Category: Press

From Arts Council | Park City & Summit County

Six Weeks for Boat Mail is the second in the WWII era trilogy, written by local author Bonnie Park and based on years of correspondence between her parents. “To me,” says Park, “these letters are their most significant legacy. I am grateful for the opportunity to champion this period in history and share their unusual story.”

Robin and Buster Park celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June 2011, then both passed within ten months of each other. When the treasure trove of letters was discovered, Park learned so many new things about her folks. “I never knew they packed up and moved multiple times over two years, 1942 – 1943, fort to fort, as mandated by the Army,” Park explained. “I’d like to know how they felt about that, as well as the details surrounding war bonds, ration books, blackouts and the internment of American citizens of Japanese descent.”

The letters revealed aspects of her parents’ personalities. “Buster exhibits many of the characteristics of an only child – ambitious, achievement oriented, and especially close with his parents, Nat and Ethel. In Boat Mail, we learn Buster disliked ‘insisting’ and preferred Robin make her own decisions. Yet delayed gratification didn’t suit him, so he comes across as controlling.”

“With a Smith College diploma, Robin pushed back against gender stereotypes of the time, resisted Buster’s control, and fulfilled her desire for a ‘summer to play in,’ explains Park. “Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, patriotic fervor and the birth of their firstborn son, Robin’s consciousness leveled up to important responsibilities, but it didn’t crush her playful soul.”

Park’s own personality comes through in her use of an interjecting voice as she reveals an interesting gem of history and spontaneously comments to connect with the reader. “I found representation of the miracle balm, ‘Mother’s Friend’ hilarious,” says Park. “Childbirth relieved of pain and danger! Happy mothers and perfect children… shortens the time and agony of labor.”

In addition to information gleaned from the letters, Park has done an amazing amount of research to provide narration on world events, cultural trends, commercials, music and many other signs of the times that immerse a reader into the era.

What would Park like her readers from this era to know? “History is relevant. Evil world leaders still exist,” says Park. “Ask yourself, as Buster did, ‘Where is that co-operation of great and small which made democracy work by virtue of the very mass and excellency of ideas produced by people of all classes…’ Think on that.” Six Weeks For Boat Mail is available locally at Dolly’s, or may be ordered from any independent book store. Both paperback and Kindle formats are available on Amazon.

In February 1934, T. Wayne and Dr. Lelia Skinner leave their three children behind in North America. Lelia’s hand-wringing letters from “Campamento Americano,” the residential section of a Chilean mining camp, describe an over-worked existence. The Skinners commit to keep up with the expense of three college educations. It is through her candid correspondence Lelia opens the door to an authentic multi-general family saga.

Their eldest daughter, Roberta, lands on the campus of Smith College in 1937. Beaus who rank on Roberta’s “man-score” include a “townie,” several ivy leaguers, and a Montana cowboy. Over Christmas break 1939, in Saint Pete, Florida, she dances with Buster Bedford, a Princeton “Tiger” graduate and Columbia Law School first year. As the Roosevelt administration strategically guides the nation toward U.S. involvement in WWII, Buster prepares himself for the effort while courting Roberta long distance. He implores her to join him in an uncertain future and presses for her hand.

“When cleaning out the personal effects of members of the ‘Greatest Generation,’ it’s not all that uncommon to find boxes of letters,” says Park. Short of pushing them to the back of another closet what do people do with them? “Some suggest to ceremoniously burn them and return their energy back to the universe. Tragically, others choose to declutter them straight to a dumpster.”

Over the course of a few years, Park transcribed her family’s correspondence without giving thought to publishing a book. Though she confesses, “lessons from a conference of personal historians lit up a passion.” A game-changer for Park. The testimony of struggles, hopes, dreams, laughter and fun of real people who are no longer with us is compelling.

“The fact that my husband is an enthusiastic collector of WWII memorabilia also plays a hand in my writing.” The ghosts are afloat in their Park City home where khaki and olive drab dominate the color palate. “It’s like living in a museum,” she laughs.

“I’m a little undone at this moment in history. I appreciate now more than ever the patient teaching moments of Robin and Buster, and how they informed my values.” Civil rights, the second wave of feminism and the Vietnam war dominated dinner table conversation in her childhood home.

The lessons are universal. “We humans are often too quick to judge. Why others hide from uncomfortable conversations with family and friends that we can, and must, learn from.” In Park’s case, anxiety, depression and suicide were woven into the family fabric before mental health mattered enough to dominate headlines.

When asked how her ancestors might feel about sharing their story with the world, Park has this to say. “They may not like it, but I say it’s time for those skeletons to begin the conversation other American families might want to have.”

www.spikypigpress.com

Email: bonnie@spikypigpress.com

Mobile: 435-655-1635