Punta Gorda Did its Part in the WWII Era

This year, 75 years after the U.S. entered World War II, the Punta Gorda History Center will bring back the era in Punta Gorda's history which had a lot to do with Punta Gorda's subsequent development. Many who were stationed and made to feel welcomed  here during the war years returned in their later years to make Punta Gorda their home.

In November of 1943, the following notice appeared in the Punta Gorda Herald:

Greetings to the Army! Punta Gorda became an army town this week as troops moved in to prepare for activation of the new airbase here.

It was a spectacular change from the quiet community of a week ago when 10 lonely soldiers arrived to do some of the ordinary jobs. Streets that had not been crowded, except on Saturday nights, are filled with soldiers and their families.

Speaking of families, the statement that the United States Army is 'the marrying-est army in the history of the world' is evident here.

A very large percentage of the men apparently are married, and many of their wives and children are here with them. Rooms and apartments throughout the city and suburbs have already been snapped up. Real estate and rental agencies are urged that more rooms and apartments be made available.

There also was quickly shown a serious shortage of eating places. Steps already are underway to open more restaurants.

We have the greatest opportunity in our history to serve a group of soldiers -- and at the same time leave a favorable impression with them that will carry into the post-war period and bring them back as visitors.

Ultimately over 5,000 officers and enlisted men were stationed at Punta Gorda Army Airfield at one time, many of whom saw Florida for the first time and vowed to come back. And, in fact, did just that.  The post war development of Punta Gorda and Charlotte County can be largely attributed to the existence of the Punta Gorda Base.

Join us April 1 for the Come Back to the 1940s Punta Gorda's USO.