80 years ago on this day was the formal dedication of Wichita's many emergency war-housing developments, headed up by the Federal Public Housing Authority.
Those Wichita projects included: Hilltop Manor, Planeview, Beechwood, and Trailer Park.
The dedication began with a sunrise Easter service; residents were urged to come early and stay late for the many patriotic activities, including performances by the Beechcraft Band, Beechcraft All-girl Guardettes, and sing-alongs to the “Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.”
The day was designed to re-emphasize the importance of the war worker to success in both the European and Pacific theaters. Guest lists for the event included several national and state dignitaries involved in the war effort.
The day of celebration concluded with an Easter egg hunt at Hilltop Manor, for which the prizes were “defense stamps in keeping with the April Bond Drive.”