2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 15 to 10 persons receiving their mail visitor in this office last Thursday. Dear Readers...... there. About 5,000 persons receive One day last week, a friend gave In this news recap of the be- 1943 mail at this office with four regular them a young coon and upon the ginning of Fort Leonard Wood, FORT LEONARD WOOD clerks and two substitutes. refusal of her colored cook to roast we also reprint excerpts from a In the Beginning More help is needed and more the unusual delicacy, Mrs. Wil- column called “Dear Readers...,” room. liams proceeded to cook the animal written by Ruth Long, owner and January 7 according to the way she thought it publisher of the Pulaski County Pulaski County Democrat Dear Readers... ought to be cooked—parboiled in Democrat. Ruth and husband V. POST OFFICE BUILDING HERE Roy Burson of the Burson Cafe boiling water to which was added V. Long bought the Democrat in NOT BIG ENOUGH AND and his partner of Kansas City, H. plenty of hot pepper thence trans- September of 1914. When V. V. NOT ENOUGH HELP V. Plattner, have built 10 housing ferred to the roasting pan, garnished Long secured the postmastership The post office building here is units east of town known as Courte- with strips of bacon and roasted in November of 1933, he ceased not big enough and neither is there sy Court. The Court is modern and to a delicate brown, accompanied active management of the paper. sufficient help to handle the volume up-to-date. by Irish and sweet potatoes with His wife Ruth became publisher of mail that pours out of here every I suppose the WAACs have arrived crunch corn sticks, the coon tast- and their son, Douglas E., editor day with long lines of patrons stand- at Ft. Wood, at least they were ex- ing like roast pork. They liked the and business manager. Ruth wrote ing in line for service. pected the first of the year, the first unusual dish very much. I have a weekly column called “Dear One thing that makes for the company consisting to three officers been told by others that they are Readers...”. News about neighbors crowded and sometimes jammed and 152 enrolled women. They will delicious. [We include this recipe as a and former county residents was conditions is the excessive general replace enlisted men doing much of service to our readers.] interspersed with gems of local delivery. There are 260 boxes for the work that the men have formerly Several have informed us that history. Ruth’s column reports the General Delivery which means been doing. They will occupy three the largest crowd ever known was emergence of Fort Leonard Wood that about 2,000 receive their mail new, two-story barracks. here Saturday night. If the “drunk” but her account is a personal one through that channel alone. There Mrs. Neal D. Williams of Oak- or “drunks” who lost their supper of the boom years of World War II. are 500 rented boxes with from 1 wood east of town was a pleasant sometime Thursday night (New She notes the changing landscape, expresses awe at the huge military effort and influx of people, while sometimes lamenting the change. We offer her perspective alongside the news articles, all of which are from the Democrat. Year’s Eve) on the street between my home and the Baker hotel, can have same by applying some time after dark. I am getting tired of almost stepping in the “mess” that consist- ed mainly of meat and potatoes, Pictured above are the tidy white cabins of Courtesy Court, developed by Roy Burson and H. V. Plattner. The also some persons must have been two-story house belonged to Roy Burson. It was located on Plattner Avenue in what is now St. Robert (there was extremely “full of spirits” for four no St. Robert then). Several of the cabins still exist, as well as Burson’s house. City of St. Robert Museum. empty bottles were left in front of 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 16 Old Settlers Gazette Archive online - www.oldstagecoachstop.org

my home along the road. Crushed Station and the draft board was on original one, Mitchell Cemetery on activity has been scheduled by the glass is very hard on precious tires. the second floor.] Main Street near the current library, Program Committee of the Club, [The Longs lived on North Ben- Dear Readers... was full.] beginning and ending at midnight. ton Street across from the Baptist There is a situation here that calls January 28 The Waynesville Club is a joint Church, one house from City Park. for drastic action—that of young Dear Readers... occupancy type, operated by the Sal- Their grandson, Judge Douglas Long girls coming here, some from distant Friday afternoon about 3 pm V. V. vation Army, Jewish Welfare Board and his wife, Ruth, now occupy the states—PENNILESS—who arrive and I walked over to Pine Bluff from and Y. W. C. A. house.] to visit the boy friends, expecting Highway 28 the first time I have Dear Readers... It is not only childish but disgust- fairies or ravens to feed them and been in that section, although I have Many older people have told me ing to hear criticism of any part of give them shelter and if it turns out admired it from afar. and lately too, that the last two wars the rationing program when only to be the ravens no one need to be We sat on a pinnacle of the bluff fought on foreign soil have been no a grain of sense is needed to know surprised. Parents are laying down overlooking the clear green water of comparison to the Civil War when that IF it was not VITALLY ESSEN- on the job, or the girls leave home this spring-fed stream,and enjoyed the whole country was laid waste TIAL it would not be done. I am suddenly and without many parents the gorgeous view up and down the and the “abomination of desolation” glad to say I have heard of very few knowing their whereabouts. valley, looking down upon Possum was everywhere. People starving, no selfish ones who put their own com- Lodge and Cedar Mere, the former clothing, or very little of it and V. fort above that of the fighting forces January 21 belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Perkins V.’s mother was telling me last week and starving people. The fact is we Dear Readers... and the latter to Mr. and Mrs. Fred that she went barefoot the winter have had plenty of everything we Walter D. Layton, General Man- Beneke in St. Louis. Where we were, she was 7 years old, carrying water need and in most cases too much.— ager of the Pulaski Cab Co., was everything was still and calm but up from a spring quite a distance from RUTH LONG. telling me Monday of the enormous the valley men and machines were the house which was the farm on amount of traffic his company busy on the new bridge across Big Spring Creek owned for many years January 14 handles—they have over 75 vehicles, Piney a few hundred yards below by John Pillman, who is well known The Pulaski County Selective 30 of them staying within Ft. Wood the old bridge which now handles in this entire section. Soldiers Service Board moved their office unless taken out for repairs. The all the traffic at Devil’s Elbow. The drove away all their cattle, but sent Thursday of last week into the new weekly payroll is $800. new route also could be viewed back one cow after her mother had Wilson-Long building from the The Waynesville Lions Club of skirting beautiful Sunset Rest owned pleaded with them on account of the courthouse. [The recently complet- which Dr. C. B. Hadley is president, by Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Burgard. children. ed Wilson-Long building (August, is interested in a city cemetery for February 25 1917), built by Roy Wilson and V. V. Waynesville and a committee has February 18 DR. C. A. TALBOT’S LIFE STORY Long is on the west side of the square, been named to locate site, price, and WAYNESVILLE USO CLUB TO TO BE PRINTED IN currently the office of Deborah Hoop- many other details that will have to CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY LOOK MAGAZINE er, attorney. The Pulaski County be worked out before anything defi- The Waynesville USO Club will The life story of Dr. C. A. Talbot, Democrat office was on the ground nite can be done. [Ruth has been on celebrate its first anniversary on one of Pulaski County’s best known floor along with the Greyhound Bus a mission to get a city cemetery. The Sunday, February 28th. A full day of doctors will appear in an early issue

Also visible to Ruth and V. V. Long was Sunset Rest and several log cabins for rent. The building faced the original Route 66. It stood at the intersec- THis is part of the view that Ruth describes in her column. Looking south tion of the old road and the new four-lane being built through Hooker Cut. from the bluff, Possum Lodge is visible on the west bank of the Big Piney Frank and Nellie Burgard began operating the roadside business in 1937. River. Possum Lodge was built on this location at least by 1915, its earliest Sharlotte Shelden Smith recalled that the Burgard’s had “gas, groceries, and mention in the newspaper. Courtesy of Jan and Terry Primas. lots and lots of cats.” Courtesy of Jan and Terry Primas. 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 17 of the magazine Look. Together with from Missouri University at Colum- residences and business houses that but following interviews with some pictures of Dr. Talbot, his family bia, Mo., and Northwestern Uni- are connected with the city water of them and other investigations and his work will be an article about versity at Chicago, Ill. Following his system. will now file criminal proceedings how the War has affected the health graduation he practiced in Joplin, At the time the water system was instead if they do not comply with situation in this area in regard to Mo., for several years before moving installed in Waynesville, the city orders of the OPA at once. number of doctors, etc. to Waynesville where he has made was unable to purchase the meters While some of the orders may Dr Talbot was selected by the U. S. his home. but meter barrels were placed by the not be fair and equitable, they must Surgeon General’s Office as a typical Dr. and Mrs. Talbot have three construction company at that time. be complied with until hearings American doctor doing valiant work sons, Lt. Blake S. Talbot (J.G.) in the There will be no further deposit on complaints may be heard and in our community. He has practiced Navy, Charles Talbot, County Agent charge other than the one paid when adjustments made. “Rent gouging in Waynesville for the past thir- at Shelbyville, Mo., and Dale E. connecting with the town system. involving soldiers and soldiers’ de- ty-two years. For many years he was Bradford, who is stationed in Terrill, pendents are going to be abolished,” the only doctor in the community. Texas with the R. A. F. February 25 Mr. Dyer continued. At the present time he has turned (Dr. Talbot finished a building to COMPLY OR FACE INDICTMENT Any landlords or tenants having much of his practice to Dr. Clyde house his City Drug Store near the SAYS OPA complaints to make may file them Miller who came to Waynesville corner of Commercial (Historic 66 to- George C. Dyer, Enforcement at Rolla with the temporary Attor- two years ago to assist him. The fast day) and Maple (Benton) in Septem- Attorney for the Office of Price Ad- ney-Director G. Ralph Ernst, who growing population of Waynesville ber 1941, next to Rigsby’s Standard ministration, arrived in Waynesville has replaced Eugene Northern. and surrounding communities Service (Nona’s Kitchen). Friday for interviews and investiga- proved too much for one doctor to WATER METERS BEING tion of the rental situation. Bill Brisch, owner of the O. K. Ga- take care of. INSTALLED BY CITY Mr. Dyer announced that he had rage here is taking a ground course Dr. Talbot was born and reared City Manager Roy Wilson an- come to Waynesville with the inten- in aviation at the Rolla School of near St. Joseph, Mo., in Buchanan nounced this week that workmen tion of filing injunction proceedings Mines. His wife is running the ga- County. He graduated with honors were busy installing water meters at against some of the landlords here rage while he is gone. 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 18 Old Settlers Gazette Archive online - www.oldstagecoachstop.org March 4 the fort cannot be disrupted to per- housing is available. Here, however, be chosen from the ranks. Every HOUSING SHORTAGE NEAR mit the soldier to search for rooms the facilities are NOT available, and member has an equal opportuni- POST BRINGS for his family. the authorities urge that the families ty to qualify for officer candidate OFFICIAL WARNING Until recently some accommoda- and friends remember that their training after completion of her four Fort Leonard Wood authorities tions had been available, but civil- soldier won’t have a pleasant memo- weeks basic training. A four weeks issued a pointed warning today ian building has necessarily fallen ry of their visit, if they are forced to basic training period is the first step to wives, parents, and friends of behind current needs. There is no spend their nights in a car, a shack, of a newly enrolled WAAC. At the soldiers planning to visit this area. immediate prospect of alleviation or an all-night restaurant. completion of this training each There are few housing facilities of the situation. Housing facilities one is given an aptitude test which available within a 50-mile radius of on the post itself are limited, and no Buy Pleasant Grove will determine the type of work for Fort Leonard Wood. one is permitted to hold guest-house Filling Station, Cabins which she is best fitted. If you have The continued influx of soldiers’ rooms longer than three days except Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Schuermann special training which the army can families to the Rolla-Waynesville in rare instances. of Morgan Heights purchased the use, you will be placed with little area has taxed hotels, rooming hous- Housing agencies point out that Pleasant Grove Filling Station and further training. Those who have no es and private dwellings far beyond visits to soldiers often have a re- six cabins west of Waynesville last training will be sent to specialists’ their normal capacity, and the situ- sult quite different from what was week from the Regal Heirs of the schools which teach communica- ation has become serious. In many expected. For example, the 65-year- estate through Minnie Noe, Admin- tions, radio, parachute rigging, gun cases wives, parents and children old mother of one soldier appeared istrator of the estate. Mr. and Mrs. sight and instrument specialists and of soldiers visiting here have been one day in a Traveler’s Aid office, Schuermann will take charge the many others. forced to spend the night in autos or asking for a room. No room could first of the week. This a chance for the women of hotel lobbies, and some have found be had, the woman was forced to March 11 America to serve with an organiza- it necessary to spend several days return home on the next train, since NOTICE! tion set up along military lines for in sub-standard tourist cabins while her age prevented her making use Owners of chickens in Waynesville the purpose of performing noncom- awaiting accommodations. of hotel chairs as a place to sleep. within the city limits are requested batant duties releasing men for front Traveler’s Aid agencies in nearby Children are another source of trou- to keep them off the city streets and line duty. communities have found it impossi- ble; there are no places in this area off the property of others. The law If you would like to “Serve with ble to cope with the situation. Cases suitable for them. Crowded hotels, will be strictly enforced this year. the WAACs”, or would like informa- continually arise where soldier’s dingy tourist cabins and shacks are tion, write, U. S. Army Recruiting families with or without the knowl- all they can expect here. WAAC OFFICERS NOW CHOSEN Office, Springfield, Missouri. edge of the soldier, arrive unexpect- It is pointed out that the army has FROM THE RANKS edly in this community’s “boom no objection to soldiers’ families The Women’s Army Auxiliary Dear Readers... towns” without housing reservations visiting them or following them Corp recently announced that from I was very much amused Thurs- of any kind. Training schedules at from camp to camp, when adequate now on every WAAC officer will day evening when I noted in a daily

Accommodations were scarce in 1943. Butler City, owned by Bob Butler, Pleasant Grove was built in the early 1930s on the east side of Route 66 in was one of the numerous cabin courts built during the first Fort Leonard the small community of Pleasant Grove, as Buckhorn was then known. The Wood boom. It had the largest number of cabins in the area in 1943—more cabins, which had private cooking facilities, rented for $1.00 to $1.50 a day. than two dozen. The cabins varied in size. The larger ones had gable roofs Rudy and Clara Schuermann bought the resort in 1943, sold it to John Wall and the smaller ones supported shed or flat roofs. The cabins were portable. in 1945, who sold it to Edgar Bell and wife in 1946. They renamed it Bell Butler City was located on Route 66 where I-44 Exit 161 in St. Robert is Haven. There was an office/filling station/grocery store which still stands as today. Courtesy of The State Historical Society of Missouri. a private residence. Courtesy of Joe Sonderman. 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 19

paper where former Gov. Alf M. up until the time for examination. Post Office at Hanna, Missouri, will 31st, 1943, it postmarked its last Landon of Kansas was”shocked” Applicants will have transportation have ceased to exist, a casualty of the letter, canceled its last stamp, and when some friends of President paid to and from the examination war. quietly slipped into the shadows of Roosevelt proposed a 4th term for and will be given an allowance for Established 45 years ago, it has “Never, Never Land” and is now but him. Now, this isn’t the only time food and quarters. Write or visit the served a large territory and is no a legend of the Ozarks and a story of the President has “shocked” Mr. Army Recruiting Office, New Fed- doubt one of the best known inland “Once Upon A Time.: written by C. Landon—he “shocked” him in 1936 eral Building, Springfield, Mo., and post offices in the Ozarks. It saw the C. Smith for the PCD. by leaving Mr. Landon far to the find out how you can help win the transition from the pony express rear in his presidential aspirations. war by “Serving with the WAACs”. rider to the auto and airplane. Its April 8 In fact he has “shocked” Mr. Landon mail was carried by ponyback and LONGS SELL LOT several times. I don’t see how he can March 25 sometimes on foot. But the estab- ON MAIN STREET survive further shocks. Dear Readers... lishment of Fort Leonard Wood Mr. and Mrs. V. V. Long here sold Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard I forgot to tell you last week that nearby restricted its territory to such a business lot on Main Street last and ours is about the same so far as we have had two of our popular an extent that it was deemed unnec- week to Bill Finley of the Ft. Wood meat is concerned. The meat shops and longtime cafes close—the Owl essary to continue it so the depart- Cab Co., formerly of Centralia , Ill here the past two days have been operated by Mr. Martin and the Bell ment ordered it to be discontinued. and brother Dewey of St Louis. empty except for some cheese, lone- owned by Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Thom- Hanna was more than a post office The lot is 20 x 148 feet located near some liver in small trays and sparse as. Now we have other popular cafes address, it was a community. Its the center of Main St. where the sausages. here but they are all handicapped by familiar postmark spelled “home” to Democrat building formerly stood. not being able to accommodate the many boys now fighting for Uncle [The newspaper office burned in 1939 WAAC EXAMS FOR crowds and the closing makes for Sam on all the far-flung battlefronts which explains why the issues from WOMEN OF WAYNESVILLE much hardship on the eating pub- of this global war, and the passing 1917 to 1940 are not on microfilm. It was announced today that lic. Shortage of help and inability to of the old post office will bring a The vacant lot sold by the Longs to women in and around Waynesville obtain certain foods was the cause. feeling of nostalgia to many of them. the Finley brothers is the east 20-foot will have the opportunity to enlist in 150 WAACs have arrived at Fort To many of the old-timers it will wide portion of the current Hoppers the Womens Army Auxiliary Corps, Wood and I won’t be surprised to be like the passing of an old friend Pub building.] more commonly know as the hear that they have captured the fort you are accustomed to see every day They plan to start a new building WAACs, on March 23rd. The exams without firing a shot heavier than for years, then suddenly drop from about May 1st, the full length of the are open to any woman citizen of one of cupid’s darts. sight. lot up to where the two lane high- the U. S. between the ages of 21 to It would be interesting to know way (Hwy. 66) is surveyed to the 44 inclusive, who is physically, men- April 1 just how many birth certificates have rear. The lot fronts 66 on the north. tally and morally sound, and who Hanna Post Office been issued giving Hanna, Mo. as The building will house the office have no dependents or children un- Discontinued This Week the birthplace. So Hanna is gone of the cab company and a bowling der 14. Applications will be accepted By the time this is being read the and at 4:00 p. m. Thursday, March alley.

The Owl Cafe was in the front of Carl Brisch’s garage building on the south side of Route 66 in West Waynesville. It closed but reopened in 1943 when Iva Mae Dye Case in front of the Hanna store/post office. The store was built of Lucille Ransdall bought the business. She operated The Owl until 1955. rubble rock with decorative concrete top corners. Stella Dye was postmistress Courtesy of Jan and Terry Primas. when it closed (Harvey Dye 1918-1942). Courtesy of Georgia Dye Primus. 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 20 Old Settlers Gazette Archive online - www.oldstagecoachstop.org

May 6 June 3 violations: charging of Lt. and Mrs. asserted, was taken care of by Ger- BIGGEST WEEKEND FOR BUILDING MODERN BRICK Harold Levinson $7.00 a week for a trude Baker, former operator of the WAYNESVILLE BUSINESS MEN AND TILE STRUCTURE $3.60 room on May 27th; charging hotel, and last January 3 he received As reflected by the local banks ON MAIN ST. Pvt. and Mrs. W. E. Duff $5 for a $2 final instructions from the OPA clearings on Monday following, Mr. Bill and Dewey Finley of this place room on May 26; charging Lt. and rent board, he added, and has been Rollins says; Waynesville business are building a modern brick and tile Mrs. Robert C. Britt $10 a week for operating in accordance with those men enjoyed the heaviest business two story structure on Main St. here, a $4.75 room on May 19th; charging instructions ever since. in the town’s history. work commencing last week with Walter H. Beach $10 for a $4.75 “The hotel and the annex, which I The Waynesville Security Bank the excavating by Dan Smith and room on May 17; charging Pvt. and built as my home for $1600, are filled received on deposit of last Monday Buck Graham. Mrs. Donald Muckey $5.00 for a $2 all the time ,” Atwill said. “We can’t 259 deposits totaling $101,628.76. The building will be 20 ft. by 148 basement room on May 21; charging possibly take care of the demand for The healthy business tone was ft., the entire length of the lot to the Mrs. Ruth Walstrom and husband rooms around here.” shown by the ordinary size of any alley. $7.00 for a $3.50 room on May 28; Taylor Sandison, State Attorney, for single deposit only one deposit was A contractor and architect from St. charging Lt. and Mrs. John A. Rog- the OPA for Eastern Missouri, said up to $6,500, one around $5,000, Louis is in charge of the work. The ers $6 for a $3 attic room; charging the information against Atwill and and all others $4,000 and less, no lot was bought recently from Mr. Pvt. and Mrs. Robert Sander $5.00 his wife charge that from an invest- one large deposit was received to and Mrs. V. V. Long and the build- for a $3.00 basement room. ment of $1600 in the annex, they boost the total of the day. ing will replace the Democrat build- [In his defense,Ralph Atwill told a St. had been obtaining $290 in rent each The day’s clearings showed 648 ing destroyed by fire over a year ago. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter that he month. The OPA rent control board checks totaling $40,288.42 and Offices of the Ft. Wood Cab Co., bought the hotel for $12,500 from the had permitted them to take a max- cleared on the banks own accounts will be in part of the building, also a heirs of the Baker estate last October imum of $147 a month.—from St. and 1079 checks totaling $41,107.07 bowling alley. 15. The filing of rent regulations, he Louis Post-Dispatch, June 13, 1943.] on other institutions. The efficient June 17 officers in charge at the bank’s ACCUSED OF OVERCHARGING windows kept the customers mov- BY THE O. P. A. ing and all were waited on without Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Atwill here much delay. posted bond in Springfield Mon- The bank’s officials take this min- day in the first proceedings filed in ute to thank the bank’s customers the Springfield’s Federal court for for their orderly way in assisting alleged violation of rent ceilings. us with the “business jam” on busy The information includes nine days and assure them of the bank’s counts and was prepared in Kansas willingness to serve them. City last Saturday by assistant U. S. May 13 district Attorney Richard Phelps. Big Flood. The information charged that the Water had taken possession of 17 Atwills, operators of the Baker Hotel rows of seats in the Ft. Wood The- here, doubled or more than doubled atre here Wednesday. The Roubi- rent on rooms allowed under the TH e Baker Hotel was located on the northwest corner of the square in doux takes charge of the theatre ceiling set for Waynesville. Waynesville. Ralph and Mattie Atwill bought the hotel in 1917. In 1918 they about this time annually. The government charges these were charged with violation of wartime rent controls. Jan and Terry Primas.

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100 Mitchell Heights Waynesville, MO 65583 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 21 Dear Readers... in the Gasco- floods. I have only been privileged It is one of the most beautiful places ...While in this office last week nade bottom to visit Gascozark farms once but that I have ever seen, the home and on business, Frank A. Jones of during the recent hope to again before the year is out. grounds and the setting is ideal. Gasconade Farms near Hazel Green on the Gasconade, said he found that he had made a mistake when he raised his son to be a farmer and when my look registered a question mark he said that he should have raised him to be a coal miner and his inference was plain. Now, everyone knows that the lot of the coal miner and their families have been hard and dangerous work, but the past few years have seen much improvement in their wages and living standards but this war and the front line trenches are dangerous, too. Mr. Jones and his son are produc- ing Grade A milk for the soldiers at Ft. Wood and it is being distributed through a dairy. They have been A partial view above of Frank Allison Jones’s farm on the bank of the Gasconade River which he named Gasconade plowing at night with a tractor and Hereford Ranch. Among several efforts, he built a dairy and milk processing operation. He also developed Gasconade he reports great damage to his fields Hills Resort on the grounds. An in-depth article on GHR is in the 2007 Old Settlers Gazette. Courtesy of Jason Jones. 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 22 Old Settlers Gazette Archive online - www.oldstagecoachstop.org

August 12 Sept 9 on, essential to the war effort and The projects east of the intersection START PAVING EAST OF TOWN OPA RENT CONTROLLERS LOSE consists not only of highways, but with Highway 28 were not completed THIS WEEK FIRST WAYNESVILLE CASE bridges. Other classifications include until September of 1945.] The Hite Paving Co. commenced Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Atwill of those for the transportation of war work on paving the 7-mile stretch Waynesville, operators of the Baker workers, farm and mine products. October 14 on U. S. Highway 66 east of town Hotel and Annex were winners over In Pulaski County in the vicinity FT. WOOD CAB CO. ROBBED this week. the OPA Rent Controllers in a half of Ft. Leonard Wood are 4.8 miles of OF $350 EARLY LAST Several months has elapsed since dozen suits filed against them in grading, structures and 22-foot con- SUNDAY MORNING anything has been done to this sec- Springfield District Federal Court crete pavement. A four-lane bridge The Ft. Wood Cab Company was tion of the highway which is a part which came to a conclusion yester- is being constructed over Big Piney robbed at 5:40 a.m. Sunday morning of the super-highway that was halted day when a jury took 65 minutes to river on U. S. 66 near Devils Elbow, and $350 was taken from the cash several months after Fort Leonard decide the case. 10 miles east of Waynesville.[The register after the bandits in civilian Wood was built. The fills and other The were alleged by the OPA to state called for bids on the new bridge clothes had struck a woman em- preliminary work was completed have violated rent ceilings set by that construction proposal but there were ployee over the head with a blunt several months ago. agency. no takers for the first letting of the instrument, dragging her to a men’s Work is going forward slowly on STATE HIGHWAY NEWS contract. Hooker Cut, the new bridge, restroom in the rear of the bowling the new bridge across Big Piney at The State Highway Department and pavement construction was con- alley in the building. Devil’s Elbow but this section is not at Jefferson City reports that much siderably delayed due to shortage of The money was the proceeds from part of the paving being done at this road building is being carried men and cement because of the war. the bowling alley in the building and time. of the Cab company owned jointly The work being done now is near- by two brothers, Dewey and Bill by and adjacent to what has been Finley. [The Finley Building, the con- known as the Wye. struction of which was announced in [This refers to the work on Highway April, was completed and the bowling 66 which included the four-lane from alley operational in the 20-foot wide Missouri Avenue junction to building, now east side of Hopper’s the top of Waynesville Hill.] Pub in Waynesville.] August 26 October 21 Tut’s Open For business Elmer Barton, of Valley View Store Floyd Mooney, manager of and post office near Hooker on U. S. the Red Front store here has 66 was here last week and advanced rented the Brisch building on their Democrat subscription. [A the north side of the Square yearly subscription to the Democrat and opened a new cafe with was still $1.00 per year or a cord of new furnishings and air-con- wood.] ditioning, the cafe being At first, Tut’s Cafe shared the Brisch building with Adkins Re- known as Tut’s. The cafe is frigeration and Appliance store. The rear part of Adkins was also the bus We may be the fastest growing operated by Nelson (Tut) Royalty. station for a time. Mabel Mottaz’s house is partly visible on the right. Let- community in the nation as a St. The cafe is very attractive both as to tering on Tut’s window reads “Frosty Malt 10 ¢.” Postcard courtesy of John Louis Star Times reporter wrote in appearances and eats. Bradbury. Tut’s glass courtesy of Jan and Terry Primas. the Wednesday, Oct. 6th issue but 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 23

October 28 JAMES CURRAN REBUILDING NEWSBITS FROM FOLLOWING FIRE RECENTLY FT. LEONARD WOOD Mr. and Mrs. James Curran here Members of the three WAC are re-building on the site where the detachments now stationed at Fort old structure was destroyed by fire Leonard Wood were awarded their about two weeks ago. first service ribbons last week. The The dimensions are 30x40 of tile ribbons signify service in the WAAC and exterior white stucco. before it became the WAC and a Living quarters to the rear, con- part of the regular army. After the sisting of two large rooms with bath war a suitable medal will be struck are to the rear of the main business off and awarded to all ribbon-hold- building. ers. The WAC ribbons are green A public rest room and store room with narrow gold bands at each end. combined is being built adjacent to the main building. Valley View store was on the original gravel Route 66 in Hooker near where The walls are practically finished. the old sawmill is visible on the south side of I-44 before crossing the Big Piney. Pine Bluff is visible above looking northwest on the other side of the river. It was owned by Elmer and Bertie Barton. Elmer became Hook- er postmaster in 1942-43. Bertie then became postmaster from 1943 until 1955 when it was discontinued. Valley View was the last business to close on the old Route 66 through Hooker. Courtesy of Joe Sonderman.

we are not all that was claimed for have several modern cabin camps. us, for instance it was said that our We NEED about 150 modern new only bank, the Waynesville Security, homes here which would take away was housed in an ordinary wooden much of the congestion. store building with only a padlock Bill Finley, who with his brother on the door, which is a mis-state- Dewey, own the Ft. Wood Cab Co. ment for the building is concrete here and a new modern business and the safe and other fixtures are building here on Main St. has many as good as any to be found in banks. ideas for the betterment of the town Sam T. Rollins is the president; W. and community—the making of L. Burchard is the Cashier; and Mrs. more paved streets, more recreation W. L. Burchard is the Ass’t Cashier. of the right kind, and many more Curran’s Cafe new concrete block building was located just west of the If there is a padlock on the door I improvements. He and his family Roubidoux Bridge on Highway 66 on the eastbound lane across from the have never seen it. live about a mile east of the Wye on road from the Bell Hotel. This view is from the mid-1950s. It was one of We DO have many old ramshack- U. S. 66. the longest-lived roadside eateries on the highway in Pulaski, changing its specialty and name to Curran’s Hickory Smoke House in 1961 and lasting le cabins and buildings which are More than 800 are enrolled in the into the mid-1960s. It had a glass-walled smokehouse so you could watch nothing but fire traps but we also Grade and High school here. the barbecuing. Today the building is Steve’s Place tavern.

PIANO LESSONS

LISA SCHWANDT Piano Instructor 100 Mitchell Hts. Waynesville, MO 65583

573-774-2512

[email protected] 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 24 Old Settlers Gazette Archive online - www.oldstagecoachstop.org

Employment opportunities for OLD CHURCH IN ARMY ago, when four women including without pay, receiving only such civilian residents of the area sur- CAMP AREA DISBANDED Mrs. Cox’s grandmother, asked an gifts of clothing and food as the rounding the fort were announced The construction of Fort Leonard itinerant Baptist minister, the Rev. members chose to present, and thus this week by the Civilian Personnel Wood near here will result in the Calloway Manes, to preach in their avoiding the stigma of preaching for Office. Both men and women are removal of many landmarks, but community. money. During 1871, for example, needed. Vacancies exist at the post none will be missed more by Pu- The Rev. Manes was a man of the records show that the congre- laundry, where bundlers, wrap- laski County residents than the old strong convictions, and during the gation paid the Rev. J. N. Manes the pers, press operators and others are Friendship Church, about two miles Civil war, after being warned against sum of $22.35 for the year’s work, sought at pay rates carrying from from Bloodland, his preachings and having persisted and in meeting his obligations to 43 cents to 49 cents an hour. Typists The congregation held its last for- in his views, he was called to the the church the Rev. Mr. Manes rode and stenographers are needed for mal service, an all day meeting with door of his home in Waynesville on horseback a distance of between jobs paying $1260 to $1440 yearly, a bountiful basket dinner, two weeks one night and shot and killed by 20 and 30 miles and returned each plus overtime. Typists must have a ago. At the business meeting, the bushwhackers. His nephew, the Rev. week-end. In January, 1905, the speed of 35 words per minute and church clerk, Mrs. Roy Atkinson, J. N. Manes, later preached at Old church voted to hire a janitor and stenographers must be able to take was authorized to grant letters of Friendship for 20 years. employed J. H. Gan at a salary of 25 dictation at the rate of 80 words per dismissal to the membership to join Other ministers who preached cents a month. Gan held that posi- minute. with other churches. The old church and were licensed to preach in the tion for seven years. November 4 is in the midst of the new army old church included T. J. Zumwalt, In the early days matters of reli- CIRCUIT CLERK BUYS cantonment. Wesley Logan, Silas Page and his gion were handled by the men, and OWL CAFE HERE The church has been closely con- grandson, Elmer Page, and the Rev. it was not until 1909 that a wom- Circuit Clerk Mart Ballew here nected with the religious and social Messrs. Wheeler, Springer, Hen- an was elected to an office in the bought the Owl Cafe in west life of the county almost throughout dricks, Anthony, Mustain, Thomas, church. Mrs. Alice Posten then was Waynesville last week from K. E. its entire history, and it is credited Milt Hibbs, Daniel Turner, W. C. elected church clerk and held that Weaver. by many for the fact that Pulaski Peterson, C. A. Ormsbee, J. W. Bull- position until her death in 1939. J. D. Herbert who has lived in County has a larger proportion of ock, Joseph Renfroe, W. V. Rook, T. First Building Was Log House Waynesville the past 3 years will Baptists in its population than any J. Mickels , Clifford Bartlett, Charles The original church building was manage the business. other county in Missouri. Roach, Harry Zumwalt, Roy Atkin- a small log house erected before the The restaurant is being cleaned Church 83 Years Old. son and the present pastor, Andy Civil War. When the summer work and re-decorated. The building is According to Mrs. Mae Gan Cox Sheppard. was ended and protracted meetings owned by Deputy Sheriff Carl M. of Waynesville, the first services of Served Without Salaries were held, services were sometimes Brisch. the church were held about 83 years The early pastors usually served conducted in brush arbors adjoining

CARRYING ON Left—A quarter century after the writer of that immortal poem “Trees” was killed on a battlefield in France [see page 5], his son is carrying on the Kilmer military tradition, beginning his career with the New York National Guard Regiment, “The Fighting 69th, as a private, just as his father, whom he never saw, did. Christopher Kilmer, 25, is a lieutenant and mortar platoon leader in the 289th Infantry’s Company M, Fort Wood. Acme World Wide Photos courtesy of Jan and Terry Primas.

right— Private Jennie York, WAC and cousin of Sergeant Alvin York of World War I fame [see page 4], takes her turn at KP at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Formerly a waitress at Clinton, Tenn., home of the York clan, Private York says there must be “at least a Battalion of Yorks” serving in the Army in the present conflict, plus several in the Navy. — U. S. Army Signal Corps Photo from Acme, courtesy of Jan and Terry Primas. 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 25 the building to accommodate the November 25 National Forest to begin the task of fronts all over the world, and the crowd. The present frame build- DEER SEEN NEAR TOWN carving a huge army encampment fort is still going strong. ing was erected in 1901, largely by BY MRS. JOHN BALES out of the tangle of scrub oak and Newsbits from Ft. Leonard Wood donated work by the members. This Mrs. John Bales of near town saw rocky hills. Six months later the fort An epidemic has struck the fort’s building will be removed to make an unusual sight Friday morning was completed, and the first troops Headquarters WAC detachment— way for the army camp. November 12th about 11 o’clock were already in training. Old-tim- an epidemic of weddings. Three Although the church as an or- when a young deer ran across their ers here recalled this week that weddings between soldiers and ganization was disbanded, further pasture and crossed the road onto when they first arrived on the post, WACs during the past week has services will be held from time to the Wilbur Johnson pasture. The such things as running water and brought the total for the past 20 days time until the building is razed. The animal was about half-grown and electricity were unheard of. They to five weddings, and the WAC de- members voted to distribute the apparently frightened by a jeep driv- heated water for shaving on impro- tachment’s commanding officer has proceeds from sale of the church en by a soldier along the road. Mr. vised stoves, then carried the water been moved to call her girls “The property by giving one half to the and Mrs. Bales live on the Orville to basins placed on shelves ranged Marryin’ Platoon.” district missions, one fourth to the Laughlin farm. [Yes, deer were so around the room. Baths were ob- church co-operative program and rare that a sighting made the news in tainable only at nearby towns. December 16 one-eighth each to the hospitals at the paper.] Today the fort has a modern, MUST PREVENT LIVESTOCK Rolla and Lebanon. They appointed December 9 high-capacity water purification FROM STRAYING INTO FORT Roy Atkinson, Henry Bailey and Newsbits from Ft. Leonard Wood plant, many miles of surfaced roads, WOOD RESERVATION Whis Dye as trustees to supervise Fort Leonard Wood was three its own railroad spur, a bus line, fire Farmers and stockmen in this area the distribution of the proceeds of years old this week. On a blustery department, and every other facility were warned this week that they the sale. day in December, 1940, the van- needed by a “city” its size. Hundreds must prevent their livestock from —Reprinted by request from St. guard of a construction army num- of thousands of men (exact num- straying into the Ft. Leonard Wood Louis Post-Dispatch during “Boom bering 32,000 workmen descended bers cannot be revealed) have been reservation. Artillery and small- Period.” on the wilderness of the Mark Twain trained here and sent to fighting arms firing is conducted daily, and cattle and horses frequently have 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 26 Old Settlers Gazette Archive online - www.oldstagecoachstop.org wandered into the danger zone. The attended by the whole county and Government is not liable for damage several hundred former residents to or destruction of livestock per- who timed their annual visits then, mitted to wander onto the military usually the week-end in August pre- reservation. ceding the Primary Election, where the main topic was “politics.” The new fire truck delivered A sociable, homely atmosphere of December 7 is being stored in Bill intimate life as lived daily in a small Brisch’s new garage in West Waynes- town in which the whole communi- ville. [Carl Brisch, Bill Brisch’s ty was on a “big family” scale with brother, was the Fire Chief. The new the usual “falling out” and “reconcil- garage was the O. K. Garage, pictured At the corner of Oak Street and Route 66 is a large brick building. William iations.” A wholesome life. opposite.] Brisch constructed the building in 1943, characterized by the Democrat as Then came Dec. 7th, 1941—that “the largest brick building in West Waynesville.” It was christened the O. K. Day of Infamy and all this was NEW BUILDINGS Garage, selling Chrysler and Plymouth autos. It also contained a machine changed—surveyors appeared on UNDER CONSTRUCTION shop. William was the younger brother of Carl Brisch, the Pontiac dealer the local scene—people—men, Work is progressing on all the new since 1926. The painted garage sign is very visible on the east side of the women, and some children, strang- home and business buildings here building, above right. On the west side, barely visible, is “Oldsmobile,” the ers appeared on the streets of among which is the Witt business result of Mark Twain Motors occupying the building from 1955 to 1958 as Waynesville looking for a place to building joining the United Tele- the new Olds dealer in town. The building was sold at auction by Brisch on open up a business and staying until phone office. The building is large of June 19, 1962. The garage has recently been rehabbed by a local entrepre- they found it which sometimes ran tile and brick and will be occupied neur. Photos by Terry Primas. into weeks for Waynesville citizens by George Morris. [This was the typical Ozark town, a county-seat being the favorites, fried potatoes have always held on to their prop- Victory Pub building.] town, where the main events cen- and coffee made in the open which erty like leeches. [This part of the tered about the circuit-court room is always better than that made time line is not exactly correct. Mrs. Newsbits from Ft. Leonard Wood semi-annually where the county at home. Swimming, boating and Long implies that the boom started Here’s what WACs at Fort Leon- scandals, as printed in the court fishing were enjoyed. Without doubt with Pearl Harbor, but the fort had ard Wood want for Christmas, as docket, in the criminal section, al- Waynesville is ideally situated for already been established for a year. revealed by a survey completed last though small, was enough to set the the enjoyment of the wholesome The construction boom of building week: First on the list is cologne, whole country talking. things in life. the fort was during the early part of an almost unanimous choice of the Funerals were few and far apart Regardless of what you may have 1941.] girls questioned. Next comes cos- and they still continue that way heard to the contrary, Waynesville A Chamber of Commerce was metics, mostly lipsticks; silk stock- though we have a population of at continues to be a Church-going quickly formed in the old weather ings, stationery, fountain pens and least 3,500. town, with two churches, the Bap- beaten courthouse (by the way, what frilly pin ---s. And at least one WAC Before Pearl Harbor, Waynesville tist and Methodist with Catholics has become of that organization?) wants Santa to bring her—a pound enjoyed lazy summer days when conducting services in the Ft. The lazy days were over when of good old American cheese and a friends and neighbors including Wood Theater building on Sunday checkers provided the main interest box of crackers. women and children congregated mornings. In spite of the influx, on slow, summer afternoons. Despite the threatened shortage of on the Courthouse lawn to visit and the churches have continued their The “rush” for the Almighty Dollar Christmas trees this year there’ll be gossip about everything in general unprecedented growth and crowds began in earnest and continues until no lack of cheer for patients at the and nothing in particular. Children of young people attend all the ser- this minute. fort’s Station Hospital. Over 80 trees played through the early summer vices which is heartening. Before You will find all the main events will be erected at the hospital, one nights going home to bed and to the “boom” all the town’s activities chronicled in the Democrat whose in each ward, mess hall, and labo- sleep. Their favorite games were centered about the Churches and business it is to tell of life (birth) and ratory, and several in the Red Cross hide-and-seek and the whirr of the school. Although motion pictures death, accidents, tragedies, wrecks, recreation building. roller skates could be heard, with were brought here, they died a sickness, recovery, and the little shouts and laughter. natural death until the advent of Ft. personal, intimate details as written Dear Readers... Folk from the farms round about Leonard Wood; now we have two in this column. Many have asked me to write about made it a point to gather on Satur- large ones. Ruth Long the “boom that came to Waynes- day to trade and visit with friends. We continue to ‘point with pride’ ville” and the era that preceded it—it Groups of friends gathered reg- to our pre-civil war history and the The 1918 Red Cross Christmas Seals would take too much space but I ularly for picnics where the main Old Fort on the south hill overlook- received less publicity will try to condense. event was the bountiful lunch, most ing the Roubidoux. Two years ago, before Pearl this year due to the of which was cooked over a fire out Each year another main event push for Thrift Stamps Harbor, although growing slow- in the open with chicken and fish was the “Homecoming picnic” ly, Waynesville continued to be a and War Bonds. 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 27

FOR SALE PIKES PEAK CAVE CLUBHOUSE 12 acres—2 complete homes— 1 cabin—large chicken house with elec- tric, gas and running water. Rental in- come $100.00 month. In cave is large dance pavilion, kitchen, etc. For past 30 months the cave has been used as a a commissioned officers’ recreational center for Fort Leonard Wood officers Waynesville Senior High School class and their guests and has been very prof- on December 18, 1946. itable. The season during the early 1950s Property has approx. 2,000 ft. river began June 1 with tours daily. About frontage, 1000 ft. on Gascon-ade River 1,000 feet of electric lights lit the and 1000 ft. on Roubidoux River. Very 1916, St. Louisans were renting the with the swelling military population main passage to where crawling was good fishing, boating and swimming club house for summer vacations and and tourists on nearby Route 66. He necessary. More than 3,000 Indian and one of the most scenic spots in the artifacts from the cave and grounds Ozarks. to escape the city heat. Pulaski Coun- installed sewer tiles to drain some of ty had long been a vacation destina- the interior stream water, installed a were on display. There was dancing Priced very low. Located 2 miles North tion for city folk and sportsmen. First cistern, built a dance floor that could nightly from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The of Waynesville on Route 17. they came by train, taking a hack accommodate 60 couples (above), biggest difference in this decade from See GIL SWANSON, Owner from the depot to the resort. As the and equipped a kitchen (seen in 1951 the 1940s was that the dancing was Phone Waynesville 5120 or 5112 roads improved, so did the number of entrance below right). The smaller primarily to juke box music rather vacationists. By the 1930s, there were upper entrance contained a large than musicians on the balcony. Live ad in Pulaski County Democrat, De- more than 30 resorts on the Gasco- ledge that became the Musician’s Bal- music was irregularly booked during cember 9 and 16, 1943. nade and Big Piney rivers in Pulaski cony, reached by stairs visible above. the season. The cafe was open from County. In December of 1943, Gil Swanson 11 a.m to 11 p.m., featuring barbecue The cave and grounds were devel- In 1939, Gilbert Swanson and wife advertised that Pikes Peak Clubhouse ribs, chicken, and a variety of sand- oped commercially in the early part relocated from Chicago to the Pikes was for sale. Part of the enticement wiches. of the 20th century by B. F. “Sam” Peak Club’s twelve acres, which had stated, “For the past 30 months the Gilbert Swanson died in the early Scott (see page 11). It has been 2000 feet of river frontage evenly cave has been used as a commis- 1960s and his wife sold the cave in known by a variety of names: Kraft, divided between the Roubidoux and sioned officers’ recreational center for 1962. There were at least two more Indian, Roubidoux, Saltpeter, and Gasconade. They built another house Fort Leonard Wood officers and their operators in the mid-1960s when fire Swanson. However, it was most often and had two rental cottages. In 1941, guests and has been very profitable.” destroyed the frame buildings and called Pikes Peak Cave, referring to the Army leased riverfront access It could be that the Swansons tired of the commercial era of Pikes Peak the towering limestone bluff in which at the mouth of the Roubidoux for operating the cave/restaurant/dance Cave came to an end. Its notoriety it is located at the confluence of Rou- soldiers to use as a swimming hole hall or that business waned, but it did devolved into being a destination for bidoux Creek and the Gasconade Riv- “under the watchful eyes of the Mili- not sell and they retained ownership. rescue parties extracting fun-seeking er. Scott built a two-story structure tary Police and life guards.” They began a seasonal operation, soldiers who got lost in the cave. at the roadside, calling it the Pikes Swanson realized that the cave closed during the winter months Peak Club. The cave has two openings had other possibilities besides un- but available for special occasions, —pictures and text from Route 66 in a short way up the bluff, as seen in Pulaski County, Missouri—a local his- derground exploration, particularly such as the Christmas party for the the picture below. At least as early as tory by Terry Primas 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 28 Old Settlers Gazette Archive online - www.oldstagecoachstop.org

Ruth Long recapped a bit of the history of the “boom” brought to Pulaski Coun- ty by the construction of Fort Leonard Wood on page 26. It all started with piles of lumber in 1941, below. Here are some other images from 1943.

Above It takes a lot of lumber to provide quarters for the 37,000 men who will occupy the camp after April 1, 1941. Here are some of the piles of timber in the storage yard. More than 54,000,000 feet of lumber will be used to build the camp’s 1,540 separate buildings. January 22, 1941. Top Right Randall Chang, 18, who at the age of 14 killed two Japs during guerrilla fighting in China, now a U. S. soldier in the 75th Infantry Division, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., is shown in his favorite sniping pose. June 30, 1943. Bottom Right This toggle -type bridge, in the form of a striking “V”, was erected by cooks, clerks and supply personnel of the 75th Infantry Division’s engineer battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Toggle bridges are built on five cables slung across a stream and may be constructed in a matter of minutes. June 18, 1943. Below “Now youse guys wanna see what goes on in this man’s Army, huh? You, on de left, wipe off the grin! Number two! The hat, fix the hat!, and you, Five, trow out yer chest, don’t fall on it!” And while the Sergeant may not have said just that, these Missouri Industrialists tried a 24 hour hitch in the Army at Fort Leonard Wood. As guests of the War Department, they got a typical G. I. day and liked it. Left to right: C. M. O’Toole, Blackmer-Post Co., St. Louis; E. C. Peper, Peper To- bacco Co., St. Louis; H. H. Holden, Springfield, Mo.; J. C. Graves, Springfield, Mo.; C. Schade, St. Louis, Blackmer-Post Co.; Frank E. Fisher, Chillicothe. The men are under the direction of Lieut. Maurice Huddart. September 17, 1943. Photographs on this page by Acme Worldwide, courtesy of Jan and Terry Primas. 2018 Old Settlers Gazette - Page 29 WAACs Arrive! G. I. However, the Army was resis- Auxiliary Corps into the Women’s tant to women serving directly in the Army Corps (WAC), making it a On March 20, 1943, the first ranks. Compromises were made and part of the Army rather than merely WAACs arrived at Fort Leonard the bill languished until Pearl Harbor serving alongside or assisting it. This Wood, a contingent of 154 mem- in December. Fearing a manpower move would accord equal pay, privi- bers of the Women’s Auxiliary Army shortage, General George Marshall leges, benefits, and protection which Corps. They trained at Fort Des realized women could fill necessary was lacking in the original enabling Moines, Iowa. noncombatant roles. Applicants were legislation. The organizaton for women in the required to be U. S. citizens between More than 150,000 American military in World War II required 21 and 45 years with no dependents, women served as WACs during two versions. Congresswoman Edith at least five feet tall, with a weight of World War II. Along with “Rosie the Nourse Rogers of Massachusetts at least 100 pounds. Riveter” and her cohorts, the WAC introduced legislation in May of 1941 Enlistment was overwhelming. A began breaking down the stereotype Library Congress of to establish a women’s corps, separate second WAAC company began ar- of the delicate “little woman” whose from the Army Nurse Corps, that riving at Fort Leonard Wood in June place was at home taking care of the would work with the Army “for the of 1943. The WAAC was considered children and fullfilling her many purpose of making available to the an unqualified success. Requests for domestic duties. national defense the knowledge, skill WAAC assistance far exceeded and special training of the women of the available personnel. The the nation.” Rogers wanted the mem- Army, resistant to the whole no- bers of the women’s corps to receive tion at first, requested authority equal pay, pension, and disability to convert the Women’s Army benefits as that afforded the regular

WAACS were trained for a wide variety of jobs, including vehicle main- Women filled stereotypical positions such as typists and switchboard operators but also tence. Courtesy of the National Archives. highly skilled jobs such as electronic repair above. Courtesy of Fort Leonard Wood.