UPDATE: Dorothy Lehman, a 96-year-old veteran of World War II, captivated an audience at the Schuylkill County Historical Society with her vivid memories of life on the homefront, as the nation marked the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. During her talk on August 14, 2025, Lehman recalled the pivotal moment that changed her life forever — the day the U.S. entered the war.
On December 7, 1941, the then-13-year-old received a call home from a friend’s house, unaware she was about to witness history. “My parents and grandparents were gathered around the radio listening to President Roosevelt declare war following the attack on Pearl Harbor,” she recounted. The impact of those words, “a date which will live in infamy,” still resonates with her 84 years later.
The event attracted an audience of over 50 people, many of whom were spellbound by Lehman’s engaging storytelling filled with humor and poignancy. She shared memories of life as a young girl, facing shortages of silk stockings — a necessity before they were diverted for military use. “We learned to use makeup to mimic stockings,” she said, prompting laughter as she recalled the rain washing it away.
Lehman vividly described the bustling scenes of draftees marching down Centre Street and the booming coal mines and railroads that powered the war effort. In her narrative, she highlighted the vital role women played as “Rosie-the-Riveters,” working in local defense plants.
She also spoke of her father, Fred Lehman, who volunteered as an air raid warden. “If the shades weren’t drawn during an air raid warning, you’d get a knock on the door,” she explained. The audience listened intently as she described the rationing of food, gasoline, and even shoes, emphasizing the sacrifices made during wartime.
Lehman recalled the unappetizing school lunches that included Spam-on-lettuce and the use of oleo margarine, which was a poor substitute for butter. “We were at war, and nobody complained,” she said, highlighting the collective resilience of her generation.
The financial burden of the war fell on the people, as she explained how families saved quarters to purchase war bonds. “You’d save until you had $18 to buy a bond that could be redeemed for $25 years later,” she noted, showcasing the community’s commitment to supporting the war effort.
News of the conflict spread through radios, newspapers, and newsreels, while government censorship ensured that sensitive information remained under wraps. Lehman fondly recalled her pen pal in England, where London faced relentless bombings, yet their correspondence avoided discussing the grim realities of war.
A poignant moment came when she shared how the principal of Pottsville High delivered the news of a local soldier’s death. “His normally cheerful demeanor vanished,” Lehman recalled, capturing the somber mood of that day.
As the war drew to a close, celebrations erupted in Pottsville, with jubilant crowds flooding the streets upon Japan’s surrender on September 2, 1945. “We were shoulder-to-shoulder, yelling in celebration,” she said, reflecting the relief and joy felt by the nation.
Lehman, a former choir director and dedicated volunteer at the historical society, continues to honor the memories of those turbulent times. Her stories serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the resilience displayed by those on the homefront during World War II.
As the audience left, they carried with them not just the facts of history but the living memory of a remarkable woman who continues to inspire through her reflections on a pivotal era in American history.
For those interested in history, Lehman’s talk is a must-see, embodying the spirit of perseverance and unity that defined a generation.
