“Gibbon’s Secrets” – Information
Many of the
incidences and individual characters in this story reflect the time frame of
the 1940’s; so I am classifying it as a Historical Fiction novel. Some of the names may 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. The story is developed around
various individuals living in this small town and how they reacted on the “Home
Front” during World War II. Even though
the war was far across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, it impacted the
everyday routines in Gibbon. Newspapers
and radios added to this war influence through pictures and stories which in
turn were added to Bud’s dad’s scrap
books, and will appear as a “Time Line” of World War II battles and happenings
at the end of each year in the story.
I am sharing my memories
about growing up during the 1940’s and have included many of the everyday
happenings of how it was back then in this small town in the middle of
Nebraska.
“Gibbon’s
Secrets” – Background
The story starts with Bud
lying under a large elm tree with a full and showy form, turning the puffy
clouds into animals or ships to pass the time of day, when he falls
asleep. Suddenly, he feels a sharp pain
in his foot and cringes in fright when a ruggedly built man kicks him
again. The man, towering above him, is
blonde, tall, and wide of shoulders. He
has arms like slabs of ham, and he has steely-blue eyes. He reaches down to pick up Bud, who quickly
rolls over and runs out of the park, across the street to his home… This is the start of Bud’s experience with
the Stranger.
The above is an example of
the fictional happenings that occur in Bud’s life during the 1940’s. You will read about typical boyhood
adventures during this very important time in our United States history. Spy’s, Boy’s playing in the “Big Red Barn”,
fishing at Wood River, playing war games in the park across the street from
Bud’s home (Gibbon Commandos), grade school plays, the “Flag Project”, “Scrap
Drives” to help the war effort, Saving Stamps saved to buy War Bonds, Rationing
(gasoline, sugar, etc), boy’s “Patriotism”, role model in the form of a
Nebraska Highway Patrolman, family gatherings (Birthdays, Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and special occasions), are all the types of happenings and events
you will be reading about in “Gibbon’s Secrets”.
In addition to the stories of
“Gibbon’s Secrets” I have included the personal memories of Frank Chambers
about his World War II service during the “Battle of the Bulge”. This Postscript will contain letters to his
brother Jim relative to his training while in the states, and then a Journal
written by Frank developed during the “Battle of the Bulge.” Frank served our country well, and I am proud
that I can record his letters and journal as a part of my book. Frank is an example of one of our “Ordinary Patriots,” doing his part in
World War II.
Please read “Gibbon’s
Secrets” and take this fictional trip back to the 40’s in this small town of
Gibbon, Nebraska. My goal is to record
these bits of history for our children and grandchildren as well as the
reader’s children and grandchildren even though they are Historical
Fiction. Enjoy!!
