The "New Hurricane Club" was a popular hangout for young adults during the World War II years. Located on Cedar Point Road south of downtown Mobile, Alabama, the club offered an "orchestra every night, delightful atmosphere, delicious meals." The couples above don't appear interested in eating though. On the table are several bottles of hard alcohol. The Cokes were used as mixers.
Only three people at the table are identified. Third from the left is Beatrice Valara Pierce (1921-1993). The couple on the right is Marjorie Gabriella "Gay" McKeough (1920-1998) and Ralph Bailey Pierce (1917-1984), brother of Bea. Ralph and Gay were married on October 3, 1942. In February 1942, Bea married a different soldier than the one she is seated with here. They divorced in 1947. So this photo was either taken before 1942 or after 1947.
Many soldiers were in Mobile because of the construction of a new Army Air Force supply depot at Bates Field, the city airport before the war. Construction of Brookley Army Air Force Base began in June 1940. Enlisted men began arriving two months later and the first plane landed in March 1941. The base closed in June 1969.
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