La Asociacion Hispano-Americana de Madres y Esposas: Tucson's Mexican American Women in World War II.
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| Title: | La Asociacion Hispano-Americana de Madres y Esposas: Tucson's Mexican American Women in World War II. |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Marin, Christine |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 1985 |
| Document Type: | Historical Materials Information Analyses |
| Descriptors: | Community Action, Community Organizations, Community Support, Females, Local History, Mexican American History, Mexican Americans, Patriotism, Social History, Social Organizations, World War II |
| Geographic Terms: | Arizona (Tucson) |
| Abstract: | The contributions made during World War II by Mexican-American women on the home front have not been recognized in their proper historical perspective. Like their Anglo counterparts, these women took up the responsibilities left by their men and worked to support the war effort. In 1944 the Mexican-American women of Tucson formed La Asociacion Hispano-Americana de Madres y Esposas. Its functions were similar to those of other patriotic community organizations during this period, but the Asociacion had two unique goals: to lift the morale of Tucson's Chicano soldiers away from home and to build a recreation center for the exclusive use of the Mexican-American soldier. The organization published and distributed the "Chatter," a newspaper carrying notices of events in the Mexican-American community and news about Chicano soldiers. The newspaper was sent to soldiers to keep them in touch with home. Proceeds from local sales of "Chatter" were intended for the construction of the recreation center. In 16 months Asociacion members sold over one million dollars worth of war bonds and war stamps. Members also collected clothing for the Red Cross, gathered scrap metal and foil, planted victory gardens, and provided child care services for mothers performing war-related services. Although land was purchased, the recreation center was never built. With the end of the war, membership and interest declined sharply. Nevertheless, the Asociacion continued to perform community service until it disbanded in 1976. This paper contains 31 footnotes. (SV) |
| Entry Date: | 1990 |
| Accession Number: | ED315253 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The contributions made during World War II by Mexican-American women on the home front have not been recognized in their proper historical perspective. Like their Anglo counterparts, these women took up the responsibilities left by their men and worked to support the war effort. In 1944 the Mexican-American women of Tucson formed La Asociacion Hispano-Americana de Madres y Esposas. Its functions were similar to those of other patriotic community organizations during this period, but the Asociacion had two unique goals: to lift the morale of Tucson's Chicano soldiers away from home and to build a recreation center for the exclusive use of the Mexican-American soldier. The organization published and distributed the "Chatter," a newspaper carrying notices of events in the Mexican-American community and news about Chicano soldiers. The newspaper was sent to soldiers to keep them in touch with home. Proceeds from local sales of "Chatter" were intended for the construction of the recreation center. In 16 months Asociacion members sold over one million dollars worth of war bonds and war stamps. Members also collected clothing for the Red Cross, gathered scrap metal and foil, planted victory gardens, and provided child care services for mothers performing war-related services. Although land was purchased, the recreation center was never built. With the end of the war, membership and interest declined sharply. Nevertheless, the Asociacion continued to perform community service until it disbanded in 1976. This paper contains 31 footnotes. (SV) |
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