Both before and during WWII Pennsylvania was a large part of the coal mining industry and factories. To help with the war effort the state was big into collecting metal scraps and with the abundance of factories it wasn't too hard to find pieces. Pa produced 31% of the steel during the war for the United States and 20% worldwide. In addition to producing metal products Pennsylvania heavily encouraged home gardens  to help combat the shortage of food from shipping food overseas.

Pennsylvania had around 40 military bases during the war and produced over 900,000 men and women in the armed forces. In addition to the bases, collages were creating programs to help train students to go into the military.

Ruby enlisted in Harrisburg which was one of the many recruitment centers. Harrisburg is 174 miles by car away from Susquehanna, Pa which is where he lived.

This is a picture of men in Harrisburg, Pa lining up to go to the ew Cumberland Depot. Harrisburg despite being a drive is where Ruby enlisted into the Army.

People took pride in their gardens as hey felt that they were able to make a difference right from their homes. During the war these gardens were called "Victory Gardens".