Phoenixville To Host Talk On World War II And Chester County

PHOENIXVILLE, PA -- What was Chester County's role in the most significant armed conflict in American history?

Find out at an upcoming book talk and signing at the Phoenixville Public Library, which will host author Marion Piccolomini on Thursday, June 2 at 7 p.m.

Her book World War II and Chester County, Pennsylvania addresses how regiments from Chester County fought bravely in all theaters of World War II, while locals at home took extraordinary measures to support the Allies.

West Chester resident G. Raymond Rettew developed a process to mass produce vitally needed penicillin, while a peaceful farm transformed into the bustling Valley Forge General Hospital in 1943.

Women entered labor positions at companies, including Lukens Steel, to meet production demands.

The Coatesville YMCA created and distributed a newsletter to soldiers so the boys on the front had the news from back home.

Piccolomini celebrates the resilience and perseverance of Chester County residents in the midst of total war.

Piccolomini is an officer of the Downingtown Area Historical Society and a member of the West Nantmeal Township Historical Commission. She holds a master's degree in speech language pathology from the Pennsylvania State University.

This program is co-sponsored by the Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area.

This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events calendar at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013, Ext. 132.