Reading the News Days before World War II

A group of people stand in front of the Patriot and Evening News building in Harrisburg reading the latest international news headlines in the window. Judging by mention of the Davis Cup results from Massachusetts, the date is likely August 26, 1939. The front-page headline of that day's Evening News, which is posted at center, reads: "Rejection of Hitler's Plan to Settle Poland Dispute Prepared by Allies". Just a few days later, Germany would invade Poland. The headlines at right read as follows:

"LONDON - UNCONFIRMED REPORT IN FOREIGN QUARTERS SAID GREAT BRITAIN WAS SEEKING PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S OPINION ON A PROPOSED BRITISH REPLY TO HITLER SUGGESTING SIX MONTH'S TRUCE BETWEEN GERMANY AND POLAND.

"BERLIN - UNB NEWS AGENCY SAID TODAY THAT HITLER ADDRESSING MEMBERS OF THE REICHSTAG REFERRED TO THE 'GRAVITY OF THE HOUR'.

"LONDON - THE BRITISH CABINET MET IN EXTRAORDINARY SESSION FOR AN HOUR AND THREE-QUARTERS TODAY AND ADJOURNED WITHOUT MAKING COMMENT ON EUROPEAN POLITICAL SITUATION. NO FURTHER MEETING WAS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY.

"LATER RELIABLE SOURCES SAID THE CABINET HAD DRAFTED A FIRM REPLY TO HITLER'S POLISH TERRITORIAL DEMANDS TAKING THE SAME UNSWERVING LINE AS THE REACTION OF FRANCE.

"AP -- MUSSOLINI MOVES TO PRESERVE EUROPEAN PEACE.

"AP -- CIVILIANS GIVEN NEW NOTICE TO LEAVE PARIS.

"MASS. -- AP -- AUSTRALIA DEFEATS YUGOSLAVIA IN DAVIS CUP TENNIS." Photo ID: MG698-2717.