Historian Hawkins to speak at SJCCA
The St. James City Civic Association will feature a presentation on “Key Machines That Helped Win World War II” by Gus Hawkins Saturday, April 2, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Many historians credit America’s manufacturing might and equipment innovations as key reasons why the U.S. was able to prevail.
Hawkins will bring his hand-built 21-foot replica of BB58, the USS Indiana, a fast battleship. The Indiana was a large battleship that saw action in the South Pacific. Battleships were crucial during World War I, but were less a factor in World War II, having been supplanted by aircraft carriers.
Many innovative machines were developed by the U.S. during the war. One of the most important was the Jeep. Over 640,000 were produced. They served in all theaters of the war and were both versatile and rugged.
The Jeep was credited by Gen. Eisenhower as being one of the machines that helped turn the tide of the war.
Hawkins will be giving rides in his 1942 Willys MB. There may even be a second World War II Jeep at the presentation!
Come and hear one historian’s view of the reasons our great nation was able to save democracy.
The presentation is free for all ages, and grilled hot dogs, chips and sodas will be available for sale.
The SJCCA is located at the corner of 4th Avenue and Lemon Street. For more about the SJCCA, visit www.sjccapi.org.