Putting our “tough times” in perspective

For far too many families locally and throughout this great country of ours, times are financially tough. Not uncommon during these major economic downturns, there is anger in the air. Within our system of government, we have an important outlet to those most dissatisfied, the ballot box. But like any open democratic system, where fear can sometimes lead, we need to be careful for what we wish.

We have had many difficult times in our history. While one should not downplay the importance and difficulty many are experiencing now, this might be an opportunity to revisit another difficult time.

Let me suggest a new book published by the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center, a 2009 release called “On the Home Front,” that relates how World War II changed civilian life in Sheboygan County.

I picked this book and its time for a number of reasons. First, it is because Elmer Koppelmann – the original author and a tough dedicated local historian who wrote a number of books – recently passed away from cancer before this book could be completed; he was related to my wife and was someone I considered a friend. His book was finished by Jim Lampe and Robert Spatt.

Second, most people now living who are under 70 years of age can have no firsthand knowledge of the major restrictions and difficult times people experienced during that war. This book provides an insight into that time, so perhaps we can compare those difficulties to the ones we are experiencing today.

The book relies heavily on local newspaper accounts, often editorials, of what was taking place and their importance on the home front. This will be the first of a two-part series covering the issues of that time.

December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Hawaii. The United States declared war on Japan and German and Italy declared war on us. Both Japan and Germany were militarily on the move. In 1945, only after more than 50 million people had lost their lives, peace was again declared.

January 1942: the entire state of Wisconsin is limited to selling 5,834 tires a month; of those, Sheboygan County gets 51 tires and 43 inner tubes for cars and 99 tires and 84 inner tubes for trucks.

All Sheboygan County aliens are required to turn in their radios, cameras, and short-wave transmitters.

Sheboygan County gas stations agree to close from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.

February 1942: The Plymouth Review cuts publication from twice a week to once a week to save on paper, tin for typesetting, and rubber. Advertising by local businesses decreases.

March 1942: The Plymouth Defense Board is organized. Bus speeds between Sheboygan and Fond du Lac are cut from 65 to 55 miles per hour to save on gas, oil and tires. Victory Gardens become part of the National Defense Program. Homemade soap production is to be stopped because the process depletes valuable glycerin that is lost when soap is made at home; glycerin is used for making explosives.

Block Wardens will be assigned to most sections of the city of Sheboygan and Sheboygan County. Duties of the wardens include getting to know everyone on their block, enforcing blackouts, assisting people, getting them to shelters if required, assessing and reporting damage (Sheboygan Press, March 28, 1942).

Rationing of new and used typewriters will start on April 13, 1942. Used tire dealers must keep accurate sales records at least for two years for government inspection according to Walter Brand, chairman of the Sheboygan County Defense Rationing Board.

Next week: Rationing and restrictions become tougher.