Category Archives: Christopher

When World War II ended in 1945, the military geared down, releasing millions of soldiers and sailors back into the labor market. Civilians who worked for the military were laid off, including Ken Pratt. The rationing of sugar, coffee, gas and shoes, came to an end, but jobs were few and far between. Ken gotContinue reading “Green River, Wyoming”

Vina Smith, mother of Barbara, Jeanne and Sue, had a tough, early life. Understanding her early life helps to understand her later decisions. She was the youngest of 7 children, of which, 5 survived. A set of twins, Joseph and Jeremiah, were born and died 22 Feb 1920. Vina was born in 1922. All butContinue reading “….and now for the rest of the story….”

Seven months after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the U.S. declared war on Japan, Barbara’s mother married Ken Pratt. As an electrician, Ken’s skills were in high demand to support the war effort. Housing was hard to find for the influx of workers at Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah. Small, un-airconditioned trailers wereContinue reading “Barbara’s early childhood”