World War II Ration Book Four, 1943

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], World War II Ration Book Four, 1943, Ms2022-074, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
United States. Office of Price Administration and Barton, Mart, 1879-1962
Abstract:
This collection contains an American war ration book printed during World War II, issued to Mart Barton of Alton, Missouri.
Language:
The materials in this collection are written in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], World War II Ration Book Four, 1943, Ms2022-074, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains an American war ration book printed during World War II, issued to Mart Barton of Alton, Missouri. The pages contain printed, rip-out stamps for various rationed items. Some stamps have been torn out. The back of the ration book warns recipients to "NEVER BUY RATIONED GOODS WITHOUT RATION STAMPS" and "NEVER PAY MORE THAN LEGAL PRICE."

Biographical / historical:

During World War II, the shipment of food to troops abroad, rationing of supplies like fuel and rubber, and trade import restrictions caused a shortage of foods and materials in the United States. As a solution, the U.S. government utilized the Office of Price Administration to create a rationing system to evenly distribute foods. Advertisements also urged Americans to use less of foods such as sugar and meat.

External source:

The National World War II Museum. "Ration Books." Accessed October 2022. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/students-teachers/student-resources/research-starters/take-closer-look-ration-books

Mart Barton was born to James and Sarah (Custer) Barton on January 17, 1879. He worked as a farmer in Alton, Oregon County, Missouri. He died on August 29, 1962, and he and his wife Vera May are buried in Cave Springs Cemetery in Alton.

External sources:

"Mart Barton" death certificate in the Missouri, U.S., Death Certificates, 1910-1969 database, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/1837491:60382, accessed September 19, 2023.

"Mart Barton", Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/103565513/martin-lee-barton, accessed September 19, 2023.

Acquisition information:
This collection was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 2005.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the World War II Ration Book Four was completed in October 2022.