| Author | Message | ||
     Townhistory |
I am a history student researching Maplewood's work supporting the war effort in World War II. If you were living in Maplewood at that time and would be willing to participate in a 30 - 60 minute interview about your recollections, please email me at Maplewoodhistory@hotmail.com. Unfortunately, I am at the end of my research and must conduct the interviews prior to April 20th. The information will be documented for this study and perhaps a larger work at a later date. If you know of others who might be interested in participating in this research I would be very grateful for the opportunity to speak with them as well. I am very flexible on location and time and will gladly work around your schedule in return for your valuable participation. Thank you for your interest and I hope to hear from some of you soon. | ||
| Gerardryan |
There is a book about civil defense in Maplewood during WWII. I don't know if it is in the library but I know that there is a copy in the Mayor's office at Town Hall. You can give me a call about it if you like; I am in the book. | ||
| Lseltzer |
Jerry, Why would you be in a book about civil defense in Maplewood during WWII? ;) | ||
| Dave |
Campaign strategy? Going for the senior vote again. | ||
| Gerardryan |
Not up this year Dave: there's already enough democrats this time around, don't you think? | ||
| Gerardryan |
In the cabinet in the Mayor's office in Town Hall there is a relic from the WWII CD days: a wooden noisemaker thing that makes a VERY loud godawful clackety racket. I'm told this was used as either an air raid drill announcement or an all clear signal... | ||
| Extuscan |
A small shame is that Maplewood no longer regularly tests its air raid siren at noon on saturdays. John | ||
| Bobk |
Extuscan: I have to disagree about the siren. We live about 50 feet from one of them and gosh it was LOUD and they always seemed to run it for ten minutes or so.  Jerry: So what was the reaction of the staff when you tested the noise maker? LOL | ||
| Joancrystal |
Townhistory: Have you tried contacting the Maplewood VFW Post 10120 on Marie Place? A number of their members are WWII vets. They could also put you in touch with WWII vets throughout the county. While I understand that you are more concerned with persons who remained home and supported the war effort than those who served oversees, these vets might have family members who were active in supporting the troops at home and recollections and memorabelia regarding the war effort which could be helpful to you in your research. Several of the post members come from families which have been in Maplewood and surrounding communities dating back to the WWII era and before. You may also want to contact the Durand Hedden House. Last Veterans' Day they sponsored an exhibit of war memorabelia (including WWII) in conjunction with a special awards ceremony. They might be able to put you in touch with the families who loaned or donated the materials from the period which interests you. | ||
| Ken |
Also check with the Maplewood Police Reserves. The Maplewood Civil Defense volunteers during WW2 eventually developed into the organization known as the Police Reserves. | ||
| Sac |
Although this winter was an exception, that siren usually gets tested at least once or twice a year for a school closing. | ||
| Townhistory |
Thank you for all your suggestions, it's been a great help to my work. |
