Cincinnati Goes to War
The exhibit began with large signs about the involvement for the war by both men and women.
As World War II approached the United States, Cincinnati was ready to jump in and help in any way they could. Their involvement ranged from scrap drives to Red Cross programs and everything in between. Military service was something many men were interested in, and even those who were not ready to sign up themselves, still complied with the draft.
There was a sign on a display saying, “I’m the girl who makes the little gizmo that screws inside this bigger thing that goes on top of something else.” This sign shows that women were willing to do almost anything to bring their men home with a victory.
The factories in Cincinnati were sub-assembly lines that made components of larger machinery. The pieces made in the city were then shipped to other cities where they were put together to make tanks, airplanes, and so on. Many of the workers did not even know what they were making, this was because much of the machinery was to be kept top secret. Not only did the workers not really know what they were doing, the factories as a whole were totally reorganized to make different products than when at peace. The Baldwin Piano Company actually started making plane parts during the war and Herschede Hall Clock Company started making gun sights.
The wartime demands on Cincinnati created a problem for the city because of the shortage of workers and materials. The Cincinnati Street Railway Company’s passengers doubled in size due to the rationing of gasoline and tires. The passengers were people going to jobs they never thought they would be doing. Hours were irregular and gender roles were altered. Women were now the ones rising the train to work each day leaving their older children to take care of their younger ones. There was a housing shortage, which caused many couples to get married right away and move in with either family or friends. Once living in these homes, there was still a shortage in coffee, sugar, meant, consumer cars, shoes, and stoves. No one quite knew how to act in a time full of loneliness. Everyone knew someone in the war and missed them deeply. Life was hard to carry on in Cincinnati.
The exhibit had little houses and stores set up to see what daily life was like during the war. There was a sign that advertised gasoline for $0.19 a gallon. Wow.
Investing in the Nation’s future was a big idea that citizens of Cincinnati looked forward to. The sail of bonds gave people something to look forward too. If they bought a bond at $18.75, they would get $25.00 for it once it matured. Residents looked forward to peacetime activities when they could spend their bonds on cars, stoves, and washing machines. By the end of the war, the nation had 1.7 billion dollars worth of war bonds.
70,000 Greater Cincinnati men were drafted into the U.S. Army Air force. Over 407,000 Americans died in the war, 2300 of these men and women came from Hamilton County. Though there were hardships and many deaths, the war was won and Cincinnati celebrated/. Women celebrated not only the coming home of their men, but their roles in their communities. Women knew that if they could run things now, they would be able to do it in the future. This was the start of a changing history in the lives of women.
Cincinnati Public Landing
Cincinnati was founded in 1788 thanks to the Ohio River. This river played a very important role in the cities early days because it carried people and goods to and from the city. The point at which people and commerce connected the most was at the Cincinnati Public Landing. This area was the land from Front Street to the river, between Main and Broadway. This area was very muddy and sloped because of the seasonal rise and fall of the water. Unfortunalty, Cincinnati did not have the sufficient funds to pave the area at that time. It asn’t until the 1820s that wagons no longer got stuck in the mud. Not only was commerece popular at the landing, but immigration as well. Immigrants came to Cincinati in early 19th centry and face racist remarks and actions against their race, religion, or nationality. With all of the newcomers, people either stongly welcomed them or strongly opposed them. There were limited opportunities for immigrants and African Americans, but everyone found their place in the city.
The Public Landing Display
The room where the public landing was set up in the museum was awesome. It looked like the set of a broadway musical with all of the lights, sounds, and people in costumes. There was a boat set up, The Queeen of the West, a print shop, photographer, a bank, etc.
