A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Feb. 7, 1943, the federal government abruptly announced that wartime rationing of shoes made of leather would go into effect in two days, limiting consumers to buying three pairs per person per year.
This was reduced to two pairs per year in 1944; rationing was lifted in October 1945.
According to historical reports, rationing was used between January 1942 and December 1945. Tires, automobiles, gasoline, bicycles, fuel oil, kerosene, stoves, solid fuel, sugar, coffee, processed foods, meats, fats, canned fish, cheese, canned milk, rubber footwear, shoes and typewriters were rationed for varying lengths of time.
Four ration books were issued during the war to purchase products that were not transportation-related commodities or fuel. The stamps had no set value and were not for any specific product (with the exception of sugar and coffee stamps in War Ration Books 1 and 2).
Utahns felt the pinch of rationing, and those who lived through World War II in later years expressed both frustration and pride at their efforts.
And according to one quirky note, pianos also were in high demand.
An advertisement appeared in the Deseret News in May 1944 seeking used pianos.
Hill Air Force Base and the Ogden Depot were two new military installations in northern Utah, and housing to support those new defense industry locations was in high demand. The pianos were considered a staple household furnishing, even in times of war, according to reports.
Through the years, the question is asked: Could and would Americans make these sacrifices today?
Here are some interesting and unique stories from Deseret News archives about war rationing in Utah and the U.S.:
“Sugar rationing during WWII was no sweet treat”
“John Florez: What happened to sacrifices for war?”
“Downtown a beehive of activity in late ‘40s”
“Hospital uses rations to fight war shortages”
