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World War II and the Homefront Exhibit As World War II began erupting across Europe in 1939, the nation faced changes that effected day-to-day activities. Many Edmond men and women participated in the war effort by serving in the military or supporting the troops from the homefront. An Edmond elementary school, Russell Dougherty, is named after the first Edmond man to be killed during World War II.  The
Edmond Armory, which now houses the Edmond Historical Society Museum,
was built in 1936 just prior to the beginning of the war. The 179th
Regiment, a part of the Oklahoma National Guard’s 45th Division,
was mobilized from the armory in 1940. The 179th Regiment made more
amphibious landings on beaches while under artillery fire than any
other regiment in the 45th Division.A variety of shortages occurred due to the volume of supplies needed overseas. Salvage campaigns helped save items such as: scrap metal, rubber, cooking fat and nylon/silk stockings. From these items weapons, ammunition, gas masks and explosives were made. The U.S. Government placed rations on sugar, vegetables, butter, coffee, meat, gasoline and tires. A family was issued a ration book that contained stamps needed in order to buy these supplies. Communication was difficult during the war. Letter writing was the soldier’s lifeline to home. Letters, written on V-mail, were sent postage free for members of the Armed Forces. Families on the homefront spent evenings surrounding the radio to listen about news of the war. Newspapers were filled with information and casualties of the war. By 1945 the war was ending and life began to return to happier times as Edmond and the Nation moved into the second half of the 20th century. Note: The World War II and The Homefront Exhibit is funded by the members of the 179th Infantry Regiment Association.  Next
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