Dec. 7, 1941, a day that has gone down in infamy.

Many a man from this area joined or was drafted into this conflict. Left behind were families without their primary providers.

Families from southwest Mississippi and east central Louisiana scrambled to find ways to provide the necessary needs to maintain the family stability.

Women were called upon to do men’s work in their absence.

The war movement began in Natchez when Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company converted to a munitions plant.

Our Southern ladies from all walks of life were given the opportunity to provide for their families and contribute to the war effort.

These women came from all over the area, renting rooms, staying with friends and many leaving their families behind during the week to work in Natchez.

The new Mississippi River Bridge was busy on the weekend with Louisiana residents spending time with their families.

Eventually, the war effort improved and the Natchez area was able to resume business as usual.

With the end of the war, most of our brave heroes returned, and each year they are remembered on Veterans Day.

When was the last time anyone remembers a day set aside in Natchez for those brave heroines that made a major contribution to the war effort?

 

Smokye Joe Frank

Natchez resident