In 1941, our local communities were organizing a civil defense system. We were concerned with the war in Europe and Japanese aggression in Asia.

According to the Cement News, the Northampton Rotary Club heard a speaker who spent years in Japan. His view of Japan in 1941 was interesting. He worked there as a missionary for 10 years.

He said, “The Japanese people are suffering hardships. Their food is rationed and clothing is limited. They are closely watched lest they violate the many rules and regulations. The army and navy are well fed from immense stores of supplies that have been secured during recent years.”

Should war come between the United States and Japan, he cautioned against the perception that it would be over soon.

He said, “The Japanese are strong not only in defensive position but in armament and would put up a hard fight.”

How correct he was!

The Selective Service Act of 1940 was now in effect. Draft selectees were being called to serve the nation. Some of the first draftees included 11 young men who left Allentown by train for induction at Wilkes-Barre.

I am sure some of our older readers knew some of these fine young men: Stephen Recker of Northampton; Paul Kutzler, who would later become mayor of Northampton; George Konya; Ignatius Lorenz; Earl Shoemaker, who was the uncle of this writer’s wife; Kermit Kleintop; Gordon Thomas of Walnutport; Jack Cunningham; John Drabuschak of North Catasauqua; Thomas Flyte of Bath; and John Marth of Northampton.

The State Employment Service Agency issued an appeal, asking every unemployed worker or every worker with a skill in defense industries to register. They were a part of a nationwide effort to recruit workers needed in national defense production.

The Cement News also covered the following local stories: At Northampton High School, there were citizenship exercises for 34 new citizens. Some would serve our nation in World War II.

On a lighter note, on the business scene, the Lentz Motor Company on Main Street was awarded a contract for a new police cruiser car for the Northampton Police Department. The contract was for $700, plus the old car.

In 1941, you could still purchase a Pontiac at George Falk, 25 W. 10th St., Northampton.

At Quality Service Station, they were selling Firestone tires for $5.50. The slogan was “buy as you need, pay as you use, as little as $.75 a week.”

For our local entertainment, the Roxy Theatre featured Andy Hardy’s “Private Secretary” with Lewis Stony, Mickey Rooney and Fay Holden.

Next week, we will take you back to Pearl Harbor.