The Old Barn Rifle Club’s Semi-Monthly News Letter, produced by volunteers in a makeshift newsroom, grew from 112 to 525 subscribers while keeping local soldiers informed about their community during World War II.
Recently digitized copies reveal how the newsletter became an extraordinary historical record of both hometown life and military service.
Read More: Historic World War II newsletter bound community and troops in Campbelltown
LebTown has curated a selection of highlights from both volumes, which you can find below.
Volume 1 (Oct. 30, 1943, to Feb. 28, 1945)
Introduction
Hershey in need of extra help
Early newsletter sponsorship
“Keep up the morale” editorial
Rumors of an airport
First letter from a soldier abroad
Roy Basehore killed in action
More sports, please
Robert L. Eckert Memorial Edition
Cartoonist Sev Laskowski introduced
Liberation of Paris
Christmas package of Lebanon Bologna
Volume 2 (March 15, 1945, to April 15, 1946)
Issue dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt
Notoriously rough trolley tracks
Read More: Before World War II, trolley cars were the best way to get around Lebanon City
VE Day
Letters from Okinawa
Hershey Chocolate Corp. sponsors issue
“Now what?” editorial after VJ Day
Second anniversary editorial: “You – the kids of yesterday”
Editorial on the atomic bomb
“TAPS” – Final editorial
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Local journalism builds trust through facts. As Lebanon County’s independent news source, LebTown is committed to providing timely, accurate coverage that matters to you. Support our mission by becoming a champion of local news through a monthly or annual membership, or make a one-time contribution. Cancel anytime.
Questions about this story? Suggestions for a future LebTown article? Reach our newsroom using this contact form and we’ll do our best to get back to you.
Support Lebanon County journalism.
Cancel anytime.
Monthly
🌟 Annual
- Fewer ads
- Member newsletters
- Exclusive events
- All monthly benefits
- Most popular option
- Make a bigger impact
Already a member? Log in here to hide these messages
Local journalism builds trust through facts. As Lebanon County’s independent news source, LebTown is committed to providing timely, accurate coverage that matters to you. Support our mission by becoming a champion of local news through a monthly or annual membership, or make a one-time contribution. Cancel anytime.
