Like the rest of America, the effects of World War II governed much of life in Bangor during the 1940s. Since most men between the ages of 18 and 26 went off to war, women were expected to replace them in the workforce, and people of all ages contributed in a variety of ways to the war effort.
Bangoreans rose to the occasion by sponsoring Victory Food Sales, rationing, buying war bonds, and acting as civil soldiers. By 1942, what was once Bangor Municipal Airport became Dow Air Force Base through which thousands of soldiers passed. During the war, flights regularly left Dow with supplies and personnel headed for Europe, Africa, and Asia.
During the '40s and for several more decades, Downtown was the heart of the community. Photographs from this era paint a picture of a community teeming with activity and buildings housing a variety of businesses and services on all levels. Efforts to revive the downtown area continue, but it will never be restored to its former glory.
Students at the James F. Doughty Middle School chose to focus on the decade of the '40s to supplement their reading of Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.
Guest speakerReverend Dr. Henry Wyman shares stories on life in Bangor during the '40s with Mrs. Estabrook's English class.
Guest speakerBangor resident, Mr. Leon Higgins, meets with Doughty students at the Bangor Public Library to discuss life in the '40s.
