1930-1954

Depression scrip wasn't currency but could be converted into currency as the country struggled through hard economic times.

During the Great Depression, the Cumberland County government lacked money to pay its employees. It issued them scrip that was redeemable at the county treasurer's office. This 50-cent scrip was printed in 1933 but probably was never issued.

555th soldiers traded their steel helmets for leather football helmets.

When the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, stationed at Camp Mackall, received orders in May of 1945 for a "highly classified mission," its members had visions of finally making a combat jump. The Triple Nickles were the Army's only black paratroopers at the time.

Instead, remembered Melvin Lester, "we gave up our rifles for hoes and axes to put out forest fires."

In 1947, the unit was disbanded and became part of the 82nd Airborne, one of the first steps in integrating the Army.

This warrant officer's jacket, as well as a restored CG-4A Waco glider, are among the collection of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum.

The ribbons of this World War II dress uniform tell this soldier's story: the European Theater ribbon with stars signifies three campaigns and one assault, and an Air Medal with an oak leaf cluster.

The wing above the medal bears a large "G," the Army's designation for a glider pilot. Veterans who flew the gliders said it stood for the guts it took to make a one-way ride into enemy territory.

Glider troops trained at Laurinburg-Maxton Army Air Field in Scotland County during the war.

Hurricane Hazel swept through the region in October 1954, damaging this Dobbin Avenue home in Fayetteville and many others.