War Declared- M&M Market Advertisment
World War, 1939-1945
Shenandoah County (Va)
M & M Market (Front Royal Va)
Three days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, this advertisement appeared in the Northern Virginia Daily. It notes that war had been declared before Christmas but encourages individuals to still buy while prices were low.
This advertisment highlights the fact that despite the attack on Pearl Harbor life as normal continued for many in the Shenandoah Valley for many months. Most goods were still available without restrictions, Christmas sales were still on, and the draft was still operating at its peace time level. Individuals knew rationing and other controls would soon be implemented but for now they were determined to continue with life as they knew it.
Even the front page news articles had changed little. For months the headlines had been dominated by war news from around the world and the United State's military buildup. The only major change was the reports described the involvement of US troops in combat instead of those from other countries.
While things would change as the war progressed, the weeks immediately after Pearl Harbor in Shenandoah County were much more like the years of peace preceding them than the war years to follow.
Northern Virginia Daily
Microfilm Collection
Shenandoah County Library
December 10, 1941
Japan's Treacherous Assault
World War, 1939-1945
This editorial appeared in the December 8, 1941 edition of the Northern Virginia Daily. Published in response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, it gives insight into how the local community reacted to the assault.
The article echoes sentiments expressed by the entire nation. References to a "treacherous attack" that occurred while the two nations were discussing peace were popular across the country. The idea that the bases attacked were prepared, while known to be false today, was also believed among most citizens who lacked information in the days immediately after the attack.
At the end of this piece, the editor expresses his belief that the war would be long and difficult. While many across the country may have thought the war would end quickly, the Northern Virginia Daily had been writing about the idea of an extended war long before Pearl Harbor. Once the attack occurred, the paper and most local residents quickly accepted the fact that the conflict would define their lives for the next several years.
Northern Virginia Daily
Microfilm Collection
Shenandoah County Library
December 8, 1941
Greetings of the Season
World War, 1939-1945
Shenandoah County (Va)
This Christmas greeting and prayer appeared on the front page of the Shenandoah Herald on December 19, 1941. It reflected on the military service of many county residents and the separation that caused during the holidays.
As the article notes, many county residents were already serving around the world. The peace time draft, begun in September of 1940, had already called up many residents before the war began. This, combined, other efforts to place the United States on a war footing before Pearl Harbor, and a lack of rationing that would dominate the next several holidays, meant that Christmas in 1941 was not that much different than the one that proceeded it.
Even the Shenandoah Herald was relatively the same. News articles still focused on local stories and social events. The issue following Pearl Harbor only included two articles relating to National Defense.
Shenandoah Herald
Microfilm Collection
Shenandoah County Library
December 19, 1941
"On Guard at Woodstock"
World War, 1939-1945
Newspaper clipping showing one of the observation towers built in Shenandoah County during the early part of World War Two. These sites were designed to watch for incoming enemy planes and to monitor US aircraft overhead. They were staffed by volunteer watchers.
Shenandoah Herald
Microfilm Collection
Shenandoah County Library
January 30, 1942
"More Pilots in Training at Valley Airways"
World War, 1939-1945
Newspaper clipping showing local men involved in the Civilian Pilots Training Program at the Winchester Airport. The program allowed civilians to be trained to fly aircraft in advance of any induction into military service. It was sponsored by the Civilian Aeronautics Authority and the Chamber of Commerce. The men on the end of the "V" were Shenandoah County residents.
Shenandoah Herald
Microfilm Collection
Shenandoah County Library
December 23, 1941
"Volunteers Needed For Lookout Posts"
World War, 1939-1945
Woodstock (Va)
This article appeared in the December 12, 1941 edition of the Shenandoah Herald. In it local defense official Cecil Newcorn announced he had received a message ordering the county's lookout posts to be manned around the clock. Eventually sixteen of these posts would be operated throughout the county.
These posts became a integral part of life in Shenandoah County during the war years. Hundreds of area residents volunteered to staff them. Like other war related activities, like Civil Defense clubs, scrap drives, and bond sales, they became a way for residents to participate in the war even if they were not directly involved in the fighting. A social aspect also developed as these events replaced the pre-war community programs.
Shenandoah Herald
Microfilm Collection
Shenandoah County Library
December 12, 1941