Eileen Peterson
also written Eileen in the book
Biography
Narrator visited her house to use her swing. Eileen later said she had envied the children because they always had someone to play with. Especially remembered among "The Petersens." Slapped by her mother after breaking a drinking glass on the sidewalk. The narrator says she grew up to be an exceptionally sweet person. Also had an unnamed brother.
Timeline
date not given
Eileen punished for breaking a glass
The narrator recalls watching in terror as Mrs. Peterson slapped Eileen after she broke a plain drinking glass.
Bernie's Chapter
Stories mentioning Eileen
- Remembered Faces, Flowers, and Childhood PlayBarbara lists people and families she remembers: Mrs. Rohrer shared flowers from her beautiful garden, and Mrs. Johnson asked Barbara to zip up her formals. She also recalls Old-lady Clyde, Earladine and Jean Hoglund, the Petersens, especially Eileen, and Sis Vergaine and her son Stevie, whose possible imprisonment she questions without confirming. The Hancocks had an abandoned little house where the children liked to play. The Ferrys and The Gillersteads are also remembered by name.
- Jacks, Paper Dolls, and a Childhood Full of ImaginationDee remembers a happy childhood despite wartime film shortages and few toys. She recalls punishment for peeling airplane wallpaper, fear after The Wizard of Oz, Virginia’s ketchup prank, and endless games with Pat and neighborhood children. Paper dolls from Iris comforted her during an ear operation. Bicycle rides, a clubhouse, swings, and imaginative play filled the days, although large dogs frightened her and Hannah’s dog once bit her.
- Childhood Beside the Peterson FamilyBernard contrasts his mother's gentle handling of accidents with the Petersons' fearful household, where children faced beatings for accidents or insufficient study. He remembers Eileen becoming a sweet person despite this treatment and believes the harsh rules troubled the boys, especially Billy.
Referenced in
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