As the war was raging on, Pennsylvania was at it's industrial height.
During this time, 900,000 men and approximately 22,000 women worked in the armed forces. At home, factories throughout the state continued production and would supplement crucial resources needed to win the war such as coal and steel and was the leading producer of these materials.
In the city of Pittsburgh, PA, the region produced $19.3 billion worth of munitions for the war effort. This included 52 million shells, 1.7 million bombs, 2.3 million pounds of chemicals for explosives and 245,000 small parachutes for flares and bombs.
Bethlehem Steel Corporation, early 1900s
Bethlehem Steel Corporation, early 1900s
In World War II, Pennsylvania supplied 31 percent of America's steel. In worldwide production, Pennsylvania was responsible for 20 percent of steel production. Of the nation's steel, forty-one percent was produced in the regions surrounding Pittsburgh.
Small farms migrated to cities to attempt to become manufactures while the established farms held their ground.
Location map of Pennsylvania
Location map of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, recruitment centers were housed in towns such as Harrisburg in which Bickelman enlisted through. The Harrisburg Induction Station was established at 147 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, 1941. Before the center in Harrisburg, all the prospective soldiers were processed in Philadelphia.
Harrisburg U.S. Military Entrance Processing Station
Harrisburg U.S. Military Entrance Processing Station
Create Your Own Website With Webador