Plymouth Township Celebrates New Honor as WWII Heritage City
On Tuesday, Plymouth Township proudly joined the ranks of eight newly designated American World War II Heritage Cities. This exciting recognition comes from the National Park Service, and it highlights the invaluable contributions that this charming community made during World War II. Can you imagine the pride sweeping through the streets of Plymouth as residents share this fantastic news?
A Journey Through History
The American World War II Heritage Cities program was put in place by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act of 2019. It comprises a bipartisan package of over 100 bills, all aimed at honoring the impressive legacy of Michigan’s longest-serving member of Congress. The aim of the program is to shine a light on the local efforts and sacrifices made on the home front during the war. Did you know that 38 states and one U.S. territory now proudly boast an American World War II Heritage City designation? Each state or territory can only nominate one location, so you can see what a prestigious honor this truly is! The very first city to be recognized under this program was Wilmington, North Carolina, back in September 2020.
Plymouth’s Remarkable Nomination
The Historic District Commission of Plymouth Township took the initiative to nominate their town for this honor. Wendy Harless, the Commission Chairperson, shared, “When we learned of the program, we immediately thought of Plymouth’s ladies who worked at the Phoenix Mill during World War II producing electrical parts for the B-24 Liberators.” Isn’t it inspiring to think about the unsung heroes of the past? At the Phoenix Mill, women who were either single or widowed had opportunities to contribute to the war effort while earning the same wages as men working at other Ford factories. Harless emphasized that the mill was a workplace like no other, with a workforce made up primarily of local women!
The Legacy of Phoenix Mill
But what was the Phoenix Mill? Originally, it included a dam and a gristmill, and it served as one of Henry Ford’s village industries in Southeast Michigan and Canada. The manufacturing building, which underwent modifications by Albert Kahn & Associates, opened its doors back in 1922 and currently functions as an event planning space. It’s fascinating to think that this venue not only hosts events today but also represents a significant piece of history from our past! Women working in the mill produced electrical harnesses that were vital for assembling B-24 bombers, along with wiring for the M7 machine gun director, showcasing their role in the war effort.
A Tribute to the “Rosies”
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, who hails from the Ann Arbor area, showed her support for the township’s nomination through a heartfelt letter. She spoke volumes when she remarked, “The Rosies played an integral role in the United States’s war efforts and their patriotism is a critical aspect of the American Story in World War II.” It’s worth noting that the term “Rosies” refers to the women who took up factory jobs to support the war, inspired by the popular song and movie featuring the iconic character. We owe a great deal of gratitude to these remarkable women who stepped up to the plate!
Plymouth Township’s Dedication
The designation as a World War II Heritage community shines a spotlight on Plymouth Township’s vital role in the conflict. Township Supervisor Kurt Heise expressed his appreciation for the community’s history by saying, “This designation underscores our important role in that conflict and the dedication of our Historic District Commission to bring that story to life for our residents and future generations.” It’s clear that the sense of pride in their history runs deep among the residents.
Remembering the Home Front
In a recent statement, Chuck Sams, the Director of the National Park Service, encapsulated the importance of this recognition beautifully. He remarked, “World War II not only impacted those who went to war but also those who carried on the life and work of the home front.” It’s significant to remember that it was not just the soldiers who contributed; every city and town had a part to play in supporting the war effort. Such efforts collectively aided the Allied forces in their quest to defeat the Axis powers.
As Plymouth Township raises its banner as a recognized WWII Heritage City, the community takes a moment to reflect on its rich history while looking forward to sharing it with generations to come. It’s an exciting chapter in the story of Plymouth, and residents are ready to embrace the past with open arms!
