The Home Front

Alfred Watson was kept on the home front during the Great War due to the critical nature of his civilian job inspecting factories producing fuel for the Allies.  Determined to serve in some way, he took pictures for the government of the Red Cross Visiting Nurse Program as well as civilian bond drives and parades.

Shore Leave, late 1940s
Six Navy men on leave prepare to have their photo taken. Dressed in their Navy blues ,the men’s names and exact location are not known although the name Exchange Street is clearly visible on a street sign to the rear.
Buy Bonds, late 1940s
While customers inside the local bank complete a transaction, the sign on the bank urges passersby to support the military and “buy invasion bonds.” Image was taken during the mid-forties in Franklin, PA.
Baby’s Bath, late 1940s
An American Red Cross nurse bathes a newborn as part of the visiting nurse program. Venango County, Pennsylvania, names unknown.
Fall Scrubbin’, late 1940s
An elderly man is washed by a Red Cross nurse in his rural Venango County home, name and location unknown.