My Grandpa, Edward Evanko shows great passion for his endeavors during his childhood, especially during WWII and the Korean war.  

First, I directed towards the working conditions in WWII.  He responded that coal mines and steel mills were up and running during the war trying to make supplies for the troops, but they all shut down after the war since then the military did not need those supplies.  He lived in a highly industrialized area at the time in Beach Bottom, WV.   

Next, I asked him what rations were like during WWII.  He said that there was always enough to eat as there was land for rent for gardening which provided enough when the rations did not.   Additionally, he said that shoes were very hard to purchase. 

I took a different approach asking if his schooling included lessons about war.  He responded that his school did teach about mostly the Korean war which was the matter at hand.  The schools had drills where the students had to hide under their desks in case of bombings. 

I was interested in the change from wartime to peacetime in between the two wars. “They thought the world was going to be great.” He states as lots in his hometown went crazy partying.  He remembers having to drink his orange soda as he watched his parents dancing.   

I wondered if ways of transportation were affected during the war.  He said that tires were rare, they allowed little gasoline for cars, and the roads were poor.  

I took a more personal approach in asking if he had specific rules during wartime. “I had to go straight home during the Korean war.  I was never allowed to go out.”  Ironically though, his mother, my great-grandmother, did not implant rules on him during WWII. 

Lastly, I asked if he ever had a fear of losing WWII.  He said that “adults were more negative,” towards the expected turnout of the war. There was propaganda stating that we were strong, so as a child he believed it.   

I am very fortunate to have my Grandpa as he tells stories to me all the time, and I learn lessons from every one of them.  As shown, he was and still is very bright, remembering so much as a child that others cannot.