Paul Dennis Sporer / Documents & Photographs 2

Paul Dennis Sporer / Background / A wide range of carefully selected biographical information, assembled from various authentic sources, for researchers and genealogists

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	DOCUMENTS AND PHOTOS - PAGE 2
	I am seen here descending a stairway in Rome, Italy, with my father, when I was age three. He is seen carrying his Pan American bag, the airline where he was employed as an accountant and manager for many years. Although he liked the security his job gave him, I believe he would have been happier if he had chosen the career of a writer or journalist. Nonetheless, his employment with an airline meant that we were able to fly for free on standby status, and this afforded us opportunities to travel we would not have had otherwise.

	This is another picture from that European trip, taken in Rome. I have no memory of this very early trip, and I am not sure why my parents decided to take it, considering I was so young. However, I do remember many more things from the trip we took to Croatia when I was eight. Perhaps these early journeys instilled in me an interest in other countries and cultures that I have to this day.

	I am standing beside a crane, which was given to me as a present for my fourth birthday. I loved mechanical toys like this, and had this particular model for years. That large credenza I recall we had for years; it was of European design: very heavy and solid.

	My fourth birthday party was attended by my pals from the area. There are a surprisingly large array of kids here, considering, that at the time we were not living in an apartment building. In another picture, we are sitting on the front stoop of the house we lived in.

	At age five, I am pictured at a local amusement park, that we frequently would go to, called Adventurer's Inn. This is another example of my interest in vehicles. Although many boys like these kinds of rides, I always thought they had a special attraction for me. This might have been a special occasion, since I am wearing a tie.

	At age six, I am standing in front of the apartment House we lived in. I am very smartly dressed, with my hair neatly combed. I have no idea what the occasion was. However, I recall my first test of morality occurred in the front of this building, when a friend of mine tried to induce me to harass an old man walking down the street. I refused, and ran back to my apartment.

	I drew profusely around the ages of 5 and 6, probably trying to find an appropriate way to express myself. At that age, one does not care about style, one can let concepts flow freely. From age six, this is an example of the kinds of drawings I was doing at the time. This police car, with lights flashing, I think adequately expressed my interest in exciting adventures and solving mysteries.

	This is another drawing from when I was about age 6. It is indeed a very eccentric crayon on paper production. It contains a large car, a devil at night attacking several people by pouring out some kind of noxious substance, and a hut or igloo against some kind of lattice work. It might have been inspired by something I saw in a book or a programme on television. I have no idea what were the original ideas behind it, but I suppose it reveals certain psychological features that I still find compelling. I was always interested in religion and myths. I had in interest in underlying motivations that people had, psychology and the unconscious. It combines things that have resonance with me, such as vehicles, myth, religion, protection from threat, home and security.

	This photo was taken near our home in Corona, Queens, showing a typical street scene for the time. I'm here pushing my brother around, who was 1 at the time, whereas I was 6. This is near to the Macy's where I had my bicycle stolen by two boys, a few years later. I was waiting outside the department store, while my mother was inside. I was approached by two boys, one white, one black. They promised to take it for a short ride, but they never returned. I became more apprehensive about strangers after that.

	I'm seen here with my aunt, uncle and brother. My aunt and uncle had only recently arrived from Europe, to remain as residents. We are at an amusement park. The place we would usually go to was called Adventurer's Inn, in Flushing. My favourite rides were the roller coaster, and the machine that whips you around in a semi-circular chair. I'd also spend time playing various games inside; in the days before video and computer games, this type of entertainment was exciting.