Phoenix in 1944: Documenting the City's Growth Through Photography during War-time

In 1944, Phoenix, Arizona was a rapidly growing city with a population of approximately 120,000 people. The city had developed into a major center for agriculture and military, with cotton, citrus, and cattle being the main agricultural products and several military bases for training and production.

During this time, Phoenix played an important role in the war effort through the production of war materials and the training of military personnel. The city was home to several military bases, including Williams Airfield and Falcon Field, which were used for training pilots and aircrews. Additionally, the city was home to several factories that produced aircraft parts, ordinance and other military equipment.

As the war continued, Phoenix’s economy boomed, due to the demand for war materials, and many new businesses and industries were established. The war also brought many new residents to the area, many of whom decided to stay after the war and contribute to the city’s growth and development.

However, the city also faced some challenges during this time. The influx of military personnel and defense workers put a strain on the city’s infrastructure, leading to a shortage of housing and other resources. The government built temporary housing and barracks to accommodate the influx of people. The city also faced shortages of food, gasoline, and other goods. The citizens were encouraged to save resources and to buy war bonds to support the war effort.

#1 Shell Oil Co. Service Station Exterior, 1944

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#2 Streetscape, 1944

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#3 View looking north on Central Ave. from approximately the intersection of Adams and Central. The Hotel Adams and San Carlos Hotel are visible, 1944

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#4 Southwest Corner of W. Washington St. and Central Ave., 1944

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#5 Santa Fe Trailways Building Interior, 1944

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#6 Shell Oil Co. Service Station Exterior , 1944

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#7 Man on Horse in Cattle Lot, 1944

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#8 Vic Hanny Co. Store Interior, 1944

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#9 Construction Machinery, 1944

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#10 Shell Oil Co. Service Station Exterior, 1944

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#11 Arizona Distributing Co. Building, 1944

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#12 Hegari Field, 1944

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#13 Man in Hegari Field, 1944

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#14 Safeway Store Exterior, 1944

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#15 Hurley Meat Co. Building Exterior, 1944

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#16 Hurley Meat Co. Cattle Lot, 1944

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#17 Hurley Meat Co. Cattle Lot, 1944

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#18 Greyhound Bus Lines Depot, 1944

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#19 Smith Booth Usher Co. Employees in Front of Building, 1944

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#20 Men Standing in Front of Union Oil Co. Truck, 1944

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#21 Unidentified Intersection, 1944

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#22 St. Monica’s School Exterior, 1944

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#23 St. Monica’s School Exterior, 1944

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#24 St. Monica’s School Exterior, 1944

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#25 Shell Oil Co. Service Station Exterior, 1944

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#26 Vic Hanny Co. Billboard, 1944

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#27 Soft Water Service Co. Building Exterior and Truck, 1944

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#28 Menderson Bus Lines Bus and Station, 1944

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#29 Rialto Theatre Exterior, 1944

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#30 Central Beverage Co. Building Exterior, 1944

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#31 Pump Sold and Installed by the O. S. Stapley Co., 1944

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#32 Unidentified Streetscape, 1944

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#33 Richfield Oil Co. Service Station, 1944

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#34 Backyard Grill, 1944

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#35 View looking west toward central Phoenix, 1944

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#36 Orpheum Theatre Marquee, 1944

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#37 3600 Block of E. Van Buren, 1944

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#38 3600 Block of E. Van Buren, 1944

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#39 Gay Inn Sign and Street View, 1944

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#40 Hotel Compton, 1944

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#41 Ray Korte Used Car Lot, 1944

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#42 Intersection of E. Van Buren and 17th Street, 1944

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#43 Arizona Auto Parts Lot, 1944

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#44 General Auto Parts Building Exterior and Lot, 1944

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#45 L & S Auto Wrecking Building Exterior, 1944

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#46 Arizona Auto Parts Lot, 1944

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#47 Truck Salvage Co. Lot, 1944

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#48 Canal Flowing Past Rural Homes, 1944

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#49 Westward Ho Drug Co. Interior, 1944

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#50 Culver’s Music Store Interior, 1944

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#51 Good Samaritan Hospital Staff, 1944

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#52 Good Samaritan Hospital Staff, 1944

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#53 Good Samaritan Hospital Nurses Cooking, 1944

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#54 Women Playing Badminton at Good Samaritan Hospital, 1944

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#55 Street Scene, 1944

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#56 Street Scene, 1944

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#57 E. Polk Street, 1944

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#58 E. Polk Street, 1944

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#59 Intersection of E. Van Buren and Fourth Streets, 1944

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#60 Fuller Transfer Co. Trucks, 1944

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#61 Consolidated Motors Building Exterior, 1944

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#62 Strand Theatre Exterior, 1944

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#63 Rialto Theatre Exterior, 1944

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#64 Marion S. Whitney Texaco Station Exterior, 1944

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#65 Marion S. Whitney Texaco Station Exterior, 1944

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#66 Vic Hanny Co. War Bond Display, 1944

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#67 Residential Housing, 1944

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#68 Residential Housing, 1944

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#69 King’s Rest Hotel Motor Court View From Street, 1944

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#70 King’s Rest Hotel Motor Court Grounds, 1944

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#71 King’s Rest Hotel Motor Court Grounds, 1944

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#72 Western Pipe & Steel Co. Facility Exterior, 1944

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