http://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt7779s04q No online items Finding Aid of the Homefront records 0247 Finding aid prepared by Katie Richardson The processing of this collection and the creation of this finding aid was funded by the generous support of the Council on Library and Information Resources. USC Libraries Special Collections Doheny Memorial Library 206 3550 Trousdale Parkway Los Angeles, California, 90089-0189 213-740-5900 [email protected] June 2010 Finding Aid of the Homefront 0247 1 records 0247 Title: Homefront records Collection number: 0247 Contributing Institution: USC Libraries Special Collections Language of Material: English Physical Description: 98.0 Linear feet101 boxes Date (inclusive): 1980s Abstract: The collection contains research materials, administrative files, audiotape interviews, and film reels from a project by the USC Department of History for a book and PBS television special entitled The Homefront : America during World War II, compiled by Mark Jonathan Harris, Franklin D. Mitchell, and Steven J. Schechter. The book was published in 1984, and the show was broadcast in 1985. The project was a collection of first-person accounts of ordinary citizens describing their experiences during the War. creator: Mitchell, Franklin D. Scope and Content The collection contains research materials, administrative files, audiotape interviews, and film reels from a project by the USC Department of History for a book and a ninety minute television special for PBS entitled The Homefront : America during World War II, compiled by Mark Jonathan Harris, Franklin D. Mitchell, and Steven J. Schechter. The book was published in 1984, and the show was broadcast in 1985. The project was a collection of first-person accounts of ordinary citizens describing their experiences during the War. Historical note In the 1980s, members of USC's History Department and the School of Cinematic Arts collaborated to produce the book The Homefront: America during World War II (copyright 1984) followed by a PBS ninety-minute television special of the same title (aired 1985). Led by professors Mark Jonathan Harris, Franklin D. Mitchell, and Steven J. Schechter, the two departments researched the massive social changes that occurred in the U.S. as a result of America's mobilization in World War II. The material focuses on the time period from 1941-1945 and culminates in a collection of first-person accounts in which ordinary citizens describe their experiences and the impact the war had on their lives. The book includes many illustrations and photographs as well as a foreword by Studs Terkel. The documentary was produced by PBS, distributed by Churchill Films, and is divided into three thirty- minute segments. Particular attention was directed toward California because of the increase in industrial plants and the massive migration of defense workers to the state during the 1940s. Part 1: "America Goes to War" focuses on the attack on Pearl Harbor and its impact on the people of the nation. Americans rallied together to produce the machinery necessary for the war effort. Twenty million people migrated to various defense plants in order to work in the factories. Included in this segment is the impact of the war on minorities, notably African- Americans and Japanese- Americans, who experienced a bitter war that resulted in riots and internment. Part II: "The Crucible of War" documents the turning point as America's industrial efforts out produce all other nations combined. Equally inspiring is the morale of American workers, many of whom worked long hours and were dedicated to the greater good. Part III: "The Image of a New Nation, D-day" is the beginning of the end. As the war draws to a close, it is apparent that it has had a profound affect on American society with regards to race relations, urbanization, industrialization of American life, and the role of women in American society. The war opened doors to both women and minorities that had not been available to them before. Women were hired in unprecedented numbers, many of whom stayed in the work force. Expanding job opportunities during the war also went a long way toward changing the lives of African-Americans and other minorities. A broader perspective is also provided in showing how Americans from many backgrounds escaped the underemployment of the Depression and earned decent wages, acquired skills and found careers. The goal of the film was to create a social history of the American people that could appeal to a broad audience, ranging from youth to the elderly. It was also the first attempt to record on film the memories and insights of Americans who lived through the war years at home. These interviews are combined with archival film footage, including theatrical film and still photographs. The film draws heavily on visual material (film documentaries, newsreels, government training films, photographs, posters, cartoons) and recordings (radio broadcasts, phonograph records) that were produced during the war years. The film received much acclaim after it was released and won several awards including First Prize at the Baltimore Independent Film Competition, a Blue Ribbon at the American Film Festival, a Golden Eagle at C.I.N.E., the Chris Statuette at the Columbus International Film Festival, the Special Jury Award at the Houston International Film Festival, the Silver Award at the International Film and TV Festival of New York, and the Bronze Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival. Finding Aid of the Homefront 0247 2 records 0247 Conditions Governing Access COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access. Consult finding aid for additional information. Conditions Governing Use The collection contains published articles; researchers are reminded of the copyright restrictions imposed by publishers on reusing their articles and parts of books. It is the responsibility of researchers to acquire permission from publishers when reusing such materials. The copyright to unpublished materials belongs to the heirs of the writers. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder. Preferred Citation [Box/folder# or item name], Homefront records, Collection no. 0247, Regional History Collections, Special Collections, USC Libraries, University of Southern California Acquisition The collection was given to USC's Department of Special Collections in 1989 by Frank Mitchell. Subjects and Indexing Terms Harris, Mark Jonathan, 1941- Schechter, Steven J. Audiocassettes Audiotapes Correspondence Documentary films--United States--History--20th century Homefront: America during World War II Interviews Interviews--United States--20th century--Archival resources Motion pictures (visual works) Photographs United States--Biography United States--History--1933-1945--Sources United States--Social conditions--1933-1945 Videotapes World War, 1939-1945--Archival resources World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives World War, 1939-1945--Photography World War, 1939-1945--Sources World War, 1939-1945--War work--California World War, 1939-1945--Women--United States Box 1-2 Interviews 1980s Scope and Content The interview series is organized alphabetically by the interviewee's last name and includes the interviews that were conducted with candidates who were selected to participate in the project. The collection includes an itemized list of the interviews used in the project, the interviewees' contact information, and the interview schedules. The interviews were done either in person or by phone and include typed transcripts of the conversations. Many of the interviews are with women who discussed the various jobs they had during the war that were traditionally performed by men. For example, some of the women worked as riveters, bus drivers, chief clerks in a tool room, group leaders, mechanics, machinists, ARC welders, and crane operators. Many of these jobs were the first ones these women ever had. Also included in this series are notes relating to the interview procedures and guidelines as outlined by the Human Subjects Committee that employees followed while interviewing candidates. Finding Aid of the Homefront 0247 3 records 0247 Interviews 1980s Box 1, Folder 1 Abbott, John 1980-1982 Box 1, Folder 2 Adams, Jack 1980 June 5 Box 1, Folder 3-4 Allen, Alexander 1981 Box 1, Folder 5-6 Barber, Bill 1980s Box 1, Folder 7-8 Bergard, Esther 1980s Box 1, Folder 9-10 Briggs, Laura 1980-1982 Box 1, Folder 11 Broome, Sarah 1980s Box 1, Folder 12 Brush, Grace 1980s Box 1, Folder 13 Caffiere, Blanch 1980s Box 1, Folder 14 Carr, Joanne 1980 June 4 Box 1, Folder 15 Condron, Don 1981 June 24 Box 1, Cooper, Frankie 1982-1984 Folder 16-17 Box 1, Covert, James 1980-1982 Folder 18-19 Box 1, Folder 20 Crowhurst, Tracy 1980s Box 1, Folder 21 Debus, Demi 1980 July 1 Box 1, Folder 22 Denike, Barbara 1981 Box 1, Folder 23 Dennis, James 1981 June 22 Box 1, Folder 24 Erenberg, Adele 1980 June 5 Box 1, Folder 25 Farmer, Elaine 1980 August 13 Box 1, Fearing, Henry 1980s Folder 26-27 Box 1, Folder 28 Fisher, Helen 1980s Box 1, Folder 29 Frazier, Howard 1980 June 5 Box 1, Folder 30 Guyot, Ruth 1980 Box 1, Hackett, Shirely 1980 Folder 31-32 Box 1, Folder 33 Hahne, Dellie 1980 Box 1, Folder 34 Haugdahl, J.B. 1980 Box 1, Folder 35 Henderson, Clen 1980 Box 1, Folder 36 Immel, Wilder 1980s Box 1, Folder 37 Jaeggli, Carolyn and John 1980s Box 1, Folder 38 Johnson, Don 1980s Box 1, Folder 39 Johnson, Doris 1980 August 19 Box 1, Folder 40 Johnson, Elliot 1980-1982