Government, business and service organizations mobilized to support the war effort. Enlistment and training took place throughout the state, and the Connecticut Council of Defense provided direction and guidance in civil defense areas. The Connecticut aircraft industry, as represented by Hamilton Standard, manufacturer of airplane propellors, were wholly dedicated to production to meet the needs of the military. Other businesses, including the New Haven Railroad, expressed appreciation with free Christmas meals for service members, and the United Services Organization (U.S.O) operated centers and programs, as they continue to do, to serve the needs of those in uniform. To find more materials on these and other subjects related to World War II in Connecticut, use the topic headings within records to extend your searches—terms such as “World War (1939-1945)” or “World War, 1939-1945,” (enclosing phrases in quotes). Include more terms to narrow your search, such as “veteran” “soldier*,” “civil defense,” using an asterisk* to allow for singular or plural forms, or search on the names of individuals or organizations. Exploring the collections or items to which individual items belong or of which they are a part can be another way to find more resources of interest.
