Going Back To Raymere

I found some interesting information that I found in the book “Around Deal Lake” by Marie A. Sylvester (Arcadia 1998). There is a picture of Raymere the caption says: “This is Raymere, the stately French-influenced mansion of General Motors founder William C. Durant.” It had fourteen floors and six bathrooms.  The home was near the Jersey shore and was one of the most valuable in Deal Beach. Huge amounts of money was spent on decorating and the parties were the most extravagant in the community.  Vicky and Ward visited often even though Vicky, Catherine and Durrants mother never got along well. When my father came to Raymere, he found opulence in every direction. Huge dinner parties were the norm. Vicky was very athletic and played golf and swam at Raymere. William and Catherine belonged to thirteen golf clubs. The pools were large and surrounded by beautiful flowers, statues and fountains. Durant bought the home in 1920 and remained there till 1940. As I mentioned before it was torn down in 1951. It’s amazing that it took seven weeks to tear down the home.

The Rich Versus The Poor During The Depression

                                      

High Society women lived well even during the Depression.

The culture of the 30’s changed in many ways because of the Depression. It was a time of austerity and wealth.  Only a small % of the population lived in the high society. Most lived abject poverty. The stars were pictured in many magazines, but women could only stare at them. Most could never achieve the looks of these famous people. Women used accessories like jewelry, belts and hats to appear like their screen idols.

There was an incredible disparity between the rich and the wealthy during the depression. Those in high society barely noticed the horrors of poverty that the average person endured. The rich lived in their own little world of excitement and fun. Many still had an incredible amount of money during the depression. Most people weren’t aware of the wealthy people because they were just trying to survive. They couldn’t imagine that they would ever that they could climb out poverty. Incredibly, this small percentage of rich people did exist. 

 Screen stars like Greta Garbo, Vivien Leigh and Claudette Colbert represented glamour and rich women wanted to emulate them. Even the wealthy used accessories to enhance their look. Belts, jewelry, and hats were used on a regular basis by those that could afford these extras.

  They were able to afford some of these expensive styles but women living in poverty could never imagine wearing those clothes or any accessories. These accessories made many women feel like they were wearing different clothing.

  Women found ways to be frugal by wearing two-piece suits. This would allow women to change tops or skirts for different occasions. Women felt they had new clothes. Women’s coats during the depression were perfect for the frugal. The wealthy wore detachable fur collars and made it appear like two coats.  Spring brought rain and high society women used clear umbrellas so their exquisite and stylish clothes could be seen underneath the umbrella.

  Wealthy men wanted to look like Cary Grant, James Stewart or Clark Gable. They wanted to dress like them, act like them or even imitate their talk. Men wore raccoon coats because they rode in open cars and had to protect themselves in inclement weather. These coats were the rage of the era while the men living in poverty were lucky to have a light coat.

  Men of great wealth always wore a suit. They were made to make men look more manly. The bought were very long to make seem strong and tall. Men who lived in poverty didn’t worry about looking more manly. Most of them didn’t even have any suits. They wore ill-fitting clothes because they never had the money to buy new clothes. They were just grateful to feed and clothe their wives and children.

  Men in poor families found jobs where physical strength was needed. They became dirty and needed strong clothes to be farmers, construction workers or minors. These clothes were called overalls.    

  Children learned to play by using their imagination. Rich families bought their kids Mickey Mouse dolls or even a Buck Rogers ray gun.  Boys and girls played with Tinker Toy Construction Sets, toy trains and Lincoln Logs. Poor families couldn’t afford to buy store bought toys for their children so they gave them old toys from siblings. These children played with finger paint, marbles and jacks.

  Children’s clothing depended on the parents’ monetary situation. If the parents were wealthy their children dressed as the child stars of Hollywood like Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney and Shirley Temple. Poor families were not able to dress their children in the same way. It was common for them to make their children’s clothes. Sometimes they even used empty flour sacks for their children’s clothes.

  Wealthy Parents were able to buy their children’s shoes for play, school or church. Poor children usually went barefoot because the family couldn’t afford to buy their shoes.

   High society people continued to live as they had in the 20’s. Scions of industry like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie came to see and be seen at the famous El Morocco and The Stork Club. The most famous socialite was Betty Hutton. She had the most lavish coming out party that cost more than $ 6,000 dollars.

  Wealthy people could continue their lifestyle during the Depression where they could drink as much as they wanted. Those that wanted fun would travel by boat far enough from the shore line so prohibition laws wouldn’t apply. They partied, drank and danced to the best bands like Glenn Miller, Harry James and Jimmy Dorsey.

 The 30’s were the most unusual time in our country’s history. The wealthy and the poor never seemed to meet in the middle. Those who lived through the Depression era felt it colored their lives with riches or poverty. Not everyone was standing in line asking Brother Can You Spare a Dime. I don’t mean to diminish the horror of poverty during this era but we must remember both groups existed during the Depression. This reality was part of our country’s history.

   New York was the center of the cafe society. The El Morocco and The Stork Club were the places to see and be seen. Socialities, celebrities and those from aristocratic families lived lives that the rest of Americans couldn’t even imagine. The Waldorf Astoria-Hotel and The Ritz Hotel held lavish parties often planned by hostess Elsa Maxwell. These parties were the most extravagant of the era. Socialite, Betty Hutton was the granddaughter of the Woolworth family had a coming out party that cost over $60,000 in 1933. The rich and famous were in attendance including the Rockefellers and the Astors.

Wealthy, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst was losing huge amounts of money during the Depression but he continued to spend extravagantly. His parties were known all over the country due to the gossip columnist Louella Parsons. 

 The 30’s would be remembered as the of excruciating poverty and incredible excesses. Most people today only relate with their extremely difficult lives. Most don’t realize that there was a segment of the society that still lived the high life. The 30’s were the most unusual time in our country’s history. The wealthy and the poor never seemed to meet in the middle. Those who lived through the Depression era felt it colored their lives with riches or poverty. Not everyone was standing in line asking Brother Can You Spare a Dime. I don’t mean to diminish the horror of poverty during this era but we must remember both groups existed during the Depression. This reality was part of our country’s history.

Mrs. Anne Lindbergh’s Letter

When I first started my research about my Aunt Vicky, I sent out 102 letters to everyone in her address book. I received three responses. This letter was the most unusual reply. I found the address of Anne Lindberg wife of Charles, in a public library in my community. After all that happened in that family, I was floored that her address was public. Her baby was kidnaped and killed. I decided to write her and hoped that she would remember my aunt.

The letter I received was written in 1996 and Mrs. Lindberg was up there in age, so her nurse wrote me. Anne remembered my aunt but knew any details except that she was a women pilot.

Mrs. Lindbergh lived in Darian, Connecticut which was a very wealthy community. I couldn’t believe I received a letter. It was written by her nurse, but she said she showed Mrs. Lindbergh my letter and she thought she remembered a Jewish woman pilot. Her nurse said Mrs. Lindbergh wished she remembered more about my aunt.

I just couldn’t believe that I received any reply!

When I first started my research about my Aunt Vicky, I sent out 102 letters to everyone in her address book. I received three responses. This letter was the most unusual reply. I found the address of Anne Lindberg wife of Charles, in a public library in my community. After all that happened in that family, I was floored that her address was public. Her baby was kidnaped and killed. I decided to write her and hoped that she would remember my aunt.

The letter I received was written in 1996 and Mrs. Lindberg was up there in age, so her nurse wrote me. Anne remembered my aunt but knew any details except that she was a women pilot.

Mrs. Lindbergh lived in Darian, Connecticut which was a very wealthy community. I couldn’t believe I received a letter. It was written by her nurse, but she said she showed Mrs. Lindbergh my letter and she thought she remembered a Jewish woman pilot. Her nurse said Mrs. Lindbergh wished she remembered more about my aunt.

I just couldn’t believe that I received any reply!

 

Aline Rhonie Pilot and Artist

Mural by Aline Rhonie

Aline Rhonie Hofheimer, a pilot in the 30’s and 40’s was known in aviation only by the name Aline Rhonie. She was born in 1909 and died in 1963. She was only 54 at the time of her death.

  She was known for some unusual activities in aviation. In 1931 she was a participant in a contest where she dropped bombs and a contest for the best dead stick landing. A dead stick landing when a plane loses its power. This is a very dangerous method to land but Aline was very proficient with this method. 

  Dropping bombs known was an exciting stunt on the aerial circus. It was dangerous and the spectators were horrified but excited to see this stunt.   Aline married a race pilot socialite named Peter Brooks. They celebrated this honeymoon by flying in separate planes for a 17,500-mile flight. Peter and Aline were enthralled with aviation but that wasn’t enough to make their marriage last.

  Aline had many achievements as a pilot. As a woman she achieved more honors that men thought women could ever make. 

  Aline earned her transport license in 1936. She went on to be the first woman to receive the Irish Commercial license in 1938. This certainly was unusual. She went on to show men that she was an incredible pilot and just as proficient as men in aviation.

Aline went to Mexico and met Diego Rivera who was a Mexican artist. He taught her the basics of painting. She went back to Long Island and became famous for painting a mural about the pilots that flew on Long Island. Unfortunately, the painting is now in storage.

Pilots and Hollywood

Through the decades aviation manufactures have had close ties to the entertainment industry. Douglas Aircraft Co. was headquartered in Santa Monica the location helped them have access to Hollywood stars. The stars were glamorous, and people wanted to emulate them. World War 11 many films were about the e success of the fighter planes. During the Depression the aviation industry was growing. In order to entice more people to fly they would have movie stars make talks about how wonderful it was to travel by air. 

 In 1927 Boeing had many of their planes in the motion picture “Wings” It was a silent picture that won the first Oscar for first “Best Picture.” The combination of the fighter planes in the movie made the film very accurate. 

  Passengers flying in the 30s, 40s and 50s had flew first class pricing and seating. They thought that there was a chance to sit next to their favorite star. Boeing and other plane manufacturers were consultants on the accuracy of the technical aspects of the film. As consultants they got to know the stars in the films and spread the word of the companies. Boeing and others wanted to help recreate the glamor of flying. Today that isn’t true. Passengers don’t have very many amenities. In decades past travel by air was the best way to travel.

  Boeing developed a very close relationship with the major movie studios. Even today the company has a interesting relationship with the movie industry.

The Golden Age of Radio

In the 1930’s people found an escape from their difficult times as they listened to the radio. Most families had radios and it was their favorite pastime. It became a family tradition for them to gather around the radio and enjoy their favorite shows. They used their imagination and entered a different world from the sadness of the Depression. Imagination can be a very powerful method to use your mind. You can see and hear things you might have missed if you only watch television. You can cry, laugh or smile as you return to a different time. Remember the days of old-time radio doesn’t mean you’re old. 

 These shows consisted of exciting adventures, comedies, and mysteries. A radio show “War of The Worlds” even caused panic in the nation. It sounded so real that people thought the world was invaded by aliens. That’s the power of the imagination. 

The public’s favorites were: The Jack Benny Show, The Shadow, Flash Gordon, The Goldberg’s, The Marx Brothers, The Lucky Strike Radio, Bing Crosby and Judy Garland. Many performers started in Vaudeville, then radio and then some became popular on television and in movies.

Chuck Schaden, a broadcaster and old-time radio historian hosted the radio show Those Were The Days from 1974 to 2005 when he retired. Steve Darnell is the current host and publisher of the Golden Age of Radio. He also writes about his favorite subject Old-Time Radio in the Nostalgic Digest Magazine  You can listen to Steve Darnell every Saturday live from 1 to 5 pm on WDCB 90.90 FM in Chicago and nationwide.  

Some of these shows are available at your local library. If they don’t have them librarians may be able to order them through Inter-Library Loan. This is a service where libraries can search other libraries that might have what you want. Groups of performers entertain at libraries so you can listen to them read scripts of your best-loved shows. Today’s technology allows you to learn interesting facts about the programs and the performers on podcasts. Podcasts are like videos without the pictures. Some retail stores also sell Old Time Radio CD’s or cassette tapes. You can also purchase them online or on Ebay. If technology isn’t “your thing” that’s okay just listen to the radio show I mentioned.

So sit back and relive your memories. Introduce these shows to your children and grandchildren and share your life with them. Maybe they will enjoy this new form of entertainment and spend less time watching television or texting. You might be surprised children might even learn to enjoy the shows. If they don’t like them find joy in them yourself.

Cynthia Florsheim

The Backstory of Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart was a great pilot and spokesperson for women. Her notoriety was helped by her publicist/husband. He pushed her to great heights and pushed other women out of the spotlight. I am not trying to bash Amelia. She certifiable deserved all of the accolades that she got. I plan to tell you how Amelia was promoted by her husband George Palmer A common misconception about Amelia is that she was the first person to fly over the Atlantic Ocean. The back story is that she was a passenger on that first flight, not the pilot. On her second flight, she was the actual pilot.  

                                                       

Young Eagles

All over the country The Experimental Aviation Association sponsors a group called Young Eagles. The group sponsors free plane rides for children 8-17 These rides are given at local regional airports. Many have never been in a plane before. Some pilots credit their interest to the Young Eagles Flight. As of November 25, 2023- 2.3 million young people have taken a Young Eagles flight. This program has existed in 90 countries.

  The biggest need is to find volunteer pilots to fly these young people. If you are a member of the Experimental Aviation Association and wish to volunteer contact www.EAA.org./youngeagles. It’s a rewarding experience for a pilot and the young person. Pilots who fly Young Eagles say that they look forward to this experience each year. This volunteer position takes place from April to November. Look at the EAA website and find a Young Eagles Program at an airport near you.

  Parents should be assured that the volunteer pilots are licensed and certified to be totally able to fly your child.        

 They have specific training for the Young Eagles flight. There are 50,000 pilots who volunteer for this programs. 

The pilot will take your child for a look and explanation of the parts of the plane as they walk around the vehicle. Once in the plane the pilot will explain how the plane is controlled. The pilot will identify the instrument panel and understand how the plane will file. 

  Your child will see the world from a different view. The excitement builds as the plane flies higher in the sky. It’s an experience that will be remembered forever. Parents say that the Young Eagle Program inspired their child to become a pilot.

  Parents ask your child if they want to have a ride on an airplane. The responses are usually positive. It’s a safe, free and exciting activity designed for young people. Show them the videos and they will become more interested. Not all of the Young Eagles participants want to be pilots but they were introduced to an interesting experience. The program is completely free don’t hesitate sign your child up as soon as you can. 

  To find out more about the Young Eagles go to the website www.eaa.org/youngeagles to find out more about Young Eagles.

Pilot Jobs

1.    Here is a list of different airline jobs that are available to women. Don’t think that a pilot is only for transport of people on vacation.

1. Cargo Carrier. Ex. FedEx, UPS, and even your amazon gifts
2. Military
3. Flight Instructor
4. Corporate Aviation
5. Charter aviation. Transport passengers and/or cargo for business or corporation.
6. Charter operation: No setschedule, you could fly anywhere you want to go
7. Fire-fighting
8. Emergency medical service
9. Media: traffic reporting, news organizations
10. Airshow stunt flying
11. Test pilots: test new equipment

Women make up only 6% of pilots. Ladies there are so many different jobs you could do just as well as men. If you are interested in becoming a pilot you need to have a lot of training to receive your specific type of certificate. It’s a hard road but women can and should believe that they can fly. Don’t ever give up!

Robin Hatfield

Robin Hatfield is a superb pilot from a dynamic family of pilots. Her leadership as president of the aviation group the International Organization of Women Pilots- 99s.

The 99s was formed by Amelia Earhart in 1929. Robin was the first president in the 99s long history from a country out of the United States. She was elected in 2022 and will serve until 2024. 

  In 1979 began her aviation career. She took an introductory flight, and she realized that aviation would dominate her life Robin believes that friendship with other pilots is an important part of membership in the 99s. She knows that mentors are available to new members. This is one of the important goals of the 99s. Robin is an excellent mentor due to her many years of being in the flying community.

  The 99s couldn’t have elected a more experienced pilot as their president. Her hope is to encourage more women to enter the aviation field. Today there are only 6% women pilots, and she feels that the 99s can help raise that percentage.