Eau Claire: 1940

The 1940s were a time of change in Eau Claire. Many new municipal facilities were established as well as old ones destroyed. It was a time when the population began to take off in the city, and with the growing population came some changes.
1940 U.S. Rubber took over Gillette Rubber Co.
1942 UWEC Fine Arts Center was located on a former city dump!
Luther Hospital pharmacy opens.
1943 Eau Claire county airport was established.
The original City Hall (first city structure) was demolished.
1944 U.S. Rubber plant supplied large quantities of materials used in the making of the atomic bombs used on Japan. At local canneries, 84 German prisoners-of-war worked seven days a week for a total of 16,913 man-hours, worth $8,805.
Plans for a new Sacred Heart hospital were started.
1947 Celebration of the opening of the new Water Street Bridge included a parade, banquets, and a dance.
E.M. Fish and brother Seth Fish's company E.M. Fish and Company was dissolved.
1948 WRFM radio station went on the air for the first time.
Eau Claire was reported to have led all other cities in the state in building projects.

Created by Greg Gruna on June 9, 1997.

1940	U.S. Rubber took over Gillette Rubber Co.
1942	UWEC Fine Arts Center was located on a former city dump! Luther Hospital pharmacy opens.
1943	Eau Claire county airport was established. The original City Hall (first city structure) was demolished.
1944	U.S. Rubber plant supplied large quantities of materials used in the making of the atomic bombs used on Japan. At local canneries, 84 German prisoners-of-war worked seven days a week for a total of 16,913 man-hours, worth $8,805. Plans for a new Sacred Heart hospital were started.
1947	Celebration of the opening of the new Water Street Bridge included a parade, banquets, and a dance. E.M. Fish and brother Seth Fish's company E.M. Fish and Company was dissolved.
1948	WRFM radio station went on the air for the first time. Eau Claire was reported to have led all other cities in the state in building projects.