Bedford in Bedford County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Bobbie G. Johnson Pavilion

— National D-Day Memorial —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. Bobbie G. Johnson Pavilion Marker

Inscription.

Bobbie G. Johnson Pavilion. . Quonset huts met a critical need for the world war two generation. With millions returning home from service after the war, the country faced the worst housing shortage in its history. According to an article printed in 1946 by Popular Science Publishing, “even if 1.2 million permanent homes were to be built every year in the United States, it would still be 10 years before everyone was housed." Classified ads appeared in newspapers across the nation as families struggled to find housing anywhere they could. , , This is where the unconventional, yet utilitarian, Q-hut prevailed for domestic buildings and other purposes. Affectionately (and sometimes not so affectionately), termed "tin tents" or "Spam cans" these durable structures had a beauty defined by their simplicity and availability. , , After the war, the huts were often sold for pennies on the dollar as surplus and many were used for residential and commercial purposes. Even colleges and universities bought up as many as they could to accommodate the rapid growth attributed to the GI bill and the influx of veterans going to school. This unique history is yet another thread to the overall tapestry of life for those who served and sacrificed in world war two, both on the homefront and at war. , , By resolution of the Board of Directors of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, the Bobbie G. Johnson Pavilion of the National D-Day Memorial is named in tribute to an esteemed supporter. The dedication of this pavilion recognizes Bobbie Johnson’s invaluable contribution of service to his country in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1943-1947, in the Virginia National Guard, and the Virginia Defense Force. The Foundation also recognizes with deep appreciation his years of service as a volunteer to the National D-Day Memorial and his commitment to philanthropy as demonstrated in his generosity to the Memorial and its mission. This pavilion is dedicated on Memorial Day, 28 May 2018, in honor of Bobbie G. Johnson.

Quonset huts met a critical need for the WWII generation. With millions returning home from service after the war, the country faced the worst housing shortage in its history. According to an article printed in 1946 by Popular Science Publishing, “even if 1.2 million permanent homes were to be built every year in the United States, it would still be 10 years before everyone was housed." Classified ads appeared in newspapers across the nation as families struggled to find housing anywhere they could.

This is where the unconventional, yet utilitarian, Q-hut prevailed for domestic buildings and other purposes. Affectionately (and sometimes not so affectionately), termed "tin tents" or "Spam cans" these durable structures had a beauty defined by their simplicity and availability.

After the war, the huts were often sold for pennies on the dollar as surplus and many were used for residential and commercial purposes. Even colleges and universities bought up as many as they could to accommodate the rapid growth attributed to the GI bill and the influx of veterans going to school. This unique history is yet another thread

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to the overall tapestry of life for those who served and sacrificed in WWII, both on the homefront and at war.

By resolution of the Board of Directors of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, the Bobbie G. Johnson Pavilion of the National D-Day Memorial is named in tribute to an esteemed supporter. The dedication of this pavilion recognizes Bobbie Johnson’s invaluable contribution of service to his country in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1943-1947, in the Virginia National Guard, and the Virginia Defense Force. The Foundation also recognizes with deep appreciation his years of service as a volunteer to the National D-Day Memorial and his commitment to philanthropy as demonstrated in his generosity to the Memorial and its mission. This pavilion is dedicated on Memorial Day, 28 May 2018, in honor of Bobbie G. Johnson.

Erected 2018 by National D-Day Memorial.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the U.S. National D-Day Memorial series list.

Location. 37° 19.832′ N, 79° 32.234′ W.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Bobbie G. Johnson Pavilion Marker

Memorial is in Bedford, Virginia, in Bedford County. It can be reached from Overlord Circle 0.4 miles west of Burks Hill Road. The Marker is located on the grounds of the National D-Day Memorial. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford VA 24523, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in Southwest Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bobbie and Peggy Quonset Hut (a few steps from this marker); W.E. Steven’s Family Victory Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); George “Jimmy” Green Circle (within shouting distance of this marker); In Homage (within shouting distance of this marker);

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The Bedford Boys (within shouting distance of this marker); Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur (French National Order of the Legion of Honor) (within shouting distance of this marker); Blue Star Family Memorial Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Coast Guard (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bedford.

Also see . . .
1. Quonset Hut 1941 - 1960. (Submitted on March 16, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. National D-Day Memorial. (Submitted on March 16, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 187 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 16, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.