February/March 1941 – The world seems to be in disarray as Germany, once again, is on the offensive in Europe and Japan has invaded China. 

After invading Poland in 1939 and consolidating power in eastern Europe, Hitler turned his attention to France and England in western Europe.  France was defeated in 1940 and Germany was preparing to invade England.  America declared that it would defend England from any attack.

Meanwhile, back at home, life seemed normal.  Page 2 of our local newspaper, The Eagle Quill, had weekly articles about the latest fashions and sewing patterns available for 15 cents to those who wanted to make their own clothes.  Page 3 featured weekly recipes of sweets and dinners for hungry families.

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But the reminder of looming war was always there.  A peacetime draft was enacted in 1940 where all men 21 – 35 years of age had to register for military service and called to active duty of needed.  It relied on a national lottery.

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One young man, Harvey Wambold of Eagle, was saved from the draft when another man enlisted in his place.  But his freedom from the draft was short-lived because another man received a deferment, thereby requiring young Harvey to report for duty after all.

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Check out our Eagle Quill newspaper archives here

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