THE WAR YEARS AND THE CHANGES THAT FOLLOWED

The 1940s were unusual times, the war changed many things.

In 1940, eight out 10 boys who graduated from school went to war. More than half of the population of the U.S. had completed no more than 8th grade. By 1945, 50% of 17 year olds were high school graduates. There were rationing and victory gardens on the home front. There were scrap (metal) drives, war bond drives and stamps for food or shoes. The average gasoline ration was 3 gallons a week, the yearly butter ration was 12 lbs per person, the yearly limit for canned goods 33 lbs, and people could buy only three new pair of shoes a year.

The war and rationing affected everyone including the students at Eckstein School. Sporting events were moved closer to home and on to bus routes to help save fuel.

The sewing class was busy knitting heavy sweaters and other warm clothing for the soldiers.

In February 1943 the first and second graders were making model airplanes from wooden orange crates. Supplies were limited because of the war, but the resourceful students used tissue paper instead of cellophane for the windows and red and yellow pop bottle tops for the lights.