Today, I am speaking to my friend Mr. Eric Eberhardt, president of one of the oldest independent automobile dealers in the Lehigh Valley.

Eberhardt Motors is observing its 90th anniversary at its Egypt, Whitehall Township location.

We will be returning to World War II and how it affected the nation, the automobile industry and the Eberhardt family.

Eric's grandfather was operating the dealership, then called T.F. Eberhardt & Co., at that time.

Automobile production ceased and the landmark Plymouth was gone until the war ended.

In 1941, Plymouth had produced its 4-millionth model. Now, they were manufacturing tanks, anti-aircraft guns, landing gears for aircraft and even apparatus for the super-secret atomic bomb project.

By 1942, every plant in the Chrysler network was involved in the war effort.

With no new automobiles for sale, Eberhardt was busy repairing automobiles. "Keep 'em running" was the motto, even if they were in poor condition.

Gasoline was at a premium, as rationing was the law of the land. Old-timers remember the rationing coupons allowing for the purchase of gasoline, if available.

Eberhardt sold Gulf gasoline and oil products. Many folks just parked their car in the garage until the war was over. Tires were also rationed. People had to respond to a national emergency and the overwhelming majority did.

Uncle Sam said, "I want you," and conscription, "the draft," drained Egypt and our communities of able-bodied young men.

Two of Mr. Eberhardt's sons were called.

The automobile tools were taken out of their hands, so their father ran the garage to the best of his ability. The garage survived the Great Depression. Now they would face the war effort as they did the Depression.

Both sons, Theodore G. "Ted" and Ferdinand, would answer our nation's call.

Ted, a 1942 graduate of Whitehall High School, served with the 1561st Army Air Force Base Unit, Pacific Division, Air Transport Command in the South Pacific, Spain and Japan. He earned service medals and a Bronze Star.

Ferdinand "Ferdie" served in the U.S. Army Ordnance Department, where his mechanical skill could be used.

While in France, his mother sent him a great "Egypt baked" chocolate cake, which made its way to England and finally to Fontainebleau, France, where he was stationed.

Alas, the cake was moldy, but the package was in good condition. He hoped for better luck next time!

With two sons in the Army, the remainder of the family fortified the home front. At home were sisters Adelene, who was the garage secretary, Roma, Eleanor, Loretta and Sara.

Both Roma and Eleanor were extremely helpful at the garage. They exchanged their school clothing for coveralls, pumping gasoline when available and even greasing automobiles.

You had Rosie the Riverter at the Bethlehem Steel, and in Egypt, we had the Eberhardt girls keeping Egypt running.

Their father, Theodore F. Eberhardt, took on a task which brought a feeling of home.

With a group of dedicated Egypt citizens, many of whom had sons and daughters serving the nation, he embarked on a newspaper program.

They organized, typed and published The Egyptian, a monthly newspaper chronicling all those serving in the military. The paper was filled with information on military personnel and news from home. The paper was sent to hundreds of those serving, from Europe to the Pacific.

Eric Eberhardt has provided for you, my readers, some rare copies of the paper.

I know you will enjoy the nostalgia of my next two columns!