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The accident occurred outside of San Diego, and the hospital was about
five miles from La Jolla. Ruth took the bus to the hospital every morning, and, since the blackout was still in
effect, a colonel who lived La Jolla brought her back there every evening before dark. To keep the centers of population
along the coast from being detected, no one was to drive after dark because the use of headlights was forbidden.
The blackout actually was responsible for the extensive family tragedy, since Julius, Vera and the girls had been
enjoying an evening at Coronado, and they remained there later than they should have. It began to get dark when
they were traveling back to Fort Pendleton, and a car collided with theirs. When they lay Vera on the road while
awaiting help, a big oil truck ignored the flares signaling an accident and struck Vera, killing her instantly.
Ruth mentioned that, typical of his generosity, FJD paid all the expenses associated with Vera's burial, including
purchasing the family plot in Metairie Cemetery where the rest of the deceased family members now lie.
John came right back to New Orleans to live with his grandparents, and when Julius returned to New Orleans after
the war, he also moved into his parents' home. Carol remained close to Ruth. When Carol returned to New Orleans,
she completed her degree at Newcomb and lived at Audubon Place until she married. Her fiancé, Fred Eiseman,
was with General Patton in Europe and Ruth had to comfort Carol because she was so concerned about Fred's welfare.
Carol and Fred married at Audubon Place after he returned--on Valentine's Day in 1946, George, a bachelor until
his marriage to Mathilde in 1947, remained at home in Audubon Place, so the six rooms upstairs remained fully occupied
for many years.
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