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Wartime Handbook for Shopping, Conservation, and Household Care

12

Dec. 7, 1941 is the day the United States entered World War II. The Imperial Japanese Navy and Army Air Force attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After the attack, those on the Homefront enthusiastically supported the U.S. war effort. Victory gardens were planted, war bonds bought, ration cards used and advice on conserving, recycling and making do was followed. This 32-page booklet offered advice on everything from care of the car, a laundry guide, proper care of gardening tools, conserving electricity and water and a weekly menu. The back cover of the booklet is a reminder that donating scrap metals, batteries and rubber was of great benefit to American troops. For instance: a worn-out wash pail could make three steel bayonets; worn out auto tires could supply enough rubber for thirty gas masks and a tractor laying around unused provided enough scrap iron for 580 heavy machine guns.