November 23, 2007

Oroville mercury Register November 1, 1957

In Service- Sherum R. Nelson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Milo Nelson of Orange Ave., recently joined the Marines. After six weeks at San Diego Recruit base he will take further training at Camp Mathews and Camp Pendleton. He graduated from local high school this last June. Nelson would like to hear from his friends and the mailing address is, Private Sherum R, Nelson USMC, Platoon, No. 1012, Recruit Training Base, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, 40.

Ads in the Oroville Mercury 1943
“Why my wife and I are going to work night shift in a cannery this summer.” “First of all, we’re not working in a cannery just as a patriotic ‘gesture’. We’re going to work pretty hard. Because this cannery work isn’t child’s play. It’s an emergency. The crops are ripening fast. The labor shortage is critical. Most important, the Armed Forces have asked for about 60% of the entire California pack of fruits and vegetables.”

Women take to the work very easily…find it somewhat like going from their own kitchens to a larger one. The work isn’t glamorous, but it is interesting, and above all, it’s vital. Child Care Centers, under competent supervision, are available at or near most canneries. Your children will receive proper care while you work. This is hard to believe, but it’s true; one average day’s work you do canning fruits or vegetables will provide enough servings to feed 1260 fighting men. Work full-time if possible, work part-time at least. Who is needed, Every man, woman and every boy and girl, 16 or over. Boys and girls of 16 and 17 must have a Work Permit from their school department. When. August and September are the “peak” months. Try to work full=time if possible, part-time or on your vacation at least. Every day counts. Kind of work—women. Women and girls work mainly on a piece-work basis, sorting, peeling, cutting or canning. Some jobs are paid by the hour. Men. Men and boys do general manual and mechanical work and are usually paid by the hour. Hours. On a normal straight time basis; 10 hours per day for men: 8 hours per day for women, after which overtime rates apply. Adequate relief periods. Meal period follows each 5 hours work.

1945 We Salute AWS The Eyes and Ears of The Army Air Force
August 1-7 has been set aside by the U. S. Army Air Force, as a week to honor members of the Aircraft Warning Service. 150,000 loyal civilians know that Posts of the AWS must be filled. The job must be done by either civilians or by flyers or soldiers badly needed at our battle fronts. AWS volunteer release men and equipment for fighting duty. Our Hat’s Off To The AWS .
Warmack Electric Store and Gift Shop.

1943 Bombs over Tokyo This Scene Is In The Making
We, the United States, are preparing to re-enact this scene…Jimmy Doolittle and his Fliers did it first… it’s going to happen many times until finally the Axis is knocked out and we have peace once more. But—we can’t leave the necessary preparation for the other fellow. Each one of us must do his part. There are many ways in which we can share in this big campaign. One is to Buy Bonds. Another is to serve in the Aircraft Warning Service. Helping with the farm crops in Butte County and in the cannery here at Oroville are also of vital importance. The United States is feeding the world, in addition to feeding her armies and civilians at home. This means every bit of farm production must be conserved and put to use. That’s why, with regular farm workers in the armed services and in defense plants, you are asked to put in your spare time in the food harvest- in field and in packing plants. You’ll be doing your country and yourself a service by heeding this plea. Let’s share this war!
Your Friendly Red and White Stores, Walsh and Ricketts,
Vaughn’s Red and White Store.
Sign up for work at the cannery or apply at U. S. Employment Service, 1944 Bird Street. Sign up for the Aircraft Warning Service at Walsh and Ricketts, 1912 Bird Street.

Stu’s Notes: We were in a World War back then and many civilians pitched in to do their part. I don’t know for sure what we are in now but a lot of the World would love to see our downfall, I think. I do believe our Country has good intentions through out the World to help people, but sometimes we go at it in ways that turn people against us. I also do believe we, as Americans, could do more to support our country in these perilous times. Heaven knows our young soldiers are doing more that their share.
Hats off to the Cannery Workers, especially those who fed our troops in WWII and also, to the many who volunteered for the A.W.S. I would like to hear from them.