Looking Back: 1942’s The Broadcaster Documents The War Effort At Home

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society    
 

     As I continue to peruse the bi-weekly school newspapers published during the years of World War II, I get a much clearer picture of what it must have been like to live in Grain Valley.
     With only President Roosevelt’s weekly fireside chats, and news reels, the war must have seemed surreal and yet alarming to the people of Grain Valley.
     Every issue of the paper talked about Defense Stamps and Bonds, conserving paper and scrap metal and the rationing of sugar and gasoline which would begin with in the summer of 1942.
     In our small midwestern town, the only signs of the War were the increasing number of Son in Service flags which hung in the front window of homes.
     The blue star in the center of the red-bordered white rectangle signified a family member in active service. Soon, some homes would display a gold star for a family member who was killed in action of died in service. 
     Frequently, Superintendent Jay Walker continued to give advice to students and faculty. What follows is his column as it appeared in The Broadcaster on February 6, 1942.
 
“How May the Students and Faculty Take an Active Part in the War?”
 
By cooperating with our Government
     Purchase of Defense Savings Stamps
     and Bonds
     In all matters pertaining to the
     conservation of material
     In promoting national unity,
     efficiency and security
 
By Contribution to recognized social agencies.
     Red Cross
     Salvation Army
     Special projects of school, churches,  
     etc.
 
The collection of Waste material
     Waste paper
     Metals essential to war industries
 
By participating in national, state and local programs of defense
     Red Cross work of all kinds
     Civilian Defense Programs
 
To build and maintain understanding and morale.
     To the boys in service by writing
     letters and donating books and 
     magazines.
     To our home folks by fostering 
     wholesome school and community;
     religious, cultural and physical.
 
By keep good morale and spirit in our own work.
 
By preparing for efficient service as a citizen.
     To study and plan to meet the ever-
     changing demands.
     To do better what we are already
     doing.
     By Re-evaluating personal resources
Better health and efficiency.
     By continuing the development of
     our abilities and talents.
     Our continued faith in God and Jesus
     Christ.
 
     By dedicating our all to the support of the armed forces in any other manner.
 
Learn more about the Grain Valley Historical Society at www.grainvalleyhistory.com.
 
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