The advertisements on this page came from Life Magazine, January-February and May-June 1943. They are useful in providing a glimpse into life during World War II as well as illustrating the way advertisers used the war, particularly one's duty on the homefront, to sell products. Scanning issues of Life from the World War II period, especially the advertisements, can give you ideas of questions to ask during your interviews with Adams County residents.
Victory Gardens
Last year's emerald lawn has given way to a Victory garden. The family car is up on blocks; father walks to work and Bud bikes to school. And Nora does her week's washing in strict accord with the clear. . .instructions which the Pacific Factag always gives her. This informative label is attached to garments made of Pacific Factag Fabrics and enables America--patriotically bent on conserving essential war materials--to get the most good out of its purchases.
Home Care
"Three cheers for you, Mrs. America, and all the things you're doing at home to help win the war. Without bugle or roll of drums you're in stride with the march to victory--you're setting the thermostat at 65 degrees, saving money to buy bonds, serving less meat, keeping the children well, turning off lights and radios, defrosting the refrigerator, doing Red Cross work, saving metal, rubber, tin cans, taking First Aid, sharing cars, writing letters--anything to win." You are also hopefully buying Kalamazoo Stoves and Furnaces.
Women's Work/Men's Jobs
Co-ed Leaves Campus to Fill a Man's Job (and sell Camel cigarettes) reads the headline. "Behind those flags in her hands there's a flag in her heart. . .she's serving by working at a war job. A man's job! but she's the real All-American Girl, 1942 model."
Keeping Healthy
"Your American Duty . . .To Keep Well and Keep Working." Those on the homefront are challenged that the "greatest contribution you can make to your nation at war: Get healthy. Keep healthy. Strength is our supreme national resource now or ever." This includes using Dr. West's Miracle-Tuft toothbrush--"an outstanding value made possible by production-line methods."
Childbirth
This advertisement asks: "With most doctors having to ration their time today and almost every hospital full to capacity--are you prepared for a possible home delivery?" Make your own disposable masks from Scot Toilet Tissue.
