An American Christmas - Kilroy Was Here!

I first posted this piece of “Americana” 2 years ago to great response. It’s the true story behind “Kilroy Was Here”, as well as a story about the Christmas spirit. I hope you enjoy it…
 
“Kilroy Was Here” has been a part of the American vocabulary ever since World War Two. And the story behind it is not often told. In a way, it involves Christmas, so I figured this was a good time to tell the story behind the words.
During the Second World War, when the United States was turning out ships and planes at a rapid rate, "checkers" were required to make the rounds of the shipyards and factories, inspecting the work. When they were done they placed a mark, with chalk, on the item to show that it had passed inspection. The appropriate riveter/welder would then get credit for the work, and hence, paid accordingly.

Soldiers began to see these marks, along with the words "Kilroy Was Here", wherever they went during the war. Wherever they went, they assumed they were the first, only to be greeted by the words that had become a slogan. There were now several Kilroy’s from coast to coast. But only one was the original.

There is even a story about the Potsdam Conference in 1945 which concerns “Kilroy.” A modern outhouse had been built for the exclusive use of Truman, Stalin, and Churchill. The first person to use it was Stalin. When he finished and came out he asked his aide, "Who is this Kilroy?"

At any rate, fast forward a bit to the end of 1946. The Second World War was over and the shipyards were shuttered. James Kilroy was facing a bleak Christmas, with no toys for the kids. That's when he first heard of the search for the real Kilroy!

The photo above, from the Boston American, dated December 23, 1946 shows the Kilroy family with a trolley car in their front yard. They had won the trolley in a radio contest put forth by The Transit Company of America, offering the trolley as a prize to the individual who could prove that they were the "real" Kilroy. Of the forty odd men who made that claim, only James Kilroy was able to produce officials from the shipyard, and even some of his fellow riveters, to prove his claim. Having won the prize, he now had to get it home! And there was a blizzard coming! So, the real story involves how it almost didn't make it on time.

But, with the help of the Transit Company of America, and a local railroad spur, along with a truck and a crane, the trolley was delivered on time, where it served many years as a playhouse for James Kilroy's children. It was a Christmas they would never forget. And that, as Paul Harvey would say, is the rest of the story.

Merry Christmas, everyone. Hope your day is filled with miracles!

 

"Building A Building" with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse (1932)

Bullying is a problem which has beset mankind for ages. From the first cavemen, up through the present time, there have always been; and probably always will be; those who would use their size, or strength, to impose their will upon others. Although a serious problem, bullying has proven to be great fodder for some of the best comedy ever produced; be it on stage, screen or even in cartoons.
 

Think of Charlie Chaplin’s early films. Wasn’t he always the victim of some bullying type, whether it be an authority figure, or just a plain old rude person? But he always came out on top in his confrontations with bullies, even if only by accident.

The same is true of the Popeye cartoons, in which the intrepid sailor was always up against someone bigger than himself. Bluto was always trying to savage him in a never ending quest for the love of Olive Oyl, only to be beaten by Popeye and his spinach each time. Since school has just begun again, I thought I would address the issue with a cartoon to illustrate the topic of bullying.

In this 1932 release, Mickey is working on a construction site, building a building. Everyone works in unison except for the riveter. He is the big man on site, and let’s Mickey know it. When Minnie Mouse comes along with her lunch wagon, he quickly makes unwanted advances towards her. This brings him into confrontation with the much smaller Mickey, who; aided by Minnie; gives him a taste of his own medicine. They then ride off together on a new joint venture, as evidenced by the sign on the side of the lunch wagon.

Bullying is a real issue in our schools today. With the beginning of the new school year, all parents should take the time to talk to their children about this topic. Give them the tools they need to confront the problem. The first is humor. Most bullies can be laughed away, but sometimes the only choice is to stand up for your own dignity. But, if fighting back is not your cup of tea, then telling an adult at school, and home, are the next best things. There is no shame in being bullied; but there is also no reason to accept it lying down

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