Retrospect: County feared war-related sabotage

Sabotage was on Jay County minds 75 years ago this week.

World War II permeated every aspect of daily life and dominated the headlines in April 1942. And much of the news in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor had been grim, only word of the Doolittle raid on Japan brought something to cheer about.

“American bombers carry war to heart of Japanese empire,” said a headline April 19, 1942.

At home, there was concern about “fifth columnists” in our midst.

“With Portland’s principal factories on defense work, the city has become an inviting target for sabotage,” The Commercial Review reported.

At least three major employers were devoting much of their production to the war effort. Portland Forge was making shell casings, Jay Garment Company was producing military uniforms, and Sheller-Globe’s Portland plant was making steering wheels for military vehicles.

“Fifth columnists would be able to carry on several activities, and in the case of an air raid the city would become a military objective,” the newspaper reported.

While vigilance was called for, The CR reported that the men of Company M of the Indiana National Guard were taking part in drills and practice sessions every Monday night at the Portland Armory (now the older gymnasium portion of the Jay Community Center).

“City is guarded by trained men,” said a page one headline. “State company ready for emergency in case of need.”

The public was invited to witness the drills, and Capt. Francis Wilson was quoted by the newspaper as needing 21 additional recruits for the unit.