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. He wrote many well-received articles about the political and economic situation in Yugoslavia, and was active in Croatian nationalist organisations. Nonetheless, his employment gave him security, and working 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. Note the very few people on the steps, in contrast to the hoards of tourists that were to come to Italy in later years. 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. I have always had an interest in mechanical things, and this possibly led to my interest in aviation. I have become educated about all aspects of aviation, including aerodynamics, systems, regulations and procedures. I have have also become involved in the programming of various areas of flight simulation.

 

 

 

 

 

My fourth birthday party was attended by my friends from the area. There are a surprisingly large array of kids here, considering, that at the time we were living in the top floor unit of a house, and these kids came from the surrounding area. A year after this we moved to an apartment building, where I also made friends with the numerous children living on different floors.

 

 

 

 

 

At age five, I am pictured at a local amusement park that we frequently visit, called Adventurer's Inn. This is another example of my interest in vehicles and machines. 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 now 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 am not sure what concept I ws originally trying to express, but I suppose the drawing reveals certain psychological features that I still find compelling. I was always interested in religion and myths, and related fields of psychology and sociology. It combines things that have resonance with me, such as vehicles, myth, religion, protection from threat, home and security.

 

 

 

 

 

I'm seen here with my aunt and uncle, at an amusement park. My aunt and uncle had only recently arrived from Europe, to remain as residents. 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. I also remember going with my family to the World's Fair in Flushing, where the city built many structures, some of which stand to this day, such as the large globe.

 

 

 

 

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