Just a few days after Japan’s surrender ending World War II in August 1945, Navy personnel and local girls danced the night away at a USO dance. The Hayward USO operated a Hospitality Hall at the Veterans’ Memorial building beginning April 29, 1943. Servicemen stationed at Camp Parks, Camp Shoemaker, Oak Knoll Hospital, Alameda Naval Air Station, and the Oakland Army Terminal all used the Hayward USO. They came for dances with music provided by civilian and military bands, letter-writing services, a home cooked meal, and telephones to call home. No doubt, they also came for the pretty girls, two of whom are shown in this photo Beverly Hanes (middle) and Benie LaVoe (right). More than a thousand local residents and 40 local organizations pitched in to raise money and host events throughout the war years.

Exhibition print originally appeared in Past Times at the Hayward Area Historical Society.

• Framed


• Archival reproduction print from original photograph


• 20x24" (overall frame size: 25.5 x 21")