US travel restriction poster with a woman in front of a service flag
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 26.875 inches (68.263 cm) | Width: 20.000 inches (50.8 cm)
Creator(s)
- United States Government Printing Office (Printer)
- United States Office of War Information (Distributor)
- Jerome Rozen (Artist)
- United States Office of Defense Transportation (Distributor)
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 woman in front of a service flag imploring people to observe travel restrictions so her son can get back home. 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 lithograph poster with an image of a middle aged woman, head and shoulders only, with a service lapel pin and posed in front of a red and white service flag with a blue star. There is text across the top and bottom. There is postal information printed on the back and 2 lengthy paragraphs warning the public about unnecessary travel.
People
- Rozen, Jerome, 1895-1987.
Subjects
- Rationing--United States--Posters--Specimens.
- Transportation--Energy conservation--United States--Posters.
- World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--United States--Posters--Specimens.
- War posters, American--Specimens.
- World War, 1939-1945--United States--Posters--Specimens.
- World War, 1939-1945--Participation, Civilian--United States--Posters--Specimens.
Genre
- Posters
- Object