World War II Concerns Come to Rural Iowa in the 1940s

In this segment of Iowa PBS’s "Picture Perfect: Iowa in the 1940s" documentary, Iowans from a small rural town recount their growing concerns leading up to World War II.

Narrator: Prior to 1940 small towns like Ridgeway were, in many ways, insulated from the rest of the world. While parents shielded their children from the horrors of war, no one was immune from the anxiety that soon would grip the nation.

Clara (Gilbertson) Perry, Ridgeway High School Alumna: I can remember my folks being very, very concerned and I can remember listening to the radio because there isn’t any TV. I think it bothered me because I saw how concerned they were. Yet we didn’t know exactly what we were supposed to do, but I think the feeling was, well, this is it and we’ll help where we can.

Bob McQueen, Ridgeway High School Alumnus: Prior to that, which I’d say ’39 and ’40, we weren’t really as youngsters aware – we knew what was going on but we weren’t aware of how it might affect us as we got a little bit older. I remember as a sophomore and junior in high school, we would hear about what was taking place in Europe. I’m sure the adults realized what was coming down the road. We didn’t – at least I didn’t.

John Moe, Ridgeway High School Alumnus: No. I didn’t

Bob McQueen, Ridgeway High School Alumnus: When I got into my senior year, things became a little more clear and vivid, and we sort of realized what could happen and what responsibilities might be place upon us at some time. But, no, we weren’t really concerned. At least I don’t feel I was. I wasn’t concerned until the actual bombing of Pearl Harbor. That’s what woke us up.