 The A&W became a division of the GB&W and the physical plant of the line was substantially upgraded in the period around World War I.Through the Depression years the railroad saw a decrease in traffic and the GB&W looked to sell the line during World War II despite short-term increases in carload traffic due to wartime production of naval vessels and of wood products at industries along the route.The A&W also transported German prisoners of war to Door County to work the fruit harvest season during the war years.