Pennsylvania Home front

As with most cities during World War II, people flooded into the open job positions coming out of the Depression. The rules enforced on the homefront proved challenging for some or exemplified the possibilities of coming together. 

The war left many open job positions that could be filled by women. Empowering them to be more than mothers and housewives. People, more commonly women, also began fundraising to support the war and the family overseas. Kids collected scrap metal to be donated alongside tins and more otherwise garbage that could be used to create weapons or military equipment. 

Rationing led to multiple issues such as food shortages on the home front. People were required to buy only what was necessary but because of the black market and illegal dealings, there was less than was anticipated. The housing market was overrun in cities as people looked for work which increased competition and consequently racial tensions. 

1 - Butler

The famous Bantam Jeep was invented in this Pennsylvanian town in response to the army's request for a lightweight vehicle that could be used to transport equipment to soldiers on the battle field. 

2 - Pittsburg

Pittsburg shouldered the bulk of the work on the Pennsylvanian home front. Nicknamed the "Steel City," they were the 6th largest producer of steel in the country. 

With the massive amount of steel being created, Pittsburg reduced transportation costs by manufacturing plane engines, landing ships, and fuel storage containers. 

The only army plant with cold extrusion capability appeared in Pittsburg as well. 

The valuable city attracted attention from the axis powers because of its ability to resupply the battlefield faster than items were being destroyed. 

3 - Philadelphia

Philadelphia was home to the Frankford Arsenal. During the beginning of the war, in 1940, this plant was the only producer of ammunition. They also trained their employees to work faster with the beginning of the war. 

Philadelphia was initially where new recuits to the war were processed. 

4 - Harrisburg

With the beginning of the war, and the need for more recruits to the United States army, the center to process these recruits was moved to central Pennsylvania so it was more accessible to everyone. 

5 - New Philadelphia

While Bencosky was born in Cumberland, he was raised in New Philadelphia by his mom alongside his two brothers. 

Military Bases and Installations

6 - Fort Indiantown Gap

  • Training Center

7 - Letterkenny Army Depot

  • Bomb Storage

8 - Camp Reynolds

  • Training center

 9 - Philadelphia Naval Shipyard

  • Created and housed warships

An early Bantam Jeep in Butler, PA. 

Ammunition manufactured for the war by the Frankford arsenal in Philadelphia. 

Bird's eye view of Fort Indiantown Gap