Many changes have transpired since the 1940'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, 1941. WWII, 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 difficult sometimes. Not as difficult though as our young men were experiencing in combat. After the Japs surrendered officially September 2, 1945, 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 1940'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,do not recall the year. Personally, we never secured TV until 1956. And then charged most of it, to mother-in-laws horror that we were doomed financially. Well, it worked and we had something to use until we paid it off. Whole new experience, a "charge account".
1941 Packard
1949 Buick
Full service gas station at 25 cents per gallon, customers welcomed with smiles by Americans. Checked everything free.
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 for light
Wall telephone. Party line.
Number of rings by operator
indicated who the call was for.
Table model telephones
Floor model battery powered radio
Many homes did not have electricity
One room scholl house many attended if able to afford an education during l930's and 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.
