Treasure Box Wednesday: Wartime Suggestions, Cheap Chic and Classic Reads

It's October 1943 and World War II is raging. Americans are having to tighten their belts like never before. How does a homemaker make the most of her rations?

Equitable Gas hoped to make it a little easier and more efficient with this booklet I found at the Goodwill in Monroeville. And it's amazing how comprehensive it is! From how to make appliances last and how to make meat go further to low flame, minimum water cooking techniques, designed to "save minerals, vitamins, flavor." Just LOOK at all this poor housewife has to consider in trying to keep her family on track!


Also, how often do we see an employee of our gas companies giving us helpful advice about our household tasks these days? Mine just put bright yellow notices on my front door complaining I'm not at home to let them in to read the meter when they pop by unannounced.


And look at this-- by running your home the way Equitable Gas suggests, you're showing "Cooperation, to speed the 'Coming of V-Day.'" Notice the smiling troops over there, happy to see us following these super "Modern Methods" of cooking, extending our meat rations, and maintaining our appliances.


Okay, now let's leap forward into the future a bit... Well, just a LITTLE bit...With these thrifted books. I've always wanted to read Capote and Salinger and have never had the chance. So when you find them for $0.99 a piece at the Goodwill, there really is no better time!


Keeping to the 40s theme (inadvertently) is this Hazel Atlas Moderntone creamer, that probably looks fairly familiar to some, since it matches the plates I found in Ohio over the weekend. This was at the Salvation Army back in Pittsburgh, though.


And lastly, I found a Shabby Chic curtain panel from Target for $3. Which is, ironically, WAY cheaper than that same panel currently is in Target right now.


I have no idea why it made its way to the Goodwill while that pattern is still in the department stores-- there's nothing wrong with it. But there it was, anyway. If I don't use it as a curtain, I'll use it in some other manner. It's always fun to see where things end up.

But I know where this has to end up today. With me saying good-bye for now.

  • If you missed the weekend roadtrip to Ohio antiquing, I'd still be more than happy to have you virtually tag along with me. Just click here.

Take care of yourselves, and remember, gas prices may be skyrocketing and the economy may look grim, but history shows us, it could be a lot worse. :)

11 comments:

Handi Dandi Mandi said...

What a cool find! I love 40s vintage, I think it's my favorite time. But women didn't drive then so they didn't have to worry about conserving gasoline...

Robin said...

My Goodwill has brand new Target things too! I just bought two new curtain panels and two curtain rods all unused in original box/package!

Amy said...

Cool wartime book! That's something rare to find :-)

Lidian said...

Jenn, that 40s book is a real gem! And your other finds look really good too. I'd say this is was a superlative Wednesday!

Anonymous said...

I just came across your blog from Handi Mandi's and feel like I've found a kindred spirit. :) Love your blog!

solamar7 said...

I have been scouring for a copy of Catcher in the Rye for years!! Score..would love to read about old Holden again!
:)karen

Anonymous said...

What a flashback! My Grandma had a creamer exactly like that one. Thanks for triggering some fond memories.
-Julie

Past Expiry said...

Thanks for visiting my cartoon blog! Your blog is very professional.

PS: How do I make my appliances last?

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love those old books, like your wartime handbook. They so intrigue me and I love getting a look into the life and thinking of people in different eras. Excellent find!

Goddess said...

I knew I'd found a kindred spirit from your blog title alone.....I am a consummate bargain hunter (it is my favorite participatory sport - with politics being my favorite spectator sport....but that's another story) as well as a hopeless romantic.
I was not disappointed. :) Good job!

Jenn Thorson said...

Hi, Ladies (and, er, Past Expiry Sir) :)-

Isn't it amazing the stuff that turns up? Welcome to all the new folks who posted here and thanks to everybody for visiting. As I'd said in the comments on my most recent post, I'm having some tech issues-- I'm working off a loaner computer-- so when my new one is ready, I'll do a bit of visiting to see what you all are up to. It's been kind of a rough week-- I feel off my game.

Well, thanks again, for reading, for your time, and just for being so pleasant.