On this day 75 years ago, the United States was at war, but the City of Milwaukee was at war against Polio. Because of an outbreak, all children under 12 years old were confined to their homes.

That didn’t stop these girls from socializing with their friends two doors down. Shown here are Rosemary O’Brien, 12, Peggy O’Brien, 9, and Florence Ann O’Brien, 12, of 5321 N. Diversey Blvd., Milwaukee. They have rigged up a pulley system to send notes to their friends at 5335 Diversey, Betty Ann Dundon, 12, Sherman Dundon, 9, and Monica Dundon, 11.

Meanwhile, Schuster’s Department Store offers to help with these toys, books, and records for kids who are quarantined.

Both images appeared in the Milwaukee Journal, August 30, 1944.