The second world war was one of the most defining events in recent history; it was a traumatic, horrific time that left indelible stains on our cultural consciousness. For this reason, it is fascinating to inspect what life was like at this time. Fewer people have actual memories of this time than those who can only imagine. Here are some photographs that depict life in Pennsylvania during World War Two, between 1939 and 1942.
- Peanuts were short in 1942, due to the war. This photograph was taken in Lititz.
Marjorie Collins/ Yale
- Also taken in 1942, this photograph depicts the Lititz Borough Council in a meeting. Photographs of local heroes from World War I hang on the back wall.
Marjory Collins/ Yale
- During this time, Lancaster County looked much the same as it does today.
Sheldon Dick/ Yale
- During the war, the assistance of student nurses in the states made it possible for more fully trained nurses to travel abroad to help American troops who were deployed.
Fritz Henle/ Yale
- Some passengers wait to board a bus at the Greyhound Station in Harrisburg in 1940.
John Vachon/ Yale
- And in 1939, Pittsburghers wait for the streetcar.
Arthur Rothstein/ Yale
- This photograph was taken in 1942, of a pile of scrap metal in Lancaster. Residents collected the metal to contribute towards the war effort.
Irish Typepad/ Flickr
- Some women collect blood for the troops in 1945. This photograph is from the Sarah Thornton Collection at the Marine Corps Archives and Special Collections.
USMC Archives/ Flickr
- John Basilone, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, in 1943. This photograph is from the Carolyn Orehovic Collection in the Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections.
USMC Archives/ Flickr
- The 1940 Labor Day parade in DuBois, PA.
Jack Delano/ Yale
- A quirky billboard that could be found between Sykesville and Punxsutawney in 1940.
Jack Delano/ Yale
Do you have any photographs or stories from this time? Feel free to share them – and thank you for reading.
Marjorie Collins/ Yale
Marjory Collins/ Yale
Sheldon Dick/ Yale
Fritz Henle/ Yale
John Vachon/ Yale
Arthur Rothstein/ Yale
Irish Typepad/ Flickr
USMC Archives/ Flickr
Jack Delano/ Yale
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