Much of the history of World War II resides in the memories of those people who lived through it - those at home as well as those in battle. While the battles have received significant coverage, the home front has gone relatively unnoticed and without significant coverage. The war affected all Americans from the shoes they wore to the cars they could or could not drive, to what they ate, and where they worked.

Every Ohio city, town and village have their own World War II stories. For all who were there the war was the defining event of the twentieth century.    These books tell several of the home front stories across industrial Ohio.  From the kitchen table to the floor of the Tank Arsenal to the steel mills and platforms of the railroad stations, Ohio's participation was overwhelming and relatively unknown until now.

CLICK ON THE BOOK COVER IMAGE TO SEE PAGES ABOUT THAT BOOK AND TO READ STORIES OF THE HOME FRONT.

OHIO'S  WW II HOME FRONT  Stories of Ohio's World War II Home Front.  NEW!  From the pre-war industrial surge to news about hometown boys to the D-Day perspective, Ohio's home front efforts were powerful.  This book is a snapshot of the home front from December 7, 1941 through August 15, the day after V-J Day, when tens of thousands of Ohio defense plant workers went home.   Read amazing stories of self determination, the selfless sacrifice of those on the home front, the sad touching stories, of the Western Union Messenger to copies of letters to wives and mothers of Ohio soldiers Killed-In-Action. Also a glimpse at the grand celebrations upon word of the surrender of Japan and the end of WW II.  This is powerful reading!

Soldiers were provided sandwiches, pecan pies, cookies, coffee, magazines and friendly smiles as their trains paused at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad station.

Residents of Troy and communities in six counties supported the girls efforts. They s overcame many difficulties which would have discouraged any man or woman had the cause been less worthy, or had the community been less wholehearted. They were dedicated and unsung ambassadors to the many who stood in harm's way in defense of our freedom and liberties. On behalf of a grateful region they expressed gratitude to the many troops.

The volunteer canteen workers’ showed incredible spirit and selfless sacrifice. This became the rallying point for the community. Ladies all over town and in the rural areas made baked goods; pies, cakes, cookies and cooked food without hesitation. Sandwiches were made by the basket full. Sunday school classes, high school and grade school classes, ladies clubs, grange members, farmers, even groups of employees from local merchants and manufacturers stepped forward to help in any way they could. From 1942 to 1946, they served soldiers passing through on furlough, troop trains, hospital trains, and even the P.O.W. trains were humbly served.

This is a moving portrayal of devoted and selfless giving. Soldiers derived a powerful sense of purpose when greeted with friendly smiles and words of encouragement.

Volunteers greeted thousands of troops daily. They served at track side, overcoming significant difficulties. Supported by donations from eleven counties, they did not allow the supply of scarce items to fail.

The text is laced with stirring letters from appreciative service men and women. Lima’s dedicated track side ambassadors of kindness waved good-byes to those headed to battle and offered thanks to veterans who stood in defense of freedom and liberty from 1942 until 1970. It was Lima’s finest hour!