By Joan Mattson, August 20, 2014
The years from 1941 – 45 were known as “the war” for the Second World War. To understand the war effort, we can concentrate on those years in a little town. We went to war.
Our school, of course, had current events, traced the war on maps, sold savings stamps in the classrooms, and held many events concerning the war.
Our churches, of course, prayed, made up packages for war-torn areas, etc.
The movies were very popular during the war, and many had war themes and scenes. The theaters were centers for bond drives and a tremendous amount of money was raised for war bonds. Before each showing of the films, the National Anthem was played, and we all stood very tall.
Posters were everywhere. They were filled with “ENLIST” and “Uncle Sam wants YOU” themes. Everyone flashed the “V for Victory” sign at all times. Of course we all cleaned tin cans and flattened them “for the war effort.”
The factories were at full speed. Many women took men’s jobs as the men went into the service. One important refinery in Paulsboro was “Sacony-Vacuum” then later changed to “Sacony Mobil,” and in the next town was “DuPont.”
My family tells me I asked my father what was put in newspapers before the war, as they were filled with war articles and pictures during the war.
I was ten when the war ended. It was a new world I entered.