Erie Industry Goes to War

Abstract

Even before the U.S. entry into World War II, local industries were filling orders for the military. Both Skinner Engine and General Electric received military production awards in the fall of 1941. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, defense contracts increased dramatically. All across the county, small shops and large plants made the transition to defense contract work. There was so much local production for the military that the government considered this a Priority One Region for Civil Defense preparedness.