Posted in Philadelphia September 06, 2017 by Kim Magaraci

11 Very Rare Photos Taken During WWII In Philadelphia

World War II affected the entire country in so many different ways. New industries were developed, soldiers reenlisted to fight for our country, and many families struggled to balance their lives while fathers were overseas. In major cities like Philadelphia, the war effort was obvious in everything from construction, to manufacturing, to home life. Check out these rare photos that will give you a glimpse at life in Philadelphia during WWII.

Prior to the outbreak of World War II, Philadelphia was a booming city. This scene from near Walnut St. and Broad St. show the towering buildings that were growing from Center City.

The iconic row homes began constuction in South Philly in the early 1940s, but their constuction was delayed when the United States entered the war.

Soon, the newsstands began reporting on the horrors of the fight in Europe, and after the attack at Pearl Harbor, the United States was officially in the second World War.

Soldiers enlisted in the Army to fight for their country and for the freedom of others in an attempt to combat the radical fascism that was taking over Europe.

War efforts extended to nearly every industry. In this photo, paper scraps were being recycled to use as packaging for ammunition and supplies.

Factories were redirected from their usual industries and began assisting with the war effort. The fight against Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, radical nationalism, and fascism united America.

Women began leaving traditional home roles to fill the gaps left by soldiers. Here, you can see Lillie Malcolm working as a mechnaic for Philadelphia's Yellow Cab Company.

The ammunition industry boomed - no pun intended. Many people who were not sent overseas were instead tasked with helping to prepare weapons for the soldiers fighting with the Allied Forces.

Here, you'll see Philadelphians inspecting and preparing cartridges for use overseas. Philadelphia during WWII became a very important industrial city, thanks to its ports along the Delaware River.

Residents still found ways to relax in Philadelphia during WWII at places like Fairmont Park. Recreation remained an important part of boosting morale from coast to coast.

Do you have any family photo albums of Philadelphia during WWII? It is awe-inspiring to look back at our history and admire how we came together to confront evil and wrongdoing in the world, yet the tragedy of lives lost during World War II is never far from our country’s mind.

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