World War II Ration Book Collection, circa 1941-1945

This collection consists of World War II ration books and related items that belonged to Elsie Louise and Richard H. Guthrie of Chicago, Illinois.

During World War II food was in short supply due to the needs of American and allied soldiers overseas. Because of these shortages, the US Government's Office of Price Administration established a rationing system to distribute food to families in the United States. Rationing was implemented after the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor and remained in place until the war ended in 1945.

This collection contains four ration books contained in one ration book holder from World War II. The ration cards belonged to Elsie Louise and Richard H. Guthrie of Chicago, Illinois. "Compliments of The Chicago Sun: Chicago's Morning TRUTHpaper" is printed on the book holder, which appears to have belonged not to the Guthries, but to Mr. and Mrs. K.E. Rowand of Fairmount, Illinois. Also included is a tobacco rationing card issued by the U.S. Naval Air Station in Whidbey Island, Washington, to Richard H. Guthrie, an informative news clipping on using ration coupons, and a blank application for home canning sugar rations.

Janet Elaine Guthrie donated this collection to the Library in 2019.