World War II–era cookbook, ration coins, and ration card, ca. 1941–1945

Photos by Kevin Grady/Radcliffe Institute

These items tell stories of patriotism and sacrifice made by countless Americans during World War II. Ration books, issued by the government, controlled prices and ensured equal access to scarce goods. Tokens were used as change for coupon purchases. Real ideas grew out of the wartime radio show What’s Your Idea?, which offered listeners $1 for each suggestion for economizing used on air. 

Coupon book, Sarah Merry Bradley Gamble Papers; tokens, Eloise Bittel Cohen Papers; Real Ideas of Real Housewives on Wartime Living, Culinary Pamphlet Collection

Catalog record:

http://id.lib.harvard.edu/alma/990122153930203941/catalog

Learn more:

See the Schlesinger Library's research guide to World War II.