What was it like to live in St. Helena during World War II?
This four-part series by Mariam Hansen draws on local archives, personal accounts and newspaper records to reveal how the town responded to blackouts, air raid drills, civil defense mobilizations and growing suspicion toward immigrant residents.
Published as part of Napa Valley Features’ Local History Monday, this full, uninterrupted presentation offers a vivid portrait of fear, resilience and everyday life under pressure — told through the lens of one of St. Helena’s most trusted historians.
Each section stands on its own, but taken together they form a rare, detailed account of a rural American town preparing for war and grappling with its consequences…