1942 - Incidentals for the Time
Did you know duct tape was developed in 1942?
Duck Tape - The US Military (using The Johnson and Johnson Permacel Division) develops Duct Tape. It was originally called duck tape by the troops because water ran off it but later adapted to "Duct Tape".
Groceries
Let's go to the market - and if we want to win the war, we will bring our own bag. Note that milk is either delivered to your home by an actual delivery person or you can get it canned. At the A&P, it's 3 for 25 cents. Coffee is about to get rationed so stock up. Now, keeping in mind that the minimum wage in 1942 is $.30 cents per hour, here are the grocery deals.
The Victory Cake
So I'm researching the newspaper for March 1942 and saw this recipe - I think I have to try it. I love cake. I might not go with the mint, but it looks great. in 1942, a 3 lb. can of Crisco Shortening is about $.65 cents. Today, it's about $3.95 for 1 lb. And sugar is about to be rationed so only a half cup is important. Yes, that corn syrup will do some heavy lifting. I do not know if that'll be rationed. VICTORY - not only supports the war effort - but we get cake! Let me know if you try it.
Shopping
Easter is April 5th in 1942 so there's lots of shopping for new suits, dresses, stylish hats, and other Easter necessities. It's Boston, so everyone will go to church on Sunday and there will be a giant parade where bonnets are required by law I believe (I don't really know that). Here are just a few ads to give you an idea of what was popular in 1942. That Rollicking Rabbit for $1 is adorable. Filene's was founded in 1881 by William Filene. By 2006, they were taken over by Macy's.
Another great department store in Boston was R.H. White's. It operated from 1853 to approximately 1980, with a major flagship store downtown from 1876 to 1957. Located near Washington Street, it was a staple of Boston's historic retail landscape, often associated with other classic retailers like Jordan Marsh.
Basement Shopping
Ok, there are great department stores but everyone shops in the basement for bargains. Specialized clearance was a big thing and most department stores had a level for clearance, samples, factory seconds, odd lots, etc. There is a White's Basement but Filene's Basement was an actual destination when we would travel back east to visit Aunt Bunny in Natick and the other aunts. But all good things must come to an end. The last Filene's Basement stores closed permanently on December 29, 2011
Let's get it at Liggett's! For more shopping and give you a better idea of the costs, check out the deals at the local Rexall Drug Store - Liggett's.
The Teddy Bears Picnic
This is a little off topic - ok a lot off topic,but I came across this song while researching. My Aunt Bunny must have played it for her kids because she still had it when we would visit. The Filene Basement stuff must have triggered it. It has always stuck with me. Do you remember it? Have you ever heard it? Do you love it too?
The other song I remember was about a playmate? "Oh pretty playmate, come out and play with me. And bring your dollies three, climb up my apple tree..." Anyone?
I'm getting way off track. Dear Audrey starts this coming Wednesday!!
Comments welcome :)
