BAKER — The Baker Block Museum’s latest book examines how locals responded when family members marched to war, and some of the wartime challenges that families faced.
“Okaloosa Strong: The Homefront,” now for sale at the museum, uses vintage clippings, advertisements, photos, news stories and personal reminiscences to depict a patriotic, supportive population.
For instance:
•Residents bought War Stamps in World War I and War Bonds in World War II.
•They rationed rubber tires, gasoline and electricity.
•They volunteered at the Crestview USO
•In the 1970s and '80s, they wore prisoner of war and missing in action bracelets.
•They prayed for the safety of Okaloosa County's young men and women who served.
The book follows the May publication of “Crestview, Florida: A Pictorial History,” also published by the North Okaloosa Historical Association.
WANT A COPY?
“Okaloosa Strong: The Homefront” is available for $20 at the Baker Mercantile beside Baker Block Museum at the corner of State Roads 189 and 4 in Baker. All sales benefit the museum. Call 537-5714 for store hours.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New book looks at Okaloosa residents' wartime support