Name/Title
AU Ward, Helen Marie [O'Connor] - 1989-03-XX InterviewEntry/Object ID
2010.1.19Context
Conversation with Helen (Ward) O'Connor
March 1989
Naples, Florida
Bertha visiting on Staten Island & was upset that Marge was going to leave the house in a blizzard to attend Helen's graduation, 10 days after Paul was born. Helen graduated high school 4 Feb 1947.
Aunt Ethel and Harry were living with us on Staten Island when Midge was born. Vernon in and out (in service). Dotty was married.
Vern Collett "Lucky" - married "Bumpy" early in WWII Just before going overseas - she was a USO dancer ~ 1941. He went to the Pacific, she went to Europe. Vern returned after war. Divorced about year Midge was born. ?
Aunt Ethel was a wreck over (Midge's birth?) "I know something's wrong! I know something's wrong!" Christmas 1945 (mom pregnant with Midge?) went to NYC because on the outs with Aunt Ethel, Uncle Harry, Aunt Ida - Mostly Aunt Ethel & Marge (problems started after Midge was born?)
Aunt Ethel didn't move out in winter when Paul was born, only Helen living on Prospect St. with us.
When Paul was born (1947): Dotty & Marty living in the projects on Staten Island (Port Richmond, West Brighton ?) Married 1944. Ethel & Harry were out in Titanville?, the other end of the island.
On top floor of 104 Canal St.
[End of Page 1]
Dotty & Marty were in Boston when Mike was born in 1945 (Marty still in Navy) born in Chelsea Naval Hospital. Helen (Age 16) was with Dotty in Boston when Mike born. Marty was supposed to get a leave after Mike was born so they could all go to Staten Island with Helen. Leave was frozen due to atomic bomb attack on Japan (check dates) Dotty wasn't going to go, but Marty talked her into it. Marty stayed, Dotty, Mike, & Helen went on train. Marty came down later, to 111 Prospect. They moved to S.I. when he got out of the Navy.
About 1947, Vern was out of the service & had gone down south somewhere, training horses. Had jockey friends & was working at a track.
Dad rented 111 Prospect St. about 1943-44 from Chicago. Helen was living in the house behind the cold water flat with Ethel & Harry. Ida & Tommy were in Midland Beach (barber shop)
Paul's Christening
God Mother - Ethel Schenkel - Helen's best friend. Were going to go to nursing school together, but Helen got turned down because of her ear. She went to Conn, Helen got into Lenox Hill
In Calif. visited from Calif with kid in ~1966. Met husband in England. Her cousin lives in Wayne, NJ (Fritz Woelfle?)
[End of Page 2]
Helen & I looking at video
?Detroit apartment (house?)
First person on the stairs appears to be Bob Nelson
2nd person on the stairs appears to be Harry Elders?
3rd person on the stairs appears to be we have no idea.
Calif trip very beginning of 1948 or end of 47
Helen capped in Feb 1948 & dad & Verne were in N.Y. for the show tour, & may have already been to California.
Bob Nelson walking around fountain
Ambassador Lido Club
Verne swimming in Pool
Some other actor, Verne, Bob Nelson, then Pat Walks in
[End of Notes]
