Back on Nov. 8, 2013, I wrote about this woman turning 105 in my World War II blog, Tattooed On Your Soul, and that she worked at the Scuvill Manufacturing Company in Waterbury, Ct., during the war. I'd never heard of this company so some more research was in order.
From the Women, Enterprise & Society Collection at Harvard University.
This company produced brass objects like buttons, screws and tools in Waterbury, Ct., from 1802-1956. Its payroll records from 1862-1916 indicate that about half of the workers were women.
From Wikipedia.
Waterbury is known by the nickname "Brass City," and is 77 miles northeast of New York City. During World War II, some 10,000 worked at Scuvill Manufacturing which was sold to Century Brass in 1956.
Just a Follow Up. --Cooter
Showing posts with label WW II Homefront. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WW II Homefront. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
World War II Liberty Ships
One of these Liberty Ships was the Thomas J. Rusk (J for Jefferson) and was an EC2-S-C1 type. Other ships build by Houston Shipbuilding Corporation were the Sam Houston, Davy Crockett and James Bowie as a nod to Texas history.
Quite a few were named after Civil War persons such as Matthew Maury, Winfield Scott, A.P. Hill, James Longstreet, Joseph E. Johnston, J.E.B. Stuart, John B. Hood and Fitzhugh Lee.
Also, one was christened the Amelia Earhart.
To get an idea how fast these ships could be built, the Rusk had its keel laid 3 Sep 1942, was launched 11 Nov 1942 and delivered 26 Nov 1942.
One Liberty Ship was possibly the only one ever named after a living person. Francis J. O'Gara was the purser on the Jean Nicolet which was sunk by a Japanese submarine. It was thought that he had died, but he returned from a Japanese POW camp after the war.
Building 'Em Fast. --Cooter
Quite a few were named after Civil War persons such as Matthew Maury, Winfield Scott, A.P. Hill, James Longstreet, Joseph E. Johnston, J.E.B. Stuart, John B. Hood and Fitzhugh Lee.
Also, one was christened the Amelia Earhart.
To get an idea how fast these ships could be built, the Rusk had its keel laid 3 Sep 1942, was launched 11 Nov 1942 and delivered 26 Nov 1942.
One Liberty Ship was possibly the only one ever named after a living person. Francis J. O'Gara was the purser on the Jean Nicolet which was sunk by a Japanese submarine. It was thought that he had died, but he returned from a Japanese POW camp after the war.
Building 'Em Fast. --Cooter
Friday, December 23, 2011
The Dec. 7, 1941, Bears-Cardinals Football Game-- Part 1
From the Dec. 11th Chicago Tribune "Flashback Update: Bears-Cardinals game went on as U.S. went to war."
After the Dec. 5th Flashback article, the Tribune writers were not able to find out how the fans attending the Dec. 7, 1941, football game between the two Chicago teams found out about the attack on Pearl Harbor.
There was nothing in the Tribune from those days to say.
But reader Wallace Rosenbaum was at the game and let them know.
He was nearly 15 that day and living on Chicago's West Side. he went to the game with four buddies, all with free tickets from the Chicago Times. And that's considering this was a big rivalry game since both teams were from Chicago (the Cardinals later moved to St. Louis and are in Atizona now).
"We took three street cars to get to Comiskey Park, said Rosenbaum. "We were sitting where they put the kids (with free tickets), way up there."
More to Come. --Cooter
After the Dec. 5th Flashback article, the Tribune writers were not able to find out how the fans attending the Dec. 7, 1941, football game between the two Chicago teams found out about the attack on Pearl Harbor.
There was nothing in the Tribune from those days to say.
But reader Wallace Rosenbaum was at the game and let them know.
He was nearly 15 that day and living on Chicago's West Side. he went to the game with four buddies, all with free tickets from the Chicago Times. And that's considering this was a big rivalry game since both teams were from Chicago (the Cardinals later moved to St. Louis and are in Atizona now).
"We took three street cars to get to Comiskey Park, said Rosenbaum. "We were sitting where they put the kids (with free tickets), way up there."
More to Come. --Cooter
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Women's Land Army Has Hen Party During World War II
From the Flashback page in the National Geographic Magazine. You can see this one, I didn't get the date, at www.ngm.com.
The photo shows three women wearing overalls walking down a road from the back and each carrying two chickens under their arms.
The caption reads: "Recruits of the Women's Land Army take poultry care in stride while training in Northamptonshire, England, in 1940. During World War II "land girls" from all over Britain were asked (and eventually conscripted) to work on farms as replacements for men who had left to fight.
By 1944 around 80,000 women had been enlisted to grow the country's food. In recent years the U.K.'s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has recognized more than 34,000 former land girls for their wartime service."
I had never heard of this group before. There is a good article in Wikipedia about it. Apparently, the organization also existed during World War I.
All for the War Effort. --Cooter
The photo shows three women wearing overalls walking down a road from the back and each carrying two chickens under their arms.
The caption reads: "Recruits of the Women's Land Army take poultry care in stride while training in Northamptonshire, England, in 1940. During World War II "land girls" from all over Britain were asked (and eventually conscripted) to work on farms as replacements for men who had left to fight.
By 1944 around 80,000 women had been enlisted to grow the country's food. In recent years the U.K.'s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has recognized more than 34,000 former land girls for their wartime service."
I had never heard of this group before. There is a good article in Wikipedia about it. Apparently, the organization also existed during World War I.
All for the War Effort. --Cooter
Monday, December 12, 2011
Chicago Tribune Flashback to Monday, Dec. 7, 1941-- Part 3
From the Dec. 4th Chicago Tribune.
THE EDITORIAL ran on page one this day "We All Have Only One Task."
The page one editorials for Dec. 8, 9 and 10 have to be understood in context. The Tribune is a Republican newspaper, so Democrats are fair game. The president was a Democrat and the Tribune's publisher, Col. Robert McCormick, was a fierce isolationist as well. he hated FDR's big government and New Deal. The Tribune and McCormick had been at war with FDR for years, but the attack necessitated a change of stance.
This one urged Americans to put differences behind them and unite for war. The Japanese were horrible for using diplomacy to mask a military attack and that all able-bodied men should go to arms.
It's War!!
THE EDITORIAL ran on page one this day "We All Have Only One Task."
The page one editorials for Dec. 8, 9 and 10 have to be understood in context. The Tribune is a Republican newspaper, so Democrats are fair game. The president was a Democrat and the Tribune's publisher, Col. Robert McCormick, was a fierce isolationist as well. he hated FDR's big government and New Deal. The Tribune and McCormick had been at war with FDR for years, but the attack necessitated a change of stance.
This one urged Americans to put differences behind them and unite for war. The Japanese were horrible for using diplomacy to mask a military attack and that all able-bodied men should go to arms.
It's War!!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Hazards Bubble Up from Old Wrecks-- Part 5: Off Maryland and Delaware
Along with a photo of the W.L. Steed, there was a map of the waters off the Mid-Atlantic states showing some wreck sites that pose a risk.
VANRANGER-- Tanker carrying 12,700 tons of fuel oil torpedoed in 1942.
INDIA ARROW-- Tanker carrying 88,369 barrels of diesel fuel torpedoed in 1942.
JOHN MORGAN-- Collided with another vessel on its maiden voyage in 1943.
W.L. STEED-- Tanker carrying 66,000 barrels of crude oil torpedoed in 1941.
MARINE ELECTRIC-- Sank in 1983 with 3,600 barrels of fuel oil in its bunkers.
If any of these ships sank today, no doubt oil speculators would rush out to buy oil causing us regular folk to have to immediately pay higher at the pump.
Watch Out for the U-Boats! --DaCoot
VANRANGER-- Tanker carrying 12,700 tons of fuel oil torpedoed in 1942.
INDIA ARROW-- Tanker carrying 88,369 barrels of diesel fuel torpedoed in 1942.
JOHN MORGAN-- Collided with another vessel on its maiden voyage in 1943.
W.L. STEED-- Tanker carrying 66,000 barrels of crude oil torpedoed in 1941.
MARINE ELECTRIC-- Sank in 1983 with 3,600 barrels of fuel oil in its bunkers.
If any of these ships sank today, no doubt oil speculators would rush out to buy oil causing us regular folk to have to immediately pay higher at the pump.
Watch Out for the U-Boats! --DaCoot
Monday, September 19, 2011
North Carolina in World War II
From the NC State Archives Blog.
North Carolina sent over 370,000 men and women into service during World War II. North Carolinians comprised the largest number in the Army.
One of them was my Uncle Delbert Hatch, who was in the 101st Airborne and at the Battle of the Bulge when most of his platoon were killed.
On the home front, tens of thousands worked in war industries. Others purchased war bonds and stamps and produced food for the effort.
The Greatest Generation.
North Carolina sent over 370,000 men and women into service during World War II. North Carolinians comprised the largest number in the Army.
One of them was my Uncle Delbert Hatch, who was in the 101st Airborne and at the Battle of the Bulge when most of his platoon were killed.
On the home front, tens of thousands worked in war industries. Others purchased war bonds and stamps and produced food for the effort.
The Greatest Generation.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Camp Davis
I'm planning on driving about 12 miles to Holly Ridge, North Carolina, to take a look at whatever remains of the huge World War II camp which served several roles during the conflict, but primarily as an Antiaircraft Artillery School.
According to a pamphlet I bought, about the only part of it that remains is at the Camp Davis Restaurant which was part of the base's administrative headquarters. If it is still there, we might even eat at it.
The Missiles and More Museum in Topsail Beach has a nice exhibit on Camp Davis.
We'll See. --Cooter
According to a pamphlet I bought, about the only part of it that remains is at the Camp Davis Restaurant which was part of the base's administrative headquarters. If it is still there, we might even eat at it.
The Missiles and More Museum in Topsail Beach has a nice exhibit on Camp Davis.
We'll See. --Cooter
Friday, August 12, 2011
Wilmington, NC "America's World War II City"-- Part 3
I doubt that any other American city has done so much with its World War II heritage. They even have a World War II Trail you can drive.
6. Wilmington lost 248 men defending America. Two Hanover High School graduates were given the Congressional Medal of Honor and numerous others received high decorations for valor, including Navy Crosses, Distinguished Service Crosses and Distinguished Flying Crosses.
7. Wilmington's strategic position made it vulnerable to attack by German U-boats which marauded shipping off the beaches. In July 1943m a U-boat fired at the Ethan-Dow chemical plant in Wilmington, perhaps the only German attack on mainland America.
Wilmington endured the attack as well as constant civilian defense restrictions, air raid drills, black outs and dim outs.
The population more than doubled with military personnel forcing locals to cope with shortages and crowding in housing, schools, transportation, medical and social services, law enforcement and food supply.
Almost every American city faced the trials and tribulations of World War and are deserving of designation, but Wilmington takes the lead.
I Sure Hope They Get It. --Cooter
6. Wilmington lost 248 men defending America. Two Hanover High School graduates were given the Congressional Medal of Honor and numerous others received high decorations for valor, including Navy Crosses, Distinguished Service Crosses and Distinguished Flying Crosses.
7. Wilmington's strategic position made it vulnerable to attack by German U-boats which marauded shipping off the beaches. In July 1943m a U-boat fired at the Ethan-Dow chemical plant in Wilmington, perhaps the only German attack on mainland America.
Wilmington endured the attack as well as constant civilian defense restrictions, air raid drills, black outs and dim outs.
The population more than doubled with military personnel forcing locals to cope with shortages and crowding in housing, schools, transportation, medical and social services, law enforcement and food supply.
Almost every American city faced the trials and tribulations of World War and are deserving of designation, but Wilmington takes the lead.
I Sure Hope They Get It. --Cooter
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Wilmington, NC "America's World War II City"-- Part 2
More reasons for the designation:
3. The North Carolina Shipbuilding Company of Wilmington, the state's largest employer at the time, constructed 243 cargo vessels.
4. Wilmington provided the Atlantic Coastline Railroad headquarters, three housing camps for German prisoners of war, a major training base for P-47 fighters, defense industries producing goods and equipment, a British patrol base and a shipping base for Lend-Lease supplies for the Allies.
5. Wilmington sent thousands of sons and daughters to fight the enemy on land, air and sea., P-51 fighters, Tuskegee Airmen, submarine skippers, bomber pilots, Army artillerymen, physicians, nurses and volunteers of all sorts.
Definitely Reason to Become the First World War II City. And, I'm Not Finished. --Cooter
3. The North Carolina Shipbuilding Company of Wilmington, the state's largest employer at the time, constructed 243 cargo vessels.
4. Wilmington provided the Atlantic Coastline Railroad headquarters, three housing camps for German prisoners of war, a major training base for P-47 fighters, defense industries producing goods and equipment, a British patrol base and a shipping base for Lend-Lease supplies for the Allies.
5. Wilmington sent thousands of sons and daughters to fight the enemy on land, air and sea., P-51 fighters, Tuskegee Airmen, submarine skippers, bomber pilots, Army artillerymen, physicians, nurses and volunteers of all sorts.
Definitely Reason to Become the First World War II City. And, I'm Not Finished. --Cooter
Monday, August 8, 2011
Wilmington, NC "American World War II City"-- Part 1
From the August 5th Wilmington (NC) Star-News "McIntyre seeks WW II designation for Wilmington."
US Representative Mike McIntyre wants Wilmington to be designated as the first "American World War II City" because of its numerous contributions to the war effort.
As such, he has introduced legislation in the House where the bill has been referred to the House Veteran Affairs Committee.
From what I know about Wilmington's role in the war, this would be a very appropriate designation. To say the war had an impact on Wilmington would be a serious understatement. Wilmington has also probably done more to highlight that era than any other American city as well. they even have a World War II Driving Tour.
Representative McIntyre lists these contributions in his bill:
1. Wilmington was the country's unique wartime boom, and aptly and officially was named "The Defense Capital of the State."
2. Wilmington based and trained all five military services: the Air Force at Wilmington Airport, the Army at Camp Davis and Fort Fisher, the Navy at Fort Caswell, the Coast Guard at Caswell Beach and Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, (OK, that's at Jacksonville, NC, but its close enough).
More to Come. --DaCoot
US Representative Mike McIntyre wants Wilmington to be designated as the first "American World War II City" because of its numerous contributions to the war effort.
As such, he has introduced legislation in the House where the bill has been referred to the House Veteran Affairs Committee.
From what I know about Wilmington's role in the war, this would be a very appropriate designation. To say the war had an impact on Wilmington would be a serious understatement. Wilmington has also probably done more to highlight that era than any other American city as well. they even have a World War II Driving Tour.
Representative McIntyre lists these contributions in his bill:
1. Wilmington was the country's unique wartime boom, and aptly and officially was named "The Defense Capital of the State."
2. Wilmington based and trained all five military services: the Air Force at Wilmington Airport, the Army at Camp Davis and Fort Fisher, the Navy at Fort Caswell, the Coast Guard at Caswell Beach and Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, (OK, that's at Jacksonville, NC, but its close enough).
More to Come. --DaCoot
Friday, July 29, 2011
World War II Shipwrecks Could Threaten US Coast-- Part 1
Fuel, Cargo Tanks Corroding
From the July 8th Baltimore Sun, by Frank D. Roylance.
On February 2, 1942, the unarmed tanker W.L. Steed was cruising in the Atlantic Ocean, about 90 miles off Ocean City, Maryland with 66,000 barrels of crude oil, when a torpedo from a German U-boat struck the ship. Only a few of the 38 crew members escaped death.
After the US entered World War II, the German U-boats moved operations to off the American coast and stayed there until July 1942 when they shifted main operations to intercept North Atlantic convoys. Even them, enough of their submarines remained off the shores to claim 397 ships.
Now, some of those ships have reached the point where hull integrity is breaking down, releasing the dangerous contents of their cargoes.
More to Come. --Cooter
From the July 8th Baltimore Sun, by Frank D. Roylance.
On February 2, 1942, the unarmed tanker W.L. Steed was cruising in the Atlantic Ocean, about 90 miles off Ocean City, Maryland with 66,000 barrels of crude oil, when a torpedo from a German U-boat struck the ship. Only a few of the 38 crew members escaped death.
After the US entered World War II, the German U-boats moved operations to off the American coast and stayed there until July 1942 when they shifted main operations to intercept North Atlantic convoys. Even them, enough of their submarines remained off the shores to claim 397 ships.
Now, some of those ships have reached the point where hull integrity is breaking down, releasing the dangerous contents of their cargoes.
More to Come. --Cooter
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Did a World War II Plane Crash Near Masonboro Church, NC, in 1944?
From the Wilmington (NC) Star News My Reporter column by Cece Nann.
An Army airplane crashed on Masonboro island in 1944. Emerson Willard, 89, a Wilmington resident, was standing outside a seafood restaurant at Whiskey Creek when a Douglas Dauntless dive bomber crashed across the sound.
He and another person got a small boat and crossed over to the site, but the army had already flown in a small plane and evacuated one of the pilots. The other one was taken out by boat. One of the pilots died.
Said Wilard, "They used to have gunnery practice over there (Masonboro Island) quite a bit."
Wilmington resident Wilber D. Jones wrote in his book about Wilmington during the war, "By my count at least 21 planes crashed and 14 pilots died in and around Wilmington during the war."
The planes operated out of Bluethenthal Army Air Base, which today is Wilmington International Airport.
Just Another Aspect of the War on the Homefront. --DaCoot
An Army airplane crashed on Masonboro island in 1944. Emerson Willard, 89, a Wilmington resident, was standing outside a seafood restaurant at Whiskey Creek when a Douglas Dauntless dive bomber crashed across the sound.
He and another person got a small boat and crossed over to the site, but the army had already flown in a small plane and evacuated one of the pilots. The other one was taken out by boat. One of the pilots died.
Said Wilard, "They used to have gunnery practice over there (Masonboro Island) quite a bit."
Wilmington resident Wilber D. Jones wrote in his book about Wilmington during the war, "By my count at least 21 planes crashed and 14 pilots died in and around Wilmington during the war."
The planes operated out of Bluethenthal Army Air Base, which today is Wilmington International Airport.
Just Another Aspect of the War on the Homefront. --DaCoot
Friday, April 22, 2011
World War II Posters Revive Rally Cry--- Part 4
Leadenham continued, "The office commissioned many of the most famous commercial artists of the day. These posters were designed to have an effect on people to make them do something--Buy War Bonds!-- or think bad thoughts about the enemy or remember our values."
The Office of War Information (OWI) placed posters into five categories-- the five N's:
** The nature of our allies
** The nature of our enemy
** The need to work
** The need to sacrifice
** The need to fight.
All five categories are in the Hoover Institute's collection as well as Rader's.
Both have Norman Rockwell's famous Four Freedoms-- "Freedom of Speech," "Freedom of Worship," "Freedom from Fear" and the famous Thanksgiving table "Freedom from Want." A set of the four original 28-by-40-inch posters goes for $3000 on eBay.
The OWI series "This is the Enemy" crosses the political-correctness line. One features a Nazi hand clutching a dagger stabbing the Bible. Another features Japanese soldiers with bug-like features.
Leadenham adds, "You have to put these posters into context. You have to understand what was going on back then. We were at war."
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Illinois, had an exhibit of war time posters several years back. I spend quite awhile at it looking and reading about them and have been interested in then ever since.
Save That Old Stuff. You Never Know When It Might make You Rich. --DaCoot
The Office of War Information (OWI) placed posters into five categories-- the five N's:
** The nature of our allies
** The nature of our enemy
** The need to work
** The need to sacrifice
** The need to fight.
All five categories are in the Hoover Institute's collection as well as Rader's.
Both have Norman Rockwell's famous Four Freedoms-- "Freedom of Speech," "Freedom of Worship," "Freedom from Fear" and the famous Thanksgiving table "Freedom from Want." A set of the four original 28-by-40-inch posters goes for $3000 on eBay.
The OWI series "This is the Enemy" crosses the political-correctness line. One features a Nazi hand clutching a dagger stabbing the Bible. Another features Japanese soldiers with bug-like features.
Leadenham adds, "You have to put these posters into context. You have to understand what was going on back then. We were at war."
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Illinois, had an exhibit of war time posters several years back. I spend quite awhile at it looking and reading about them and have been interested in then ever since.
Save That Old Stuff. You Never Know When It Might make You Rich. --DaCoot
World War II Posters Reviving the Battle Cry-- Part 3
I started this entry back on April 6th.
Owner Vernon Rader recalls a salesman coming into his office and seeing his World War II collection, told him he had a friend with a huge collection of era posters and would he be interested in buying them.
Rader was, a deal was struck and all 346 posters arrived in a big box. Rader had originally offered to pay $30 for them, but when he saw how much postage the man had paid, upped it to $45.
"That was good money for those kinds of posters in the early '60s," Rader says.
Today, World War II posters in good shape can get from $200 to $3,000 according to Carol Leadenham, an archivist at Stanford University's Hoover Institution which possesses 100,000 propaganda posters. Finding posters in that good of a shape is uncommon.
Most of Rader's posters were produced by the Office of War Information (OWI) and all were printed between 1942 to 1945.
I wrote about several OWI photos connected to women working in factories on the home front earlier this month. See "War Production on the Home Front," parts 1-5.
More to Come. --Cooter
Owner Vernon Rader recalls a salesman coming into his office and seeing his World War II collection, told him he had a friend with a huge collection of era posters and would he be interested in buying them.
Rader was, a deal was struck and all 346 posters arrived in a big box. Rader had originally offered to pay $30 for them, but when he saw how much postage the man had paid, upped it to $45.
"That was good money for those kinds of posters in the early '60s," Rader says.
Today, World War II posters in good shape can get from $200 to $3,000 according to Carol Leadenham, an archivist at Stanford University's Hoover Institution which possesses 100,000 propaganda posters. Finding posters in that good of a shape is uncommon.
Most of Rader's posters were produced by the Office of War Information (OWI) and all were printed between 1942 to 1945.
I wrote about several OWI photos connected to women working in factories on the home front earlier this month. See "War Production on the Home Front," parts 1-5.
More to Come. --Cooter
Friday, April 15, 2011
War Production on the Home Front-- Part 5
Another person commented that their mother had worked in a similar place during the war in Connecticut's Naugatuck Valley. She was an inspector for clocks and gauges that went into submarines and planes.
All able-bodied women were "encouraged" to do their duty and assist in the war effort. Her grandmother cared for us kids as "her duty." Kids collected scrap metal and newspapers.
Everyone did their part.
Among the 95 photos of Alfred Palmer was one showing women preparing a P-51 Mustang for shipping at the Inglewood, California plant. However, instead of the US star on the side of the plane, there was the RAF insignia. This plane was being shipped to Britain for use in the Royal Air Force.
Allies cooperating.
Get 'Er Done!! --DaCoot
All able-bodied women were "encouraged" to do their duty and assist in the war effort. Her grandmother cared for us kids as "her duty." Kids collected scrap metal and newspapers.
Everyone did their part.
Among the 95 photos of Alfred Palmer was one showing women preparing a P-51 Mustang for shipping at the Inglewood, California plant. However, instead of the US star on the side of the plane, there was the RAF insignia. This plane was being shipped to Britain for use in the Royal Air Force.
Allies cooperating.
Get 'Er Done!! --DaCoot
War Production on the Home Front-- Part 4
From an excellent series of photos on Shorpy, this one titled "A Woman's Work: 1942 from September 6, 2010. These pictures gave a good idea of World War II on the home front.
Taken October 2010. "Women become skilled shop technicians after careful training in the school at the Douglas Aircraft Company plant in Long Beach, California.
Planes made here include the B-17F Flying Fortress heavy bomber, A-20 assault bomber and C-47 transport."
Photo taken by Alfred Palmer for the Office of War Information. One person commented that Mr. Palmer took hundreds of photos most in black and white and supploed 95 more.
When you view the photos, which you can find at Shorpy.com or just search the title, be sure to read the comments.
All for One, One for All. --Cooter
Taken October 2010. "Women become skilled shop technicians after careful training in the school at the Douglas Aircraft Company plant in Long Beach, California.
Planes made here include the B-17F Flying Fortress heavy bomber, A-20 assault bomber and C-47 transport."
Photo taken by Alfred Palmer for the Office of War Information. One person commented that Mr. Palmer took hundreds of photos most in black and white and supploed 95 more.
When you view the photos, which you can find at Shorpy.com or just search the title, be sure to read the comments.
All for One, One for All. --Cooter
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
War Production on the Home Front-- Part 3
Continuing with some Shorpy photos.
"Drill and Tool: 1942" from August 20, 2010 photo.
"Women at work for victory, Republic Drill and Tool Company, Chicago. These young employees are operating cylindrical grinders which taper drills to a specific size.
Used in the manufacture of guns, ships and tanks, these drills demand precise and accurate grinding."
By Ann Rosener, Office of War Information.
There are about five young ladies sitting at machines in a row, all wearing some sort of safety goggles. Only one man in the back standing up. Appears to be some sort of a foreman.
One comment mentioned that Republic Drill and Tool Company was considered a very progressive company. Women made up most of the work force. They even had a beauty salon on the site and rewarded exceptional performance with free cosmerics and beauty treatments. A little sexist if you ask me.
Shorpy.com
It was a Whole War Effort. --Cooter
"Drill and Tool: 1942" from August 20, 2010 photo.
"Women at work for victory, Republic Drill and Tool Company, Chicago. These young employees are operating cylindrical grinders which taper drills to a specific size.
Used in the manufacture of guns, ships and tanks, these drills demand precise and accurate grinding."
By Ann Rosener, Office of War Information.
There are about five young ladies sitting at machines in a row, all wearing some sort of safety goggles. Only one man in the back standing up. Appears to be some sort of a foreman.
One comment mentioned that Republic Drill and Tool Company was considered a very progressive company. Women made up most of the work force. They even had a beauty salon on the site and rewarded exceptional performance with free cosmerics and beauty treatments. A little sexist if you ask me.
Shorpy.com
It was a Whole War Effort. --Cooter
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
War Production on the Home Front-- Part 2
This one photo sure says a lot about the US war effort.
Automobile factories were turned into ones making war machines. The most current technology was used. Women, the "Rosie the Riveters" left home to take the places of the men who were fighting the war.
However, men who remained at home were often the managers and foremen on the assembly lines.
Housing had to be provided for workers. Of course, this was the beginning of large-scale child care operations.
The term "Negro" wouldn't be used today, but was the common one back then. I couldn't help but think the caption was very flattering to Marietta Morgan, though. It was like she wasn't smart enough to figure out the operation by herself, only if a white man showed her.
Blacks also entered the work force at the factories in large numbers as well. No doubt they faced racism and segregation. I wonder if they received the same pay as white women (and wonder if white women were paid the same as white men). I doubt seriously that Ms. Morgan would have been able to buy a home in the nearby subdivision built for the workers.
One reader commented on the machine which was a "Hi-Pot" High Potential. Its purpose was to expose the potential to high voltage and low currents to see at what level it would break down.
There were some interesting comments on the racial aspect of the photo.
Well Worth a Look. --DaCoot
Automobile factories were turned into ones making war machines. The most current technology was used. Women, the "Rosie the Riveters" left home to take the places of the men who were fighting the war.
However, men who remained at home were often the managers and foremen on the assembly lines.
Housing had to be provided for workers. Of course, this was the beginning of large-scale child care operations.
The term "Negro" wouldn't be used today, but was the common one back then. I couldn't help but think the caption was very flattering to Marietta Morgan, though. It was like she wasn't smart enough to figure out the operation by herself, only if a white man showed her.
Blacks also entered the work force at the factories in large numbers as well. No doubt they faced racism and segregation. I wonder if they received the same pay as white women (and wonder if white women were paid the same as white men). I doubt seriously that Ms. Morgan would have been able to buy a home in the nearby subdivision built for the workers.
One reader commented on the machine which was a "Hi-Pot" High Potential. Its purpose was to expose the potential to high voltage and low currents to see at what level it would break down.
There were some interesting comments on the racial aspect of the photo.
Well Worth a Look. --DaCoot
War Production on the Home Front-- Part 1
From October 17, 2010 Shorpy "20,000 Volts:1942" Search it for picture.
Photo taken July 1942 in Melrose Park, Illinois.
"Production of aircraft engines, Buick plant. Foreman F.I. Bowman shows Marietta Morgan how to operate this bomb-test machine used to test reconditioned spark plugs. A young Negro girl, Marietta had been a clerk at a meat market. Her lack of industrial experience, however, has been no handicap for her present war job in a large Midwest airplane plant. She's rapidly becoming a skilled and efficient machine operator."
This plant is still there, but now makes engines for International Harvester. A person commented that they live in a subdivision a half-mile away built for war-time workers at the factory.
This is a very interesting photo and caption. I doubt that it could be printed today in that context. It does bring to light many aspects of the war effort.
More to Come. --Cooter
Photo taken July 1942 in Melrose Park, Illinois.
"Production of aircraft engines, Buick plant. Foreman F.I. Bowman shows Marietta Morgan how to operate this bomb-test machine used to test reconditioned spark plugs. A young Negro girl, Marietta had been a clerk at a meat market. Her lack of industrial experience, however, has been no handicap for her present war job in a large Midwest airplane plant. She's rapidly becoming a skilled and efficient machine operator."
This plant is still there, but now makes engines for International Harvester. A person commented that they live in a subdivision a half-mile away built for war-time workers at the factory.
This is a very interesting photo and caption. I doubt that it could be printed today in that context. It does bring to light many aspects of the war effort.
More to Come. --Cooter
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