted to honor, but fools are promoted to shame!
The good man is covered with blessings from head to foot, but an evil man inwardly curses his luck.
We all have happy memories of good men gone to their reward, but the names of wicked men stink after them.
Don't talk too much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!
TO LEARN, YOU must want to be taught. To refuse reproof is stupid.
It is better to get you hands dirty and eat, than to be too proud to work and starve.
Telling the truth gives a man great satisfaction, and hard work returns many blessings to him.
A wise man doesn't display his knowledge, but a fool displays his foolishness.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
A pleasant walk around Holmes Lake
Here it is November 5th and I walked the five miles around Holmes Lake here in Lincoln Nebraska with the temps in the 60's. I took some pictures to include in this blog for your enjoyment.
A view off of the dam looking toward the east
A neat bridge on the trail
I got a kick out of this warning sign
Looking back toward the dam
A single duck along the shore
Looking east along the south shore line
I have always been attracted to the different grasses
Well, I hope you enjoyed my little pictorial trip around Holmes Lake - I know I did!
Do you remember this one???????????
"Early in the morning - in the middle of the night - two dead boys got up to fight - back to back they faced each other - drew their swords and shot each other - a deaf policeman heard the noise - and came and killed the two dead boys."
The rule is to say it real fast.................
The rule is to say it real fast.................
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Protect the purity of our free, fair, virtuous, and independent elections.
"We should be unfaithful to ourselves if we should ever lose sight of the danger to our liberties if anything partial or extraneous should infect the purity of our free, fair, virtuous, and independent elections." --John Adams
From Chapter 15 - "Gibbon's Secrets" - Growing up in Gibbon
It was great fun growing up in Gibbon. All the kids took advantage of the summer by spending time outside from morning till night. In the evenings they played games. Some of the favorites were - 'Kick the Can', 'Anny-Anny Over', and the one that seemed to be the overall favorite, 'Hide and Seek'. The older kids would always help the younger ones with 'Hide and Seek'; both to improve their hiding skills, and with gentle hands over their mouths, their ability to stay very quite. The boys especially liked to keep their hiding places secret from the girls. One evening as they were hiding, Wally said, "Do you think we can keep the girls from finding us this time, Bud?" "I know we can, Wally! We just have to be as quiet as a mouse, and when they pass by us, run like a deer to home base." Wally said, "It seems to me you're getting a lot of animals involved in our game of "Hide and Seek'." Bud laughed, "That's a good one, Wally, you know what I mean."
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