Published: September 05, 2008 08:59 pm         

Victory Days offers a trip back in time

TERRE HAUTE — Step back more than 60 years to the time of radio, war bonds, victory gardens and food rations as Victory Days arrives in Terre Haute this October.

On Oct. 3, 4, and 5, the Terre Haute Airport at Hulman Field will be transformed into a World War II-era living museum, complete with portrayal of life on the home front, a military encampment and 1940s entertainment.

The event, coordinated by the not-for-profit organization Victory Days, based in Indianapolis, will be the first of its kind.

As part of the event, the Vigo County Historical Society is providing period clothing, furniture and memorabilia to help recreate scenarios of a typical living room of the era, a kitchen setting where creative housewives found ways to cope with the rationing of foods, and a display of World War II posters provided by the U.S. War Department.

Marylee Hagan, executive director of the Historical Society, said the event is expected to draw thousands of people from throughout the state.

Barbara Carney, assistant director of the Historical Society, said that although there will be military weaponry, aircraft and re-enactments, the focus for the Historical Society is on life on the home front during the war.

“We’ll be concentrating on what was done at home and how life was,” Carney said.

Hagan added, “They did so much at home during the war – rationing food and clothing, selling war bonds, the schools even, students would take a quarter or a dime to school and buy stamps for stamp books, and when the book was full, you had purchased a $25 war bond.”

The 1940s-era living room will have a radio as its focal point, Hagan said, and old radio shows will be played as women dressed in war-time clothing will be rolling bandages for the Red Cross or knitting items for the troops.

A local organist will play live music from the era, and there will be singalongs during a USO canteen show.

The idea for Victory Days is part of an effort to bring the stories of the World War II era to life for those who were not alive then, as well as to recreate memories for those who lived through it.

According to a brochure for the program, more than 1,000 World War II veterans are dying each day. “One of our nation’s most valuable historical resources is disappearing at an accelerating rate,” the brochure states.

Hagan said she thinks everyone will benefit from the event.

Carney said, “I really hope the younger generation takes advantage of Victory Days – some of them don’t really know much about World War II, about what it was really like here at home.”

Hagan added, “I think it’s going to be great.”

Those age 80 and older may attend at no cost, and there is free general admission for all active-duty service members, active members of the Reserves or National Guard, in uniform and with a valid military ID. Family members and other guests will be subject to ticket prices. Children age 5 and younger may enter at no cost. Group and multi-day tickets are available online in advance.

Gates will be open each day of the event from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are being sold online at www.victorydays.org or by calling (812) 669-1717. Tickets also can be bought at Old National Bank locations.

Event to feature

• troop

re-enactors

• mock battles

• a paratroop drop

• trainers, fighters, and bombers

• tanks and tracked vehicles

• Jeeps, trucks, cars, and cycles

of the era

• a motor pool

• mess hall

• field hospital

• weapons display

• a hangar dance

• a USO canteen show

• 1940s radio broadcast

• period cars

display

• agricultural equipment

• World War II movies

• a fashion show

Deb Kelly can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or deb.kelly@tribstar.com.