Tag Archives: World War Two

In the Chicago Bus Station, 1943

In 1943, the Office of War Information sent the young photographer Esther Bubley on a six week bus tour of the United States to document how people were living in wartime. Many of her photos show soldiers on the move, … Continue reading

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My Family, Post War

I discovered this treasure while cleaning out my mother’s house in preparation for her move to a board and care home. It features my mother’s family on the steps of their house in South Chicago. If asked, I think I … Continue reading

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Hatless in a Hat Shop, 1942

The photos taken by the Farm Security Administration and Office of War Information during the Great Depression and Second World War offer many insights into how ordinary Americans survived hard times. One small slice of history was recorded by photographer … Continue reading

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Four Women, Four Styles

This photo is from a large collection collected by the Hur and Hahn families. It features Frances Hur, who I believe is second from right, and a group of friends. Unfortunately, the photos are not as well documented as one … Continue reading

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Christmas in Minidoka, 1943

When Japanese Americans were removed from their homes by presidential order in 1942, they were sent to a number of concentration camps for the duration of World War Two.  One was Minidoka, located near the town of Hunt, Idaho.  Taken … Continue reading

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For the Love of Buttons, World War Two Era

I was drawn to this photo because of the wonderful button design on the younger woman’s hat.  What a creative way to use little pearl buttons!  Her older companion’s outfit sports many buttons too, not only running up the shirtwaist … Continue reading

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Suiting Up

This older woman looks quite serious in her uniform, but what organization does she belong to?  I thought at first that the triangle insignia represented a position in civilian defense, but quick research showed that those triangles go the other … Continue reading

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Birds of a Feather

For those of you who complain that people today all dress alike, I offer this World War Two era photo as proof that the past might not have been all that different.  The men show some individuality—one in a jacket, … Continue reading

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The Journey to Internment

Calisphere has a large collection of photos by Dorothea Lange documenting the round up and deportation of Japanese Americans during the Second World War.  The most heart wrenching show individuals and families waiting for transport, many with confused and dazed … Continue reading

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Considering the Pinafore

You might have noticed that pinafores are back in style. How many times has this garment been revived in some shape or form?  In 1941, Vogue Patterns brought out not one but two different versions.  The magazine copy for the … Continue reading

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