Larry Linderman
There wasn’t a family in the United States that escaped the consequences of WWII. Most of those who volunteered or were drafted fought and faced the unimaginable terror of battle. Over 400,000 Americans didn’t return while almost 700,000 are estimated to have been wounded. Thousands of families lost European relatives to the horrors of the Holocaust. Americans’ dreams and ambitions had to be put on hold until the conflict ended. Americans of Japanese ancestry on the West Coast suffered the indignity of the internment camps and the loss of property.
One facet of the war that affected all Americans was the rationing of goods that were in short supply due to the needs of the military. If our men and women in uniform were to be properly armed, clothed and fed, the citizens at home were going to have to sacrifice. By late ’42 and ’43 rationing became a part of everyday life.
Rationed foods included sugar, canned fruits and vegetables, meat, fats, coffee, tea, cheese, bacon, milk and butter. Rubber and gasoline were rationed as well. Even speed on the highways was rationed! To insure that all Americans were able to obtain enough foodstuffs and other essentials for their basic needs, an enormous bureaucracy was created. Ration boards, ration books and stamps and price controls became part of everyday life.
The World War II Roundtable will present a discussion and slide show on rationing during WWII on Thursday, January 18 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sonoran Room of the MountainView Clubhouse. All SaddleBrooke residents and SaddleBrooke Ranch residents and guests are welcome. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month. There is no charge to attend or dues to belong to the Roundtable.
Contact Steve Reggentin, 465-0909, for further information.