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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.

#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

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

#5 Santa Fe Trailways Building Interior, 1944

Santa Fe Trailways Building Interior, 1944

#10 Shell Oil Co. Service Station Exterior, 1944

Shell Oil Co. Service Station Exterior, 1944

#15 Hurley Meat Co. Building Exterior, 1944

Hurley Meat Co. Building Exterior, 1944

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

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

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

#21 Unidentified Intersection, 1944

Unidentified Intersection, 1944

#25 Shell Oil Co. Service Station Exterior, 1944

Shell Oil Co. Service Station Exterior, 1944

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

#30 Central Beverage Co. Building Exterior, 1944

Central Beverage Co. Building Exterior, 1944

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

#35 View looking west toward central Phoenix, 1944

View looking west toward central Phoenix, 1944

#40 Hotel Compton, 1944

Hotel Compton, 1944

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

#44 General Auto Parts Building Exterior and Lot, 1944

#45 L & S Auto Wrecking Building Exterior, 1944

L & S Auto Wrecking Building Exterior, 1944

#50 Culver’s Music Store Interior, 1944

Culver's Music Store Interior, 1944

#54 Women Playing Badminton at Good Samaritan Hospital, 1944

#55 Street Scene, 1944

Street Scene, 1944

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

#60 Fuller Transfer Co. Trucks, 1944

Fuller Transfer Co. Trucks, 1944

#65 Marion S. Whitney Texaco Station Exterior, 1944

Marion S. Whitney Texaco Station Exterior, 1944

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

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

King's Rest Hotel Motor Court Grounds, 1944

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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