The first summer's work concludes with an homage to the new wave of immigrants and their labor, so important in the development of this region. Designed by Isabel Castro, the section begins with an image showing these new arrivals in a wave of flags which indicated their varied origins. The segment continues with the invention of the car and airplane, which shaped the development of 20th century California.

The first 1,000 feet were completed in nine weeks of painting. Then, the names of all those who participated were stenciled onto the wall.



The 1978 Project:

Many lessons were learned through the experience of the first summer's work. In looking back, Baca realized that, "In those first 1,000 feet, the mural is a loosely connected series of easel paintings." Beginning in 1978, she exerted more control over the design, which resulted in more stylistic unity and an evolving complexity in the transitions between the sections and linkages between historical incidents.

World War I

Emphasis in this section is on women's role in the war experience. The "doughboys" leave, kissing their wives and girlfriends goodbye. In the recruiting poster, woman appears in her mythic form as the symbol of Liberty. In reality, she works in the war industry replacing men in nontraditional jobs like welding, as well as contributing to the war effort through "women's jobs" like nursing.

As the war reached into every aspect a American life, Charlie Chaplin, the famous silent movie comedian and a symbol of the common man, became involved in the national Campaign. He is represented in the mural as a typical "doughboy" fight­ing in the trenches for the ideals in which he believes and for which the war was being fought. His presence also links the war section with the development of Hollywood and the movie industry.