Historic Treasure of the Week - February 10, 1991
By Barbara Carney
Vigo County Historical Society
Historic Treasure of the Week - February 10, 1991
By Barbara Carney
Vigo County Historical Society
Conservation advice boomed in war years
The World War II years were times of food and gasoline rationing. The American public was urged to conserve in every way possible.
The housewife received and welcomed publications offering suggestions for ways to "tighten the belt." Charles B. Knox Gelatin Co. published a recipe booklet called "How To Be Easy On Your Ration Book," which was free in local grocery stores.
In 1942, the Spool Cotton Company put out "Make and Mend for Victory." It sold for 10 cents a copy and was filled with black-and-white photographs and specific directions for making over, altering or accessorizing an already existing wardrobe. The book ix covered with patriotic red-and-white stripes and navy-blue stars.
On the inside cover is the Consumer’s Victory Pledge as stated by the Consumer Division of the Office of Price Administration:
"I will buy carefully--and I will not buy anything above the ceiling price, no matter how much I may want it.
"I will take good care of the things I have--and I will not buy anything made from vital war materials which I can get along without.
"I will waste nothing--and I will take care to salvage everything needed to win the war."
"Make and Mend" says you can follow these "simple as ABC directions and watch your tired wardrobe put on new airs, snap to attention like brave and pretty soldiers."
Besides directions for changing length, waistlines and necklines, readers with sleeves worn out at the elbow were instructed in cutting above the worn place, reshaping the sleeve and putting on a cuff. The lady of the house was shown how to turn a somewhat worn dress into a jerkin, jumper, weskit or pinafore.
Under "Variety Is The Spice of Life," those wanting to update their wardrobe were shown how to make a vestee with three different button-on jabors, a button-on collar with crocheted edging, or a dickey.
Accessories could be made to enhance an outfit with minimal cost. Directions were given to crochet a star necklace and earrings set. Crocheted buttons gave a new look. Pompon flowers could be made to decorate a felt pillbox hat. Instructions for making a skirt and two-piece halter from five bandannas were available.
An enterprising housewife was shown how to cut down her husband’s suits, shirts and bathrobes to make outfits for herself and the children. These chapters were entitled, "You’ve Got the Goods on Him" and "The Shirt Off His Back."
"Make and Mend" made it sound like the "thing to do." The appeal was "Come on, take those old knockabouts, keep that glint in Uncle Sam’s eye, and still do your stint towards Victory!"
The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.