In today's column, I am fortunate to share with my readers a rare page in local history. While our sons and daughters served in World War II, the homefront was busy producing the materials required to end the conflict. In order to increase morale, many communities published local newspapers.

Eric Eberhardt of Eberhardt Motors, Egypt, Whitehall Township, shared Egypt's Wall Street Journal, The Egyptian, a newspaper. His grandfather Theodore F. Eberhardt was in a leadership role.

The October 1944 issue was an anniversary edition. Since October 1943. the paper was sent to our own men and women in service.

The Egyptian was mailed to Alaska, Florida, China, Africa, Iran, Iceland, Figi, France, England, Italy and many places across the Atlantic and Pacific too numerous to mention.

I wish I could share the photos of over 300 men and women from the village of Egypt and Whitehall Township who served. It's quite impressive and inspiring, proud to be an American.

One edition honors three men lost in action: Pfc. Jacob M. Becks killed in action May 17, 1944, at Cassino, S. Sgt. Charles Kochenash killed May 7, 1944, over Germany and S. Sgt. Frank L. Nemeth, killed June 9, 1944, in France.

The names are listed A to Z, starting with Pvt. Frederick Agats, ending with Pfc. Joseph Ziser. Two Eberhardt sons, Ferdinand and Theodore G., left the Egypt garage to serve in the Army.

The dedicated staff who wrote, typed and printed the paper included Margaret Weaver, Adeline Eberhardt, Ruth Bartholomew, Naomi Peters, Irene Balliet, Edith Kuhns, Wilma Weaver, Margaret 'Peg' Weaver, Helen Stewart, Elwood Wright, Dave Wiesen, Alfred Balliet, Lebro Barton, Theodore F. Eberhardt, Clayton Semmel, Raynold G. Hankee and Barton Leh.

Mr. Eric Eberhardt shared his six rare copies of The Egyptian with me, so I'll give you some news flash backs from 1943-45.

· Thirty young female employees of Universal Pants Company in Egypt were reported saved from possible injury through the quick wit of three men, a 60-foot wide by 10-foot high wall collapsed, showering the area with brick and debris. Manager James Biller, mechanic Leonard Gaumer and Michael Perdick of Northampton, a contractor, led the girls from the plant. Within 10 seconds of the time they left, the wall collapsed.

· Julius Tassi, a 62-year-old traveling produce dealer from Hokendauqua, was reported killed at "Dry Run" Creek in Northampton when his truck skidded on wet pavement and smashed through a footbridge guard rail. He was the father of seven children, two of them overseas in service. "We are sure you boys remember 'Tassie,' the article said "He has been peddling his produce for years."

· Another entry reported Joe Antolick of Hokendauqua 26 years of age, catcher, had been purchased from the Blue Rocks by the Philadelphia Phillies.

· The flag page said: "For The Boys In Service published monthly at Egypt, Lehigh County, Penna. sponsored by the Air Raid Warden, Editor D.M. Wiesen Sr. Asst. Reynold Hankee.

"Address all communications to Mrs. H. Stewart , 118 Bridge St., Egypt, Pa., Lehigh Co. or Mr. A. P. Balliet, 113 S. Church St., Egypt, Pa., Lehigh Co."

Many servicemen sent letters of thanks for the paper. Merritt Berger wrote, "Just keep sending the boys and myself the Egyptian. It really builds up the fellows' morale."

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More about The Egyptian in two weeks.