This case explores some stories from the Home Front. All families were affected by the fighting in some way - and contributed what they could to the war effort.                        Click on the blue stars to learn more!

Fort Morgan-born Glenn Miller recorded “In the Mood” in 1939, unaware that the hit would help define big band swing as the musical sound of the decade. In 1944, Miller’s plane disappeared on the way to entertain allied troops in France. Miller was awarded a Bronze Star posthumously for his service.

A black, circular vinyl record. Blue paper label with white text adhered to the center on both sides. Circular hole in center to place on record player. Grooves in surface for record player needle.

Phonograph record, Glenn Miller's "In the Mood"

History Colorado

Helen Rowland used this toolbox in 1943 when she worked on Boeing B-17 and B-29 bombers at Denver’s Stapleton Airfield. To easily identify her tools from across the hangar, Helen painted them blue and yellow. Women entered the workforce in record numbers during World War II, as men enlisted and were drafted into the armed forces.

This is a metal toolbox with an inner removeable two compartment tray. The original color was army green. The exterior has been repainted a light blue and hand inscribed with owner identification in a cream-colored paint. The lid has a handle and latches in front to the front of the base of the box. The inner tray is separated lengthwise into two long compartments and is removeable. There is a lip on the two horizontal edges of the tray that rests on the top edges of the box base so that the box has space under the shelf for storage.

Handpainted on the front exterior surface of the toolbox in a cream color: "5054 | HELEN ROWLAND". Handpainted on the both side exterior surfaces of the toolbox in a cream color: " HELEN 5054". Handpainted on the exterior surface of the lid of the toolbox in a cream color: "HELEN 5054 | ROWLAND". Handpainted on the rear exterior surface of the toolbox in a cream color: "HELEN ROWLAND | II FOX STREET | DENVER,9,COLORADO".

Tool Box, Metal 1

Tool Box, Metal 2

Tool Box, Metal 3

Tool Box, Metal

Franklin Press, Pueblo, Colorado History Colorado, Reproduction, 2010.47.15

Xenophobic anti-German sentiment ran high all across Colorado during World War II. Some vented their frustrations by creating “100% American Clubs,” sending the unmistakable message that expressions of German culture were unwelcome. 

Poster describes that German language would not be allowed in the 100% American Club that might have been in Pueblo, Colorado

Poster, There Are Only Two Places to Talk

This service flag was displayed in the Roberts family’s Denver home during the war. The two stars on the flag represent their two sons who served in the military. When their son Howard was killed during the Battle of the Bulge, the family used gold thread to signify and honor his sacrifice. Flags such as this one could be found on homes across the United States.

A rectangular World War Two service flag. Orange, satin fabric with a blue edge trim. White satin fabric rectangle in center with two stars. One star is blue, one is blue with a gold thread center. Gold painted wooden rod with two decorative ornaments on the end through the top of flag. Two gold ropes with gold tassels hang from ends of wooden rod. The inscription "Sons In Service" stitched to center bottom of white rectangle.

74-76-1_v1.JPG

Flag, World War II Service Flag

Denverite Fay Marie Hill wore these dog tags as a member of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). These women took over administrative jobs in the Army during the war, freeing up men for combat duties. Beginning in 1943, WAACs (now WACs) could enlist in the Army, with the unprecedented benefit of receiving the same pay as their male counterparts.

A transluscent/brown-colored, plastic necklace with two gold colored dogtags attached. Stamped into both tags: "F. M. Hill A-705067 T42 D MRS HARRY C MANN 2942 VINE ST. DENVER, COLO P"

Dog Tag set, from Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC/WAC) 1

Dog Tag set, from Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC/WAC) 2

Dog Tag set, from Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC/WAC) 3

Dog Tag set, from Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC/WAC)

So-called “sweetheart” jewelry was a common romantic gift during World War II. Lockets like these were often adorned with military service emblems, and signified the connection young couples maintained even while separated by war.

World War Two U. S. Army sweetheart locket on a chain. Object is made of metal with a silver finish. Swivels open from the top.

Locket, US Army sweetheart 1

Locket, US Army sweetheart 2

Locket, US Army sweetheart

US Army paratroopers performed daring airborne operations using M1A1 carbines like this ones. Other weapons were more common, but this carbine was issued to some paratroopers because they were lighter and could fold up for easier handling during their jumps.

Thirty caliber semi-automatic carbine manufactured by the Inland Division of General Motors. Folding skeleton stock. Clip magazine. Walnut pistol grip, forearm and barrel guard. Adjustable rear sight, three-blade front site. Front and rear sling loops (no sling).

Semi-automatic Carbine, U. S. M1A1 Paratrooper's 1

Semi-automatic Carbine, U. S. M1A1 Paratrooper's 2

Semi-automatic Carbine, U. S. M1A1 Paratrooper's 3

Semi-automatic Carbine, U. S. M1A1 Paratrooper's 4

Semi-automatic Carbine, U. S. M1A1 Paratrooper's

The armed forces issued field phonographs like these to troops throughout the war. Distractions from the troubles of war were critical to morale on the front lines.

Muscle driven phonograph built into an olive drab painted wooden box. The edges and corners are reinforced with steel. The crank fits inside the housing. The instruction manual is printed on a tin plaque tacked inside the lid. A reserve spring is attached on the back wall of the inner lid. A sound amplifier serves a inside horn, made of fiberglass-like material, whose mouth is protected by a metal mesh screen. A leather hand grip is mounted on one outside wall. The lid is hinged. The turntable has a brown velvet-like surface. The machine plays 78 rpm records.

Phonograph, Portelec Model 9C. US Army 2

Phonograph, Portelec Model 9C. US Army 1

Phonograph, Portelec Model 9C. US Army

The “Liberator” single shot pistol was built to arm civilians behind enemy lines. The United States designed and produced one million of these pistols in under six months and distributed them in both theaters of the war.

A silver, metal single shot .45 caliber pistol. Pressed steel, smooth exterior. Curved trigger guard. Empty magazine well.

Resource Kits

Object Library

Museums

Standards for Zoom In: The Home Front

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework