World War II officially lasted from September 1, 1939 – September 2, 1945, though conflicts had been going on for years. The war was fought thousands of miles away, New Jersey residents were impacted in many ways. We sent our residents to fight, many who never came back. On the home front, we were rationing, producing supplies to use overseas, and glued to our radios listening for news. It was a tumultuous time that led to major changes in our state, including both an economic and baby boom. Here are several rare photos that reflect daily life during the infamous era:

1. The General Motors plant in Trenton circa 1941.
Photogrammar/John Vachon
2. The machinery in a Hoboken plant used to print WWII ration books, 1942.
Photogrammar/Edward Gruber
3. The men handle the printing machines while the women pack the books. Hoboken, 1942.
Photogrammar/Edward Gruber
4. A wealthy Passaic factory owner enjoying the milk bar in the basement playroom with his family, 1942.
Photogrammar/Marjory Collins
5. A Fort Lee family photo taken circa 1940.
Flickr/Doc Searls
6. The derailment of engine 751, taken in Spring Lake circa 1941.
Flickr/Richard
7. Engine 772 at the Spring Lake train depot, 1941.
Flickr/Richard

Related Stories

The Story Of This Cursed New Jersey Airship Is Unbelievable

The Story Of This Cursed New Jersey Airship Is Unbelievable

 These New Jersey Commercials From The 1980s Will Take You Way Back

These New Jersey Commercials From The 1980s Will Take You Way Back

 Not Many People Know That New Jersey Was Almost Changed Forever In 1980

Not Many People Know That New Jersey Was Almost Changed Forever In 1980
8. Picatinny Arsenal circa 1942.
Flickr/Picatinny Arsenal
9. Workers loading fuzes at Picatinny Arsenal in 1943.
Flickr/Picatinny Arsenal
10. Jamaican workers at Picatinny Arsenal circa 1945. Workers were sent in from the Caribbean to aid in wartime production.
Flickr/Picatinny Arsenal
11. A crowd gathers in City Hall Plaza, Camden to hear FDR speak, 1944.
Flickr/FDR Presidential Library
12. Bell Labs in Murray Hill, 1942.
Wikipedia/Library of Congress
13. A photo of the William Wheaton House in Mercer County, taken by the Historic American Buildings survey circa 1939.
Wikipedia/Library of Congress
14. Women in a Verona factory trimming U.S. flags by hand, 1943.
Wikipedia/Library of Congress

Our state was so different during World War II. New Jersey was home to many airfields and ammunition factories, and came together for the war effort. Do you have any New Jersey World War II stories?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore New Jersey