The Fordham Class of 1955 background..

The Fordham Class of 1955 was born during the GREAT DEPRESSION and grew up during the GREAT WORLD WAR II.
During the Great Depression we all learned how to deal with as little as possible. Fortunately most of my class were able to survive but few prospered. In my own case, my father was a "milk man" and was able not only to provide an income but purchase a home in Brooklyn. During the GREAT WAR, we were prepared for the worse and it was not certain who would win the war. I can remember "black outs" where no lights could shine from our home. There were frequent air raid drills. We had to wear " fire proof identification badges, in case we were hit by a bomb. In school we had drills that required us to hide under our desks". There was only radio and it was filled with broadcasts about the war and periodically, Roosevelt's fire side chats. Gasoline was rationed and so was food. But our generation never complained and felt sorry for our selves, since all we prayed for was victory and a change to the better. We had HOPE and FAITH and this became part of our psychological and spiritual make up.

During our growth years, the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH prospered and was honored. There were movies starring Bing Crosby depicting a priest, the SONG OF BERNADETTE and many others gave us faith and hope.

In 1945, when most of us were in our early teens, the war ended and we had more to hope for.
Most of the CLASS OF 1955, went to CATHOLIC grammar schools and then the girls went to girls Catholic high schools and the Boys to boys schools. This is completely foreign to todays students, but it was natural for us and we never complained. In fact, it was an asset since we didn't have to compete and could enjoy the "boy/girl" dances and events.

I think of CLASS OF 1955 generation as happy and hopeful. We had experienced the worse of times..economic depression, a horrible war and never wanted more than to just survive, and then the 1950's came and we were in a new happy, hopeful world. This was the time when the CLASS of 1955, entered college.

In the next blog I will describe the HAPPY DAYS OF THE EARLY 1950's and how the CLASS OF 1955 responded.

STAY TUNED

Bill Rothschild