Part 2: In Pursuit of Dreams
The Vivian Mae Faircloth Story
After her father's untimely death in 1934 in part 1, Vivian’s family faced financial hardships, moving to Northeast Minneapolis and relying on government assistance. Driven by ambitions born from scarcity, Vivian longed for stability, a devoted husband, and a home of her own, vowing that her future children would not endure the poverty she experienced.
A Dance with Destiny
In February of 1941, Vivian, freshly turned sixteen, was on the brink of completing her junior year of high school, poised to begin her first “real” job at a rug factory. Like her siblings, a portion of her earnings went towards family expenses, but she also pocketed some for herself, indulging in the pleasures that adolescence offered: cosmetics, hair products, and a few cherished pieces of clothing.
A few months later, Vivian found herself at a wedding celebration, a vision of youth and grace on the dance floor. Her presence didn't go unnoticed, catching the eye of a dashing, dark-haired man with captivating brown eyes. When he invited her to dance, she discovered he was the most skilled dancer in the room. The attraction was mutual, as he later confessed, "When I saw her on the dance floor, she was a beautiful sight that attract me."
Louis J Corbo, at 20, was undeniably handsome and exuded charm. Their families shared similarities, especially as it related to being raised with little money in the family. However, Louis was raised with two parents in a very loving environment, rooted in faith and though they didn’t have money to spare, the family was much more conservative in their spending and thus much more stable. As the son of immigrants, he was raised in an Italian-speaking household and consequently struggled with the English language as a school boy. He ended up dropping out after 8th grade and taking up employment with odd jobs around the city.
It wasn’t long after that fateful meeting that Vivian experienced her first genuine date, when Louis sought permission to escort her to a formal dance which she eagerly anticipated. A dime store in Minneapolis held the perfect garment: a full-length white organdy dress adorned with black polka dots and a velvet belt. Her mother, sensing a budding romance, paid for the dress and Vivian cherished it as the most exquisite possession she'd ever owned, even envisioning it as a future wedding dress. The evening materialized into her fondest dream – dancing with her dashing beau and the cherished memory of her first “grown up” kiss. Love coursed through Vivian; she revered Louis, hanging on his every accented word. His sentiments mirrored hers.
With little expenses of his own, Louis was able to use his money to lavish affection on Vivian. Harriet loved him too. Anyone that charming was welcome in her home, especially since he was a formidable foe in a game of cards, which they frequently played while waiting for Vivian.
The summer unfurled like a romantic dream. They danced beneath star-studded skies, enjoyed drive-in movies, and delighted in joyous gatherings full of youthful laughter with their friends. Hand-holding moments along the banks of Phalen Creek defined their budding affection, sheltered by the bliss of first love's innocence. Every heartbeat, secret shared, and stolen kiss was etched into the narrative of a love story that seemed boundless.
Then, seven months into their courtship, on December 7, 1941, their lives – and the world – changed forever.
The Dawn of Duty
In the early 1940s, the specter of war hung over Europe, but for young souls like Vivian and Louis, the idea of America’s involvement remained distant. Then, the shocking attack on Pearl Harbor shook the nation, even in the quiet corners of Minnesota. Bound by deep love and youthful dreams of a future together, they found themselves facing an unexpected turn when Vivian discovered she was pregnant. In a world of chaos and uncertainty, the only thing that brought stability to Vivian’s life was Louis. So, she left school, held her job at the rug factory, and purchased a white satin wedding gown on layaway, totaling $13.00, paid for 25¢ at a time. Because appearances mattered.
On Valentine’s Day 1942, amid a world consumed by conflict, they left their concerns behind to celebrate their union. Vivian’s older brother, who had promised to walk her down the aisle, was serving in the Army and couldn’t attend, so she nervously made her way alone. The ceremony unfolded in picturesque splendor, followed by joyous revelry. Music, food, a bouquet toss and lots of laughter.
The following day, Louis registered for the draft. Then only months later, when he received his notice, a very pregnant Vivian moved from their modest apartment back into her mother’s home. Louis enlisted in the Navy, entering boot camp in August. Baby David arrived in early September.
As Louis embarked on his wartime service, Vivian stood resolute as a wife and mother, a pillar of independence. Her new war-time factory job garnered top dollar, affording her cherished extras she had once been without. Louis’ remittances sustained the essentials, including support for Vivian’s mother. When the war finally ended, and Louis returned, there was no nest egg for the home Vivian longed for. A year later, with the arrival of their daughter Kathleen, the couple had spent precious little time together despite nearly five years of marriage.
Even in the best of circumstances, it’s easy to be confused about love when you’re young. Vivian and Louis met and fell in love in a world untouched by cynicism. They, like most young lovers, had painted the other with the colors of their own hopes and dreams, overlooking the complexities of which each was made. As the world’s turmoil escalated, a whirlwind of emotions swirled around them, masking their incompatibilities.
Time, however, eventually untangles even the most intricately woven sentiments. Louis, now 25, and Vivian, 21, lived in a 900 square foot rented apartment with two children and the walls were closing in around them.
In part 3, Vivian and Louis struggle in their marriage and she begins a dangerous flirtation that alters the course of her life.
Sooo Good.. Can't wait for the next episode.