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WWII Fuel Ration Identification Folder

(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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This is a Fuel Oil Ration Identification Folder issued by the South Deerfield Rationing Board to Caryll Crafts of South Deerfield, Massachusetts. It identified the owner of the coupons, or stamps, enclosed. These stamps entitled Mr. Crafts to purchase 34 gallons of home heating oil between June 1, 1945 and September 1, 1945. Note the self-sacrificing and patriotic image captioned "Oil is in the Fight." This assures Mr. Crafts that he is doing his part for the war effort at home when he economizes on oil, thus freeing up more oil for American warships that "guard the supply lines that feed and protect our men overseas." The Office of Price Administration (OPA) used every opportunity to print patriotic rationales and justifications for rationing, encouraging Americans to support this homefront effort. Under "Your Part in the War," Mr. Crafts was reminded that "Military needs come first," and "There is not enough left to satisfy uncontrolled civilian demands. Rationing gives everyone a fair share."

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