By December 9, 1941, U.S. newspapers were headlining Japan at War with U.S.- Congress to Act. Pearl Harbor had become part of history, as civilians across the US stepped up their recycling and rationing for the war effort.
Not only did the citizens of Stow recycle metal and tires, shop with ration coupons, buy War Bonds, and send their young men and women to the frontline, they witnessed the Federal Government’s quiet and forceful takeover of 3100 acres of land in Stow, Maynard, Sudbury and Hudson. Nearly half of this land was within Stow’s boundaries. Some families had ten days to vacate their property, their homes and their farms!
Step back into 1942 and learn about two of Stow’s multi-generational families who had their farms taken by eminent domain, as the Federal Government scrambled to build up the country’s defenses. For Stow, it was the construction of the Army’s Ammunition Depot off White Pond and Sudbury Roads. With maps and photos projected on the screen, Bill Wickey of Morristown, NJ will tell his and his family story, while Marilyn Zavorski, of the Stow Historical Society will present the Suikko/Wanhatalo family story. Plus, brief stories about the Paakki/Sippo and Parker families will be shared.