The League of Nations

A visit to Switzerland in 1946 involved touring a number of venues. On a "G.I." tour my Dad collected a number of post cards.  "Le Palais des Nations" was included in his collection.

Geneva (Switzerland) it reads on the back.  Mont-Blanc is pictured above the horizon.  An impressive site it must have been coming from Winchester, KY with a population of 8,000 souls.

The Bureau of International Travail is pictured next.  There must have been lots of folks visiting this place around the League of Nations.  International travel would certainly be involved, but it looks like "Le Palais des Nations" takes up a little more space.

A third post card is labeled "Geneve, Notre-Dame et place de Cornavin".  A little different angle it is.  First you traveled, had meetings, and then prayed?  Or is it the other way around?   A busy time in 1946 must have been The League of Nations.

Chateau de Chillon 1946

Past postcards filled a box kept by my father since 1946.  The "Great War" had just ended, and he was part of the "Army of Occupation" that resided in Germany after the war.  On leave, he visited Switzerland, and collected a number of postcards.  The following are two of the "Chateau de Chillion".

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, near Montreux, it has occupied a place in history since the Bishops of Sion found a site many years ago.

The dungeon has been home to a number of distinguished guest.  In 1946, my Dad was at least a visitor.

88 Birthdays

My Dad is 88 years old today.  As a child growing up in the 1950's, I thought reaching the age of 60 years was getting "really old".  Now reaching the age of 88 is not that usual, and not that "really old" since I have passed the age of 60!   How times change.  The following is a picture of Dad some 88 years ago.

Facing the world in is walker.  Let's get going into these 88 years he seems to be saying.  Happy Birthday Dad this July 8, 88 Birthdays later.  Let's keep going.

On Leave

Being in Germany 1946, must have had its unique experiences.  To have a weeks "leave" would certainly bring all the smiles to the faces.  Here are some.

The back row certainly seems all smiling where my Dad stands back row left (looking forward at the picture).  Heading to Switzerland is the plan for these fellows of the 9th Army Air Force.

My Dad collected a lot of post cards from this visit in 1946.  The following is one.

Basel, Munster it says in the lower right.  On the back in small print it reads: "Bale, La Cathedrale".  It would certainly be a place you might want to visit on leave.