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 St. 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.
The testimony of struggles, hopes, dreams, laughter, and fun of real people who are no longer with us fueled Park’s desire to share her parents’ letters. “At this moment in history, ‘We the People’ need to dig deep for hope and restoration of civility. I appreciate now more than ever the patient teaching moments of Roberta and Buster, and how they informed my values,” said Park. These lessons are universal. “We humans are often too quick to judge. This is why others may hide from uncomfortable conversations with family and friends that we can, and must, learn from,” continued Park. In the author’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 her sharing their story in Brides of 1941 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.”
This well-researched and insightful history digs deep into the personal lives of the Bedford family during World War II. The use of primary source letters and the author’s anecdotal comments puts wind in the sails of this delightful narrative!
Shawna Anderson, Family Historian, and retired educator