The Museum of the North Beach will be hosting a book signing on Saturday, March 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Victory on the Home Front by author Lilly Robbins Brock.

Lilly tells the incredible story of 95 year old Priscilla (Penny) Messinger who grew up in Aloha, Washington, graduated at Moclips High School in 1940 and became a “Rosie the Riveter” during WWII at the Aberdeen Boeing plant.

In October 1940, Penny married Dean Messinger also a graduate of Moclips High School. They celebrated their first anniversary in October 1941 and shortly after on December 7th, Pearl Harbor was attacked. The couple put their marriage on hold to support their country. Dean joined the Navy to become a fighting Seabee and Penny joined the ranks of six million other American women who contributed to the war effort during World War II. The book also covers the effects of the war with the hoards of soldiers suddenly arriving on the North Beach.

Penny’s parents worked for Aloha Lumber Company and both sets of grandparents lived at Aloha. Lilly writes, “Life in Aloha wasn’t only about logging. The townspeople believed in enjoying life. They worked hard and played hard.”

Penny and her daughter Carol Ann will also be at the Museum during the book signing.

The book contains numerous photographs and sells for $10. It will only be available locally at the Museum, or through a mail order from the Museum. 

For more information, call the Museum at (360) 276-4441 or email kelly@moclips.org.