Many changes have transpired since the l940's began. Employment was at a low level then, of course. Many homes were without electricity, depending on kerosene lamps for lighting, and many had no plumbing especially in the rural areas. Then the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, l941. This was the beginning of WWII which lasted until 1945. Unfortunately, these are factual figures: 124,079 POW's 30,314 MIA , 78,976 Unaccounted For. At home we had many things rationed to help with the war effort, i.e. gasoline, tires were not available, repaired old ones, sugar, nylons, shoes, coffee and other things. We never complained of course, and understood. However, was extremely diffcult sometimes. Not as difficult though as our young men were experiencing in the service. After the Japs surrendered officially September 2, l945, WWII was over. After that America attempted to regain life again in a normal fashion. It was a slow recovery financially; however, by the end of the l940's families were building homes in anticipation of a new beginning. Posted here are some photographs as to the development of our U.S.A. during the Forties. Television had not yet arrived, to my knowledge, perhaps later years, do not recall. Personally, we never secured TV until l956.
1941 Packard
1949 Buick
Full service gas station at 25 cents per gallon, customers welcomed with smiles by Americans. Checked everything.
Gas rationing beginning in l942 meant 4 gallons of gas were allowed per week. Unless special services were necesary to get special ration cards. Speed limit 35 mph.
Kerosene lamp
for homes
Kerosene lamp used to carry upstairs
Wall telephone. Party line.
Number of rings by operator
indicated who the call was for.
Table model telephone
Floor model battery powered radio
Many homes did not have electricity
One room scholl house many attended if able to afford an education inl930'sand l940's. Many could not.
Prior to electricity's coming, most homes were lighted with lamps. At one time my Grandparents had power that was supplied by a Delco power plant (a gas motor with a generator) that charged batteries, which then supplied enough electricity to provide lights for a home. Some homes had light provided by carbide gas but the ones remembered replaced the carbide system with a Delco plant.
Table battery
powered radio
This is similiar to one we listened to troop movements and WWII news. As well as radio programs broadcast.
Back Home many things were rationed for the war effort. Gasoline, shoes, sugar, coffee, fuel oil, tires. Beginning spring l942 until l946. Rationing information
It is believed that these photos were taken by Sgt. William H. Genaust, who filmed the raising of the first U.S. flag on Iwo Jima, Japan, in 1945. He was filming the event at the same time Rosenthal was, who received national attention for his photo. Sgt William H. Genaust's remains have never been located to date; however, a search is ongoing at the present time in 2007 in a collapsed cave.
