Household Operations in WW2

During WW2, households functioned much differently than they do today. Rationing altered many lives but the women knew how to save and make do with what they had. There were many posters encouraging - "Use it Up, Wear it Out, Waste Not" - everyone to save and reuse everything. It's a wonder we can find our loved vintage items today!

What most people do not know about this business of rationing is that when Pearl Harbor was bombed, our military was not ready to go into a war zone; they did not have enough necessary equipment because their ships had been bombed and becuase their air force operations were fairly new, war considering. It was then that Americans banded together and war plants erected almost over night in major cities -- making airplanes, grenades, clothing for our soldiers, parachutes, etc. Now whether this is true or not, to me it makes sense. Why else would the government ration goods and foodstuffs? This was good, though, for the American people because never in history has there been such unity, such loyalty to one's country, such awe and respect for servicemen. (Thank you to all of our servicemen and women - and family members - who sacrificed and are sacrificing to keep our American freedom.)

Good Housekeeping and Betty Crocker (among others) kept women informed on the best ways to stretch food items, and to make every morsel account for something. These recipe books are designed nicely, and help the 1940s lady to prepare well-rounded meals for their family, school lunches for the kids, and even light snacks at night. I have yet to try a recipe, but I will soon!

Do any of you have a special (or hated :0 ) memory from family members or even a personal story of the growing up times during WW2? Being an avid researcher particularly of WW2 America on the home front, I would relish your story! All and any information will greatly help and enhance my WW2 mid-western home front trilogy that I have been writing for the past 12  years. Thanks for stopping by!!