Hamden Hall Country Day School - Perennial Pine Yearbook (New Haven, CT)

Page 97 text:

ll A HEARTBREAKING SCINE ' A shrill siren screamed piercingly. Instantly there arose a loud hum of voices and shuffle of feet, as many people hurried toward the nearest air raid shelter. The steady monotonous drone of swiftly approaching bombers filled the sky, and the powerful searchlights played across the heavens, searching for the destructive planes, which would soon be dropping their deadly missiles on the helpless town. ' The air raid shelter was dimly lighted, crowded with a mass of human beings. Anger, mixed with terror and grief, was plainly written on the faces of all, as they stood listening to the outside noises and confusion going on above their heads. Frightened children clung to their mothers' protecting skirts, screaming loudly and occasionally darting glances of bewilderment at the older ones gathered around them. Sobbing mothers, unashamed of fast falling tears which continued to trickle down their pale cheeks, tried to quiet crying babies. Old men, grouped together in the dark corners chattered among themselves, shaking their heads many times in evident disapprovement, After about a half an hour or so had gone by, the all-clear signal was given, and the crowd pressed toward the exits. The sight which met their eyes as they reached the outside world was one of complete destruction, It seemed as though the whole earth was on fire, while the bright flames leapt high into the empty darkness. No bright stars twinkled cheerfully in the sky this unhappy night. The small town was now one of absolute ruin. Many grieving people stood watching their beloved homes and ' belongings go up in smoke. The faces of all were stained with tears, and many of these were still falling fast. Even the faces of the oldest men and women showed signs of tears. The main streets of this town were now cluttered with large, heavy rafters and crumbled stone. The buildings, which had once stood along one street, majestically towering above all, were now nothing but black charred frames. Smoking ashes were all that remained of the small cottages which had been located just outside the city gates. Flowers which had once bloomed proudly in the morning sun, now withered and drooped their sunny faces, as if grieving. Gardens, which would have given forth many good things to eat, were now all destroyed by the fire. Marilyn Dewoif, vis A kind deed here and kind thought there will make a generous soul. And everyone will point out where Unselfish deeds unroll. To care for others and to see Their feelings are not nurt will be in keeping with this plea Of being all alert. Betsy Behre, '45