Wanted for Victory!
“Wanted For Victory” was a common slogan for community collection efforts throughout the War. Rubber, aluminum, rags, paper, and small metal objects such as keys were collected at various stations around Pueblo. After collection, the items were cleaned, repaired, or melted if needed and re-purposed for various military efforts. Thousands of pounds of paper were baled and sold to dealers to replenish diminishing supply in 1942 alone. In 1944, CF&I printed reminders that 1,000 pounds of waste paper could supply the military with 200 blood plasma containers, 1,470 boxes for emergency life boat rations, 204 cartons containing one life preserver, 17 protective bands for 500 pound bombs, and 50 cartons for Army K field food rations. Salvaging represented another way women on the home front could contribute to the war effort in concert with other wartime programs.
Issued to citizens to limit the private use of gasoline, gas ration tickets ensured that there would be plenty for military vehicles at home and abroad.
Established in the spring of 1941 by President Roosevelt, the Office of Price Administration and Office Supply’s mission was, among other things, “to stabilize prices and rents and prevent unwarranted increases in them and to prevent profiteering, hoarding and speculation” of goods and commodities purchased in shops and retail outlets.War ration tickets and coupons were issued so consumers, mainly women who were the primary purchasers of goods for the home, would limit their purchases of certain commodities.
OPA tokens, similar to tickets, were also issued for limiting food purchases such as fresh meat, cheese, cooking fats and milk products. All rationing programs ceased by 1947.
