“Illinois Munitions: A News Journal of the Oak & Sangamon Ordnance Plants 1942-1950, Illiopolis, Illinois” ©2025.
COLLINSVILLE, Ill., June 2025 – Thelma Ball announces a new book, “Illinois Munitions: A News Journal of the Oak & Sangamon Ordnance Plants 1942-1950 Illiopolis, Illinois,” now available and perfect for World War II fans about the rise and fall of the largest defense plants, in size and personnel, of their types in the United States. All that remain are fading memories, a few artifacts, the ruins in the fields and these articles.
In 1942, $40 million was allocated for two defense plants to be constructed side by side at Illiopolis, east of Springfield, Ill. They encompassed 19,000 acres purchased from reluctant farmers. One produced fuses and the other ammunition and bombs.
Hiring and retaining 15,000 employees from a rural community, transporting those workers by road or rail and locating housing for them became issues. Women ordnance workers (WOWs) were the majority of employees from central Illinois villages, towns and cities.
Ammunition was produced, packed and shipped by train to St. Louis or Pennsylvania and flown around the world to the European and Pacific theaters.
Sporting and party events, cutting-edge day care and wage equality were accompanied by gas, tire and sugar rationing. Crime, fraud and accidents were downside activities during wartime affairs.
Limited editions of “Illinois Munitions” books are available from Thelma Ball, publisher/compiler.
Red faux leather hardcover, 8.5 x 11, 354 pages, with many black and white news photos,
$60.00 each, includes shipping for veterans.
Thank you all for your service.
Inquiry by U.S. Mail to:
Thelma Ball
204 Glenmoor St., Collinsville, IL 62234
ballthelma@gmail.com
Money order or cashier check to Thelma Ball for payment by U.S. Mail, see address above.
Electronic payment available using PayPal at ballthelma@gmail.com.
Media Contact:
Thelma Ball
204 Glenmoor St., Collinsville, IL 62234
ballthelma@gmail.com
