Harrisburg in World War II

As the nation entered into the throes of World War II, Harrisburg was prepared to answer the call of service. Prideful as a beehive of industry, the city was a hub for wartime manufacturing, railroads and distribution. Bond drives attracted celebrities such as Abbott and Costello as locals enjoyed Coffee MacArthur and Doughnuts Doolittle for breakfast. Market Square’s Caplan’s collected empty toothpaste and shaving cream containers in rationing efforts. The local Pabst Blue Ribbon plant stopped canning, and the Harrisburg Coca-Cola Bottling Works ran out of sugar as everyday products became rare luxuries. Nearly 540 area service members lost their lives in the war, leaving Harrisburg to honor their legacy for generations. Author Rodney Ross reveals the trials of life on the homefront in Harrisburg during World War II.