US gas rationing poster with a man reclining on a red armchair
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 26.000 inches (66.04 cm) | Width: 18.500 inches (46.99 cm)
Creator(s)
- United States Office of War Information (Distributor)
- United States Office of Defense Transportation (Issuer)
- United States Government Printing Office (Printer)
- Albert Dorne (Artist)
Biographical History
The United States Office of War Information (OWI) was created on June 13, 1942, to centralize and control the content and production of government information and propaganda about the war. It coordinated the release of war news for domestic use, and using posters along with radio broadcasts, worked to promote patriotism, warn about foreign spies, and recruit women into war work. The office also established an overseas branch, which launched a large-scale information and propaganda campaign abroad. The government appealed to the public through popular culture and more than a quarter of a billion dollars' worth of advertising was donated during the first three years of the National Defense Savings Program. Victory in Europe was declared on May 8, 1945, and in Japan on September 2, 1945. The OWI ceased operation in September.
Archival History
The poster was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1988 by David and Zelda Silberman.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of David and Zelda Silberman
Funding Note: The cataloging of this artifact has been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Scope and Content
US war rationing poster depicting a man relaxing at home to encourage Americans to vacation at home to save gas. It was produced by the Office of Defense Transportation which was created to improve transportation performance and support war rationing efforts. Because of the need for huge amounts of food and products by the military and our allies, the US rationed materials, such as gasoline and rubber. By May 1942, gas was rationed in 17 states and nationwide by December. Travel was organized into three categories: necessary for military travel and emergencies; permissible for vacation and shopping; and nonessential for social visits and excursions. Gas ration stamps were issued based on the type of travel. The speed limit was reduced to 35 miles per hour to conserve rubber tires. People also were urged to reduce travel to keep roads and railways clear for the movement of troops and material.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Offset color lithographic poster with an image of a man with a pipe, relaxing in a red armchair with his hands behind his head and slippers resting on a cushion, and his dog laying at his feet, looking up at him. A pitcher of lemonade rests on the table beside him and a fans blows air from atop a bookcase with a radio and a framed photo of a man in uniform. There is text at the top and in a black panel at the bottom. The artist’s name is within the image. There is printed postal information and a recipient's address printed on the back.
People
- Dorne, Albert, 1904-1965.
Subjects
- Transportation--Energy conservation--United States--Posters.
- World War, 1939-1945--United States--Posters--Specimens.
- War posters, American--Specimens.
- World War, 1939-1945--Participation, Civilian--United States--Posters--Specimens.
- Rationing--United States--Posters--Specimens.
- World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--United States--Posters--Specimens.
Genre
- Object
- Posters