Victory! Wausau & Marathon County in 1945

People were ecstatic when World War II ended and servicemen returned home. But everyday life had been changed by the war effort, and no one knew what would happen next. Paul Clark will discuss this post-war society when the Marathon County Historical Society presents “Victory! Wausau and Marathon County in 1945,” another topic in our History Speaks series, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Woodson History Center, 410 McIndoe St., Wausau. In his talk, Paul Clark will examine how the end of World War II was met with enthusiasm in Marathon County and throughout the nation. The United States entered the post-war era with great confidence about why we fought and how we won the war. However, now that the war was over, what would happen with all of the changes that had occurred since 1940? Would the booming economy continue, or would we revert to the Great Depression once again? What would happen to the women who took war-related jobs or took over farm work? Would returning servicemen find a place in post-war Wausau? These questions will guide Paul's talk. Paul Clark teaches history at Wausau East High School. There is no admission fee; however, donations are appreciated. Registration is not required. The Historical Society is grateful to Janke Book Store and to Compass Properties for their sponsorship of the History Speaks series.