Normality in Abnormal Times
The rescue at Le Chambon and across the Plateau was sufficiently organized to place refugees—regardless of their circumstances. Children who arrived alone were put into special homes such as La Guespy, L’Abric, and Les Grillons, depending on their age; older students stayed in the Maison des Roches (House of Rocks); and farmers occasionally accommodated individual children, but mostly sheltered families.
As a rural, agrarian area, the Plateau Vivarais-Lignon was self-sustaining even during the deprivations of the war. Although hunger was widespread, there was always enough food to get by. Most children attended either the local public school run by Roger Darcissac or The New Cévenole School. Young adults went to farm and trade schools.
During free time, various activities were organized. Despite the refugee children hiding in Le Chambon, there were moments of levity on the Plateau. Winter sports were very popular, especially because of the long winter. In the summer, the children played an assortment of sports and swam in the Lignon River.
Children in the snow on the Plateau
Normality in Abnormal Times
Many winter activities were organized for the children on the Plateau.
Rudi Appel’s report card
Many children attended school at the École Nouvelle Cévenole, founded by pastors Trocmé and Theis. This report card of Rudi Appel, a refugee from Germany, shows that he needed to learn French which was not his native language.
La Guespy children with Juliette Usach
Jewish children living at the La Guespy children's home in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon pose with their director, Juliette Usach (in glasses).
Magda Trocmé participated in a sack race
There were moments of levity, too. Here, Magda Trocmé, Pastor Trocmé’s wife who taught at the École Nouvelle Cévenole, participated in a sack race.
Zinger Family in the Lignon River
During the summer, refugees would swim in the Lignon River. Here, Victor Lucien Zinger is seen swimming with his sister, Cirlène (Liberman), and their mother who was the cook at La Guespy.
Swimming in the Lignon River
During the summer, refugees would swim in the Lignon River.
Children playing in Le Chambon
Children playing in Le Chambon was a typical scene of life in the Swiss Red Cross homes.
La Guespy children in the winter
The children of La Guespy in the snow. Many winter activities were organized for the children. Victor Lucien Zinger is the boy winking with blond hair.
Winter on the Plateau
Many winter activities were organized for the children.