Crane woman in foundry operation, Electric Shop Supervision, U.S. Steel Gary Works, 1943. -- CALUMET REGIONAL ARCHIVES, INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST

Crane woman in foundry operation, Electric Shop Supervision, U.S. Steel Gary Works, 1943.

CALUMET REGIONAL ARCHIVES, INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST

The South Shore rallies during World War II

It was all hands on deck for Americans during the Second World War, but as impossibly big as the conflict felt for everyone across the country, it was truly all-encompassing for the residents of highly industrialized areas such as Gary and the South Shore.

Local boys were shipped off around the world and women stepped up to keep the "wheels rolling" in factories that churned out weapons, machinery, and other contributions to the war effort. Every ounce of scrap was collected and war bonds were sold.

Grinders at Billet Mill, U.S. Steel Gary Works, 1943. -- CALUMET REGIONAL ARCHIVES, INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST

Grinders at Billet Mill, U.S. Steel Gary Works, 1943.

CALUMET REGIONAL ARCHIVES, INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST

Chesterton Town Marshal Joe LaRoche in front of scrap metal collected during a drive for World War II, 1942. -- WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP HISTORY MUSEUM

Chesterton Town Marshal Joe LaRoche in front of scrap metal collected during a drive for World War II, 1942.

WESTCHESTER TOWNSHIP HISTORY MUSEUM

Actor James Cagney at a World War II bond drive, Inland Steel Indiana Harbor Works, circa 1942. -- CALUMET REGIONAL ARCHIVES, INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST

Actor James Cagney at a World War II bond drive, Inland Steel Indiana Harbor Works, circa 1942.

CALUMET REGIONAL ARCHIVES, INDIANA UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST

Communities did everything they could to join soldiers abroad in solidarity, fighting the war from home and praying for the safe return of their sons and fathers.

Corporal John W. Serafin came marching home the day before his wedding to Margaret Hornyak in Whiting, 1943. His ring bearer, Carl Cada Jr., was dressed in the same uniform that the rest of the groomsmen were wearing. They had a two-day honeymoon before John was shipped out again. -- LORRAINE (SERAFIN) KOBE

Corporal John W. Serafin came marching home the day before his wedding to Margaret Hornyak in Whiting, 1943. His ring bearer, Carl Cada Jr., was dressed in the same uniform that the rest of the groomsmen were wearing. They had a two-day honeymoon before John was shipped out again.

LORRAINE (SERAFIN) KOBE

These and hundreds of other classic photographs can be found in The Times's new pictorial history book, "Volume II: Memories Along the South Shore - The 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s."

Volume II: Memories Along the South Shore: The 1940s, 1950s and 1960s Cover
The Times presents Volume II: Memories Along the South Shore: The 1940s, 1950s and 1960s

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