Saturday, December 7, 2019

Pearl Harbor Day

I  believe this is The radio that my folks and I were listening to when we heard the news about Pearl Harbor.
It was a Zenith with short wave included. Push buttons to the right of the circular display could be set to favorite stations to find them quickly. On the back was a toggle switch marked TV. The delivery guy told us that when television was available we would only have to be a screen (!) and put it on top of the radio and we would have pictures. The buttons to the left were for more treble or base tones.

I think this was around 1939. I thought the wood was beautiful and almost like a piece of furniture.

When we heard of the attack, my parents looked very serious and worried. My dad was forty-three so I think he was too old for the draft. He was also an electrician for the Kansas Power and Light and this may have been on the list of essential jobs.

I remember collecting newspapers, metal and saving grease; buying War Savings stamps. $18.95 would get a bond. In ten years the bond could be cashed in for $20.

Gasoline and sugar were rationed. I'm sure there were other things but I think there were rationing books with coupons in them.

We were all glad when it was over.     So many served. So many lost.


5 comments:

  1. Yes there were ration books....I have my Father in Laws books. They are numbered coupons and I guess the newspaper told you when to use which ones. It says on one of the booklets."If you don't need it, don't use it" I think Tires and meat were also rationed. Far Guys Mom used to say that her parents gave them their meat coupons because they lived on a farm and traded for tire coupons.
    It was a tough time...the younger generation has no idea.

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    Replies
    1. Another motto: Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do or do without.

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  2. I remember my parents talking about the rationing and my Dad was in the Navy and my Mom would talk about rationing. I often wonder, when I see and hear some younger people talking, if they really know what sacrificing for others means.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  3. Radio is still standing watch.....

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