World War II: 1941-1946
World War II began in 1941, and both Watauga and the school were impacted. Community members joined the war effort, food rationing was once again put into effect, and civilians were encouraged to purchase war bonds.
Letters to Loved Ones
Students often wrote letters to their loved ones overseas. For example, throughout 1941-1942, Mildred “Midge” Teague corresponded with her WWII Bronze Star recipient brother, Horace “Bosh” Greeley Teague, an Appalachian State Teachers College alumnus.
Students Drafted
In 1942, wrestling team members Jimmy Reese and Al Crawford were drafted into the Armed Forces during WWII.
Campus Support Efforts
Librarian Emma Moore oversaw the collection of books to send to the armed forces as part of a nationwide effort to send the troops ten million books.
Headline from The Appalachian, December 15, 1944, announcing men missing in action during WWII
First Lieutenant Morris Eggers and Ensign Joel Edward Bacon announced as missing in action
Working with the Community
In 1943, during World War II, the U.S. government rebranded WWI’s “Liberty Gardens” as “Victory Gardens.” Citizens were encouraged to grow and eat fruit and vegetables and to preserve the excess for others in their communities. Appalachian State Teachers College’s Home Economics Department assisted in the endeavor by hosting informational sessions on nutrition, creating a Victory Garden, and managing money.
World War II officially ended in 1945, with Cold War tensions escalating shortly thereafter. As more men returned home, enrollment at the school increased.
