The city of Redlands, an area known for its citrus groves and farmers, was motivated during WWII, to demonstrate greater community pride and organize defense efforts.

Defense Efforts (1941-1942):

Redlands instituted its own Defense Council, and the Industrial Resources Committee became affiliated with it as well.[1] This committee aided in junk and metal recycling efforts, which in 1942, culminated in a community goal of 50 tons of salvaged junk, including “stoves, water heaters, beds- even discarded golf trophies,” being reached and exceeded.[2] Like many other cities in Southern California, looking to defend themselves from the expected Japanese air attacks, Redlands also participated in city-wide blackouts. The first ever blackout in the area was held in December 1941. Despite the civilians’ “fumbling through almost utter darkness for more than three hours,” and the city’s defense council’s inability “to instruct citizens regarding blackout practice,” prior to the event, the “citizens demonstrated such admirable conduct despite the nervous tension that civilian authorities and state guardsmen voiced spontaneous praise of the community.”[3]

Social Sacrifice (1941-1943):

Certain community traditions were put on hold for the war; one example was the humorously named “Pajamarino,” that usually saw University of Redlands students in a yearly pajama parade. However, it could not be held in 1943, simply because there were “not enough civilian men at the school to make a good parade” and “the Navy and marine unit could not participate because its members must wear uniforms at all times on campus and streets.”[4]

Thus, aspects of everyday life were often affected by the war. Even the “socially prominent newlyweds of Redlands,” Mr. and Mrs. Charles Philip Clock, had their honeymoon cut short by the arrival of service summons for the groom.[5]

Housing Issues (1943):

The local Norton Air Force Base, just a town over in San Bernardino, meant that the large influx of civilian workers created a housing crisis. Redlands became the location of these workers’ residential areas, with the building of new homes and reworking of older homes for new residents to accommodate the population issue. Most of the workers were industrial employees, many immigrants, who had never had adequate housing before in fact, “some of the families have been crowded into trailer camps and auto courts.” Therefore, Redlands civilians decided that they were not going to permit any “one to lease” worker-designated “quarters,” if they were “already adequately housed elsewhere.”[6] By doing so, Redlands citizens emphasized the community’s dedication to those who needed the city of Redlands, in order to further the war efforts.

Redlands as a city saw a dramatic shift from isolated farm town into a solid community that did everything they could to advance the war efforts. They gave time, money, and land (an important commodity for a farming town) in order to do their part, often succeeding beyond expectation.

[1] "Civilian Defense Leader For Redlands Community Resigns His Post," San Bernardino Sun 48, (June 1942): 11.

[2] “War Salvage Campaign of Redlands Reported Nearing Goal of 50 Tons,” San Bernardino Sun 49, (16 October 1942): 13

[3]  “First Blackout Ever Conducted in Redlands Viewed as Great Success,” San Bernardino Sun 48, (11 December 1941): 15.

[4] “Pajamarino War Casualty At Redlands,” Los Angeles Times, (October 11,1943): 13

[5]  “Honeymoon Cut Short by Call To Army Service,” Desert Sun of Palm Springs 30, (21 February 1941): 4

[6]  “More Redlands War Workers’ Housing Urge,” San Bernardino Sun 49, (24 March 1943): 12.