Discover the impact of World War II on New Brunswick through the artifacts that have survived today. This collection is made up of 20+ items and includes morale-boosting letters from local business leaders, photographs and news articles on local soldiers and their families, records of air raid precautions, certificates from the Civilian Defense Corps, and air warden memorabilia.
Title: Air Raid Warden Armband
Filename: “airraidwardenarmband.jpg”
Description: Armband worn by an air raid warden or official. Administered by the Office of Civil Defense.
Title: Camp Kilmer Banner
Filename: “campkilmerbanner_1.png”
Description: Possibly flown at the Camp but no accurate description of when, where, or who donated this to the library.
Title: We are all in the War - the whole family
Filename: “familywartimebooklet_n.d..pdf”
Description: Published by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, this booklet showcases various ways that ordinary citizens could help the nation during wartime. Topics include what to do during an air raid or blackout event, basic supplies to keep in case of an emergency, and emphasizing the importance of keeping calm and staying informed. There are seven pages total in the booklet and there is no indication of when this was printed.
Title: Government Property Record
Filename: “governmentpropertyrecord_n.d.pdf”
Description: Blank form indicating a record of property. Possibly related to Air Raid Warden’s or Fire Watch Warden’s work as sector details and Warden signature spaces are present.
Title: A Personal Message to the Mothers, Wives, Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, and Friends of Service Men
Filename: “messagetoservicememberfamilies_n.d..pdf”
Description: Published by the United States Government Printing Office in 1943, this booklet was published for the friends and family of service members during the Second World War. The document stresses the importance of not disclosing secrets and how information could be weaponized against the U.S. Military forces. Then acting FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover is quoted in the booklet and lists helpful “key words” to be memorized that ordinary citizens could use as clues. These clues could be used as hints to tell if someone was working as a spy or a foreign agent, trying to learn military secrets.
Title: Wardens Notepad
Filename: “notepad_n.d..pdf”
Description: Handwritten notes from a possible Air Raid Warden or Fire Watcher. Notes detail various attendance lists, electricity blackout dates/times, and meeting notes. No identifying details indicate where these notes were taken or who wrote them.
Title: This Is Why Your Mileage Is Rationed
Filename: “rationingpamphlet_11.1942.pdf”
Description: This pamphlet describes the “Tire Inspection Plan” which was a program implemented by the U.S. government aimed at helping people ration their use of rubber. Personal vehicles were subject to inspections to evaluate the quality of the tires and if they were in need of replacement. Tips were also included for drivers to help extend the life of their tires and generally prolong the lifespan of oil consuming materials. Published by the Office of Price Administration in November of 1942.
Title: Summary of Chemical Warfare Agents
Filename: “chemicalwarfareagentspamphlet_n.d..pdf”
Description: Issued by the New Jersey Defense Council, this pamphlet was meant as a simple reference in the identification of various chemical weapons and methods of treatment, in the event of an attack. Chemical agents are defined by their common names, an identifiable odor, and physical effect caused by contact. There is no publication date or any other identifiable notes indicating when or where this was distributed.
Title: Air Raid Wardens Handbook & Fire Watchers Handbook
Filename: “airraidwardenhandbook_n.d..pdf” & “firewatchershandbook_n.d..pdf”
Description: Published by the Office of Civilian Defense in Washington D.C., these booklets were given to citizens who undertook responsibilities as Air Raid Wardens and Fire Watchers within their communities. Wardens were responsible for being community leaders during emergencies and being educated members of the public able to identify certain contaminants that could be used during warfare. Instructions for multiple types of air raid scenarios are provided, along with official procedures that wardens must follow to ensure the safety of their community.
Title: Warden Report Form
Filename: “wardensreportform_n.d..pdf”
Description: This form was utilized in the event of a Warden reporting damage from either a fire or enemy military strike. Details of the time, location, type of bomb, damage reported or utilities impacted, are all listed as requirements for reporting. There are no identifying features indicating the location or who might have used this form.