It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Wednesday, November 11, is Veterans Day, when we salute all veterans of the armed forces. One distinguished veteran of World War I was notable businessman Leo Perry. Perry started Whitewater’s raincoat factory in 1929. The factory moved to the building at 202 Whitewater Street in 1940, locating on the upper floor where the first Whitewater Armory used to be. The factory had a number of contracts with the government to produce raincoats for the troops during World War II. Perry operated the factory until 1976. He was an honored member of the American Legion and held regional leadership positions. He died in 1983. The local American Legion donated papers and photographs to the historical society a few years ago and among the photos were a group of Legion members from the mid-20th century.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(5800P, Whitewater Historical Society)