205. Wartime Randolph County.

RCHS Blog Post Number 205. 

Wartime Randolph County

New Auto Sales Banned.

Journal- Herald newspaper (J-H)

January 6, 1942. 

  Don F. Stiver, superintendent of The Indiana state Police, has transmitted to Winchester Mayor Oran Ross a copy of a letter reaching his department and directed to all mayors, chiefs of police, sheriffs and state police, by Frank Bane, of the Office of Price Administration, relating to the stoppage of sales of automobiles by the Federal Government in connection with the national defense program.

  "A freeze order was issued by the office of production management immediately stopping the sale of all new passenger cars, light and heavy trucks throughout the nation. For the purposes of this order, passenger automobiles, light and heavy trucks, mean 1942 models or any such vehicle which has been used less than 1,000 miles. This order shall take effect immediately."

___________

WAC Marianna Reed.

J-H, October 21, 1943. 

  WAC (Womens Army Corps) Marianna Reed, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Reed has returned to Fort Devens, Mass. after spending a short furlough with friends and relatives in Winchester. She sported a stripe this trip home and is now a private first class. Miss Reed, former society editor of the Journal Herald has applied for overseas duty.

__________

Sugar Rationed.

J-H, January 28, 1942.

  Declaring that "I can't stress too strongly that every housewife should begin now to reduce consumption of sugar in her home." Price Administrator Leon Henderson today estimated that sugar rationing may be limited to 3/4 of a pound per week per person.

  Henderson said that sugar consumption for 1942 should average about 52 pounds per person, but he pointed out that the provision must be made for those who eat in hotels, restaurants or institutions as well as at home. In 1941 the average consumption of sugar was 1 1/2 pounds per person per week.

  The sugar rationing system will also make provision to meet "usual demands for home canning during the summer months for the winter holidays."

  "Those who have hoards of sugar should stop buying and start using up their stock since they will not be permitted under the plan to get more sugar until their supplies have been reduced to normal proportions," he continued.

  This is an opportunity for everyone to make a personal contribution to the war. The army and navy need alcohol derived from sugar to make smokeless powder. Saving on sugar means powder for our soldiers and sailors.

__________

Girl Scouts Gather Scrap.

J-H, February 5, 1942. 

  If a Girl Scout knocks on your door Thursday or Friday evening or after school, she is collecting articles for the melting pot of metal materials so essential to national defense.

  This is not just another solicitation; our government has urged the public to help. These metals are just as essential as the need for aluminum was at the time of that drive when every housewife and merchant contributed liberally.

  Look among your discarded knick-knacks and you will be surprised how much you can give.

  The scouts will begin their house-to-house canvass this evening and you can assist them in this big job by having your collection ready.

  Every resident of Randolph County is urged to participate in the drive for precious metals and anyone having something to give is asked to bring them to headquarters located at the Pierce Studio and Gift Shop in Winchester.

  The drive is being sponsored by the Winchester Business & Professional Woman's club, the proceeds derived from the metals to be turned over to the Red Cross chapter of the county to assist in that humanitarian work so essential to the boys in the service and their families.

__________

WAC Recruiting.

 J-H, October 28, 1943. 

  Randolph county women will have their first opportunity to enter the branch of service of their own choosing when a group of five officers enlists women for the Women's Army Corps (WAC) at the Red Cross room on the east side of the public square in Winchester.

  Women will be able to enlist for service in the army air forces according to Lieut. F. H. Baumann of Stout Field, Indianapolis

  Each applicant will be questioned by a classification expert and will be recommended for the type work in which she is most interested and best suited.

  "Every WAC who enlists releases one more man for the fighting front," Lieut. Baumann said, "and each enlistment may keep a man from being drafted."

  The air forces are more interested in the quality of women enlisting than in having a large number join, he emphasized.

  Women who are interested in enlisting are urged to discuss the opportunities of the WAC with the review board.

__________

Tire Rationing.

J-H, January 5, 1942.

  Tire rationing quotas go into effect today. Randolph county's quota being 28 tires and 23 tubes.

  The Randolph county rationing board, is comprised of Rev. Raymond HARRIS, John THOMPSON and Francis SIMPSON and they will meet soon for organization, after which inspectors will be appointed.

  Clarence A. Jackson, state civilian defense director, appealed to the public to refrain "as a patriotic service" from unnecessary calls and requests on county tire rationing boards.

  "If you are not a physician, visiting nurse or veterinarian, you as an individual, will not be able to obtain tires for passenger cars," Jackson said.

  "Individuals who do not fall in the above classifications must not expect or hope to obtain a certificate for the purchase of a new tire or tube.

  "Likewise, not even those individuals in the above classifications may obtain new tires until such time as their present tires are beyond repair or reconditioning by retreading."

  "Those who do come within the above classifications will be required to present a certificate from a tire inspection station, several of which will be designated in each county, showing that their tires cannot be repaired.

  Jackson made it clear that tire rationing boards do not have discretionary powers to grant tire purchase certificates, but can only determine whether or not applicants come within limited classifications of persons to whom new tires can be sold.

__________

Yarn Arrives.

J-H, January 12, 1942. 

  The Red Cross has received a shipment of yarn to be knitted into sleeveless sweaters for our American Navy. These garments are to be completed within three weeks.

  Any knitters wishing to make these sweaters may get the yarn and instructions from the Red Cross chapter room in the city building. Other yarn, to be knitted into refugee garments, will be here within a week or two.

  Knitters desiring to make these garments may have six to eight weeks in which to complete them. Classes for new knitters will be held once a week in the chapter room, the date for the first one to be announced shortly.

______________________

Want to learn more?
Visit The Museum.
     Hours vary with volunteer availability. Check the website or Facebook for current open to the public hours or call/message/email to arrange an appointment.
Facebook group: Randolph County Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society

Visit the website.
     Here is a link to the website:  https://rchsmuseum.org

Follow the blog.
     Scroll to the right or below the article to click "FOLLOW" to get email updates as soon as a blog is uploaded.  This is a great feature to share with family and friends who are not active on social media.