You don’t have to be a history buff to understand the impact World War II had on the United States and our global community. After all, this war was one of collective action: ration programs, widespread humanitarian atrocities, and citizens banding together on the homefront to support military action. While it was a time of undeniable struggle and tragedy, it also leaves behind a fascinating history that has shaped the development of our modern world. These nine photos of life during WWII in Detroit highlight the conflict’s influence on our local community, in ways both large and small.
1. Did you know that the country’s first-ever government-owned tank production facility was founded right here in Metro Detroit? Known as the Arsenal of Democracy, this Warren plant was opened in the early 1940s in collaboration with Chrysler. This photo depicts the production of Army tanks in 1942.
2. It’s no secret that women played an important role in war efforts during WWII, particularly when it came to taking on new jobs on the homefront. In this photo from the Women’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor, a young woman in Detroit expertly tackles a welding project during the 1940s.
3. Keeping with the production theme, this photograph depicts a Chrysler worker on the tank assembly line. This particular employee was working on engine wiring construction, which helped keep tanks properly powered during conflict.
4. Folks of all backgrounds and livelihoods were affected by the many demands of the war. In this photo, Detroit Tigers player Hank Greenberg shares a moment with team manager Del Baker before the former left to serve in WWII. In total, Greenberg served 47 months and became the first MLB player to return to the game post-war.
5. Sporting events served as a source of fun and distraction for many Detroiters during wartime. This photo serves as evidence, depicting the 1942 Stanley Cup Finals game between the Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Unfortunately, the Leafs ultimately reigned victorious.
6. Traffic has always been a stressful reality of life here in the Motor City, even during wartime. This photo from 1941 shows Gratiot Avenue during a busy moment. Does this bumper-to-bumper traffic remind you of your present-day commute through Detroit?
7. A quiet moment taken in one of Detroit’s Polish immigrant communities in the summer of 1942. Polish culture remains a powerful presence throughout Metro Detroit, with eateries and celebrations of Polish heritage drawing in countless visitors throughout the year.
8. The Works Progress Administration sponsored many events and projects during World War II in an effort to complete construction and employ Americans in need of work. This photo shows the aftermath of a WPA-sponsored rally in Detroit, during which scrap metal was collected for salvage and repurposing during wartime.
9. Snapped in 1942, this photo shows a worker at the Eureka Vacuum plant in Detroit, which was repurposed into a gas mask production facility during wartime. This image brings home the often frightening realities of life during WWII, when threats of attack were all too real for many residents in the Motor City and beyond.
Now that you’ve checked out our collection of photos depicting life during WWII in Detroit, we want to hear from you: have your loved ones shared photos or memories of their experiences during wartime in the Motor City? Be sure to fill us in by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another historical topic in Detroit for a future piece by completing our nomination form.
