WWII Clamdigger -
August 1945

V-J Day

The end of the war after all these years of waiting started a grand and glorious celebration. When the announcement came, after days of anxious waiting, it was hard to believe at first. However, in a few minutes the good old fire siren made it official for Rowayton and then the real celebration began. Cars with horns blowing, people yelling and children starting impromptu parades, soon appeared. Many headed to Norwalk for the parade and celebration at Matthew’s Park. [Site of Lockwood Mathews Mansion, Ed.].

Late in the evening there were parties and celebrations with sounds of gaiety all night long. Wednesday the noise and excitement had died down, but people greeted one another with broad smiles and "Isn’t it grand news!"

Norwalk had its biggest parade in history on the night that peace was declared. Everyone, young and old was on hand blowing horns, whistles or anything that made noise. No cars were allowed so much excess energy was used up walking. The parade ended in Matthews Park where a short service was held. Everyone went home tired, but happy.

V-J Day Notes

Union Service at the Methodist Church is where V-J Day was officially announced. The Fire House held "Open House" for members and friends during the evening hours...

A two day holiday for all – no stores open, factories shut down, everything closed, except the beach and that was wide open...

Harry Von Dwingel landed in the hospital. Not too much celebration – he fell and injured his knees while going to a fire.Good thing the hospital didn’t declare a two day holiday...

No more gas, fuel oil or canned fruit and vegetable rationing. What traffic, now that you can buy all the gas you want. No more walking down the middle of the street now – your life won't be safe...

Rowayton had its own parade. The young set marched up Rowayton Avenue with pots and pans, stickes and wooden spoons, shouts and screams, and the British and American flags. (ages from 5 to 8)...

Darien Fire Department paid Rowayton a visit V-J Day. Not just one truck, but with the Chief’s car, hook and ladder and the pumper...

During the midst of the celebration, the Fire Department was called out to Bell Island. Nothing too serious - just a gargage roof...

When the time is announced over the radio now, it is "Eastern Peace Time" instead of the old familiar "Eastern War Time." Peace is wonderful.

By the Way Boys:

What is everyone going to use as an alibi now that the war is no more. They can’t say "Don’t you know there is a war going on."

August 1945