MY MEMORIES
As stated in the epilogue, I have attempted to give a generic view of the post as it existed and the activities. I would, however, like to share my memories.
The first day on the post was probably one of the most memorable. I went to the playground and noticed that the older kids were on standing on the see-saw. I decided to try that one for myself. My second stop on the post was the clinic for medical treatment.
The most lasting memory is that people came and people went. The average stay on the post was 3 to 4 years. I lived on or near the post for 12 years. I made and lost many friends. I remember that there was a sense of community. Among most kids it didn’t matter what rank or position your sponsor held. Kids were able to overcome that barrier and form friendships. There were cliques which are no different than any other neighborhood. For example, people who lived on the hill tended to associate and play with each other. The parents also talked. Since the post was so small, nothing it seemed remained a secret
Climbing the fruit trees to get fruit out of them was always fun. The snow days, making snowmen and sledding on the hill will always be cherished memories. Hanging out at the DYA, bowling alley, movie theater and playing on the playground was how I spent most of my younger days. I used to go to the movies at least 3 times a week until television arrived. I think I’ve seen every "B" movie made in the early 1970’s. Many teenagers also used to go to the bowling alley to bowl, play video games or just hang out. There was, it seemed, always something to do.
The Trinkehalle, located just outside the fence next to 1047, was also a favorite place to visit. The Gummy Colas and worms were always my favorites. I also remember buying fireworks just before new years. We would build model airplanes and take them to the German playground and blow them up. The Bakery and Pizza Parlor were also utilized a lot. The personal pan sized pizzas were definitely different from those sold in the United States. My family went on "Home Leave," since my Father was a civilian the government would provide air transport to the United States every 5 years, we actually tried to order an outrageous number of pizza’s. We, as kids, didn’t think about the changes.
Going to the German pools was fun. We went there not only to swim and relax but also to socialize. Pommes Fritz, french fries, with mayonnaise has become one of my favorite foods. In the winter, prior to the indoor pool opening, I used to go to the Panorama Hotel and pay a nominal fee to swim indoors.
My father had many German friends at the "UHU" bar in Oberursel. I remember one of his friends talking about fighting in WWII. His friend, Lowe, was talking about fighting in the Congo. I, being young and naïve, asked if he had been a Nazi. Luckily, instead of getting angry, he had empathy and patience. He explained that during the War most Germans were in the military and supported the Nazi Party. I remember this mainly because it hit home that people are people no matter what the past. I remember this incident because it was the first time I realized that old enemies had become good friends. The German people were very sensitive to their past. I have learned since, that we were also not as perfect during war times as we would like to remember. History, it seems, is only written about favorable memories. I would highly suggest that everyone read the book "The Interrogator." Not just for the history of Camp King, but also to read about how we treated German POW’s after the war.
I didn’t feel as if I really fit in nor do I think I really tried. I was me and that’s all that mattered to me back then.
Boy Scouts and sports were really important. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts allowed for a lot more activities. For example as a Cub Scout we had the annual pinewood derby. In Boy Scouts we went camping on a regular basis. If it was not summer camp at Camp Freedom, we would always find some place. One year we actually camped in the snow on Feldberg. Another year we traveled to Kandersteig, Switzerland. As for sports, I had to be the worst player of any sport ever on the post. My teammates did keep my spirits up even though they realized just how bad I actually was. I only played baseball and basketball.
We spent a lot of time on the bus on the way to school. The hour each way lead to some interesting activities. Many friendships existed on the bus rides. I also remember the hurt we must have caused some people. We were "just kids"; however, that was no excuse.
I now appreciate what Teachers were trying to get me to understand a long time ago. It takes an education and devotion to get anywhere in life. Many teachers tried to motivate me to no avail. I now appreciate the teachers to whom I was such a discipline problem. I especially think of Mr. McCarty, a junior high science teacher, who tried harder than any other teacher.
There were many good people who passed through and volunteered their time such as Mr. Collins, who was a Scoutmaster for many years and Mr. Thurman, who was a basketball coach and was also involved in scouting, Mr. and Mrs. Andresen who both volunteered for Cub Scouts. These are the only people I can think of now; however, there were countless others. They all took time out of their lives to help enrich ours.
Camp King and Frankfurt were great places to learn the foundations that have lead me through life. The successes and failures have made a lot stronger as an adult. (More so the failures.)
Most of all I think of the friends I had especially: Ricky Andresen, Martin Glenn, Paul Kern, Peter and John Haas, Richard Collins, Kelly Fitzhugh and many others. Although I was going through tough times of childhood and adolescents, they still remained friends. I have tracked most of my friends and I am happy to see that they have excelled in their home lives as well as their careers. It appears that most of them have, or are well on their way, to achieving success.
Basketball team circa 1978( Back row left to right me, John Haas, Richard Collins, Peter Haas, Bobby Copland #20 first row is Paul Beck. Others unknown) Picture courtesy of Richard Collins