The World War II Collection contains materials pertaining to local defense plans during World War II (1939-1945) including the correspondence of Civil Defense Units, air raid wardens, and police; member lists; an emergency defense plan; newspaper clippings; ephemera such as war ration books, song book, and programs; and records of the Victory Homecoming Parade of 14 June 1946. Local newsletters were sent to soldiers to share the news of Lancaster County communities. Posters convey messages to join the military, buy war bonds, ration food and fuel, recycle, etc. Oral history interviews taken in 2003 provide biographical information and the experiences of four POWs.
Records of an organization founded by business and church leaders to overthrow commercialized vice in Lancaster by sending agents into the community to check for prostitution, obscenity, drinking, and gambling. Collection includes by-laws, minutes, annual reports, treasurers' reports, agents' expenses, reports on findings, correspondence, newspaper clippings, 25 books of agents' on-duty reports, and investigative reports. The Rev. Clifford G. Twombly was identified with this movement, as was the late William H. Hager, department store merchant.
Button from the 1941 Lancaster County Firemen's Day. White button with photo reproduction of fire truck in front of "Christiana Fire Co." building. Below the fire: "built 1857." Above photo in back letters: "Lancaster County Firemen's Day." Below: "June 7, 1941 Christiana, PA." Half inch of half inch wide red ribbon holds a 1.375in long god colored metal fireman's helmet.
Button from the 1942 Lancaster County Firemen's Association Convention. White button with blue letters; " 22nd Annual Convention Lancster Co Firemen's Assn. East Petersburg Pennsylvania. June 6 ,1942" Red, white and blue ribbon.
Button from the 1943 Lancaster County Firemen's Association Convention. White button with red, white & clue US flag with 48 stars in center. Above: "Welcome Firemen" Below: "June 5, 1943 Columbia, PA." Half inch wide red ribbon hangs .625 in below, holding a 1.375 in long gold colored metal fireman's helmet.
Button from the 1948 Lancaster County Firemen's Association Convention. Button with image of firetruck and text: "Reamstown, PA. June 5th 1948." Attached ribbon also has text: "Welcome the 28th Annual Convention of hte lancasterCo Firemen's Association"
One of two. Button from the 1956 Lancaster County Firemen's Association Convention. In black print of button: "200th Anniversary Birthplace of the Pretzel 1756 1956 Lititz, PA" 1.625in w x 4.75in L red, white and blue ribbon: "36th Annual Lancster County Firemen's Ass'n Convention June 2, 1956 Lititz, Pa." A brown rubbery pretzel (2.375in x 2.25in) us attached to the button with a red string.
Two of two. Button from the 1956 Lancaster County Firemen's Association Convention. In black print of button: "200th Anniversary Birthplace of the Pretzel 1756 1956 Lititz, PA" 1.625in w x 4.75in L red, white and blue ribbon: "36th Annual Lancster County Firemen's Ass'n Convention June 2, 1956 Lititz, Pa." A brown rubbery pretzel (2.375in x 2.25in) us attached to the button with a red string.
Delegate badge for the Lancaster County FIremen's Convention. Red heavy paper badge (1.24in x 2.375in) with safety pin on back and white insert card typed "Christ Koehler Delegate -- State Assoc." 1943" written in blue ink. On 1.5in wide purple ribbon in gold letters: "23rd Annual Convention Lancaster County Firemen's Association Delegate June 1943 Columbia, PA.
Delegate badge of the Lancaster County Firemen's Convention, 1942. Gold colored metal badge (2.25in x .75in) with white insert card with typed "Christ Koehler." On purple ribbon in gold letters: "22nd Annual Convention Lancaster County Firemen's Association Delegate June6, 1942 East Petersburg, PA."
