Rationing poster from from WWII
World War II saw the rapid mobilization of the US economy to fight the threat of the Axis in Europe and the Pacific. Such radical changes in the national economy tightened the food supply and basic supplies such as tires, hardware and other goods which consumers were used to finding on the shelves of hardware and grocery stores in their hometowns soon disappeared.
The need for raw materials and food for the far flung American armed forces led to the rationing system. This system was implemented as to car and truck tires in January 1942, barely a month after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Only emergency personnel or those in the medical field could purchase new tires. Owners of buses, delivery trucks, and farm tractors could also get new tires, but they had to apply at their local rationing board for approval. Good tires became so hard to find that owners of new tires often recorded the serial numbers of their tires in case they were stolen.
Regular civilians had to either have their tires retreaded, buy used tires or make due with what they had. This writer's mother refers to an uncle who wouldn't pick up more than one person because he was afraid of the effect of the added weight on his tires during this period.
The rationing system was accomplished with a series of booklets which set limits on purchasing certain high-demand items. Each person was issued a number of "points" which had to be turned in at the time of purchase of restricted items. The points were in the form of stamps distributed through ration books by the Office of Price Administration (OPA). Items could be purchased illegally on the black market for exorbitant prices.
Even with the end of World War II, rationing continued for several years as the US food supply and economy struggled to convert back to consumer goods. Bread went on the ration list in 1946, which was after the close of the war. Meat was the last item to come off the ration list and this did not occur until 1954.
The government encouraged people to grow gardens and repurpose various items and recycle. People in the South, where many lived a rural existence, already knew how to grow gardens, raise chickens, can food and live off the land. Urban dwellers were not so fortunate and so times were harder in the big city than on the small farm.
History repeats itself, and learning its lessons can help ensure survival and understanding of the events around us. As grocery stores and the American food supply struggle to keep up in the pandemic swirling around us, a look at how our grandparents survived gives powerful inspiration for us in 2020.
Quote of the week: "The future doesn't belong to the light-hearted. It belongs to the brave." President Ronald Reagan.
Available now: The Butler Street Chronicles; Selected histories of the communities surrounding Butler Street and will include information on settlers at Steadham, Pond Fork, Sizemore, Sardine, Butler Street, Hollinger and other communities along this route. Pick up your copy for $15. Copies can be published from the author or at Amazon.com or Lulu.com.
Vote for and support the Canoe Landmark District referendum on the 2020 ballot. Call for more details.
Shadows and Dust Volume III: Legacies is available for purchase in the amount of $30.00+$5.00 shipping and handling to PO Box 579 Atmore, AL 36502 or visit Lulu Publishing.com; Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles.com OR at the Monroe County Heritage Museum in Monroeville, Alabama or by calling 251 294 0293.
