The depression years of the 1930's were at time of uncertainty, the World War II years in the 1940's were no different but after the war there was a difference, a big difference.
McAllen's 1940 population was 11,877 and some of thouse left to fight the war or to work in support services.
McAllen's farmers raise crops to feed the Army and Navy.
Thompson's awning company manufactures pup tents for the Army peaking at 40 thousand a month.
In 1945 the War ended and slowly servicemen came home.
McAllen State Bank opens at South Broadway and 83 in the utilities building used by the USO during the War.
Supplies are available again and a new boom time begins.
Cine el Rey opens on South 17th street.
The runways at Miller Field are paved making way for the future of the airport.
Lincoln elementary is built at 500 dollars and later to be named Fields Elementary.
The Paris Gum Company opens on E. HWY 83, soon to furnish bubble gum to the world.
The new high school gymnasium and stadium are built,
as is the new McAllen Public Library on North Main.
The decade that began with a threat that became a world war was ending with a promise of a growing population and city.