Page 150 - Historical Study of Yerba Buena Island, Treasure Island and Their Buildings

An overall view of the total changes that occurred during World War II on Treasure Island can
be seen by comparing the following two maps (Figure 66 and Figure 67). The first map,
Figure 66, is the fold-out map provided in the 1939 Official Guide Book of the Golden Gate
International Exposition. The second map, Figure 67, was printed in the March 30, 1946 issue of
the Masthead, the Treasure Island Naval Base newspaper. Neither was intended to be an official
map, but rather to convey a view of what the island layout was at that day. The two maps
provide an opportunity to compare the island's development over a seven year period.

September 2, 1945 is the official day of victory for the Allies over Japan in World War II and is
hence known as "V-J Day", a day of great celebration. To show the San Francisco Bay Area's
appreciation of the returning troops from overseas, a large message was erected on the western
end of Y erba Buena Island. The message for the returning sailors and marines read
"HI MATES - GREAT WORK". A second message reading "WELCOME HOME -
JOB WELL DONE" was placed on Angel Island for the returning Army troops. Both messages
were visible to the troop ships entering the Bay as they neared each island.

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2-46 Historical Study ofYerba Buena Island, September 1, 1995
Treasure Island, and their Buildings