World War II Food Ephemera Collection

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 Food Ephemera Collection, 1941 - 1945, Ms2024-039, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.2 Cubic Feet 1 box
Abstract:
The World War II Food Ephemera Collection consists of pamphlets, booklets, newsletters, and canning labels. They contain topics on canning, home economics, meats, nutrition, hospitality, meal planning, wheat and flour, menus, vegetables, and desserts. Many of the materials describe the signficance of rationing during the wartime.
Language:
Materials in this collection are in English
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], World War II Food Ephemera Collection, 1941 - 1945, Ms2024-039, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The World War II Food Ephemera Collection consists of pamphlets, booklets, newsletters, and canning labels. They contain topics on canning, home economics, meats, nutrition, hospitality, meal planning, wheat and flour, menus, vegetables, and desserts. Many of the materials describe the signficance of rationing during the wartime.

Series I: Desserts contains pamphlets that have dessert receipes for wartime rationing.

Series II: Hospitality includes a booklet on how to host guests.

Series III: Kitchen Equipment includes booklets for information on oven drying and refrigerators.

Series IV: Meal Planning contains materials to help with meal planning recipes and workbooks.

Series V: Meats consists of materials on meat cuts and recipes during wartime. One pamphlet features Uncle Sam with the quote "I Must Have MORE CHICKS Raised in 1942!" and other cartoon drawings of eggs and chickens.

Series VI: Menus contains two menus for wartime recipes.

Series VII: Newsletters includes newsletters from corporations on food during wartime.

Series VIII: Nutrition has booklets and pamphlets for nutritional information. One booklet "Eat Right to Work and Win" contains cartoons featuring characters, such as Popeye, Toots and Casper, and the Phantom, to teach nutrition.

Series IX: Vegetables has pamphlets and canning labels. There are 8 copies of the canning labels from Veg-All, mixed vegetables.

Series X: Wheat and Flour contains pamphlets. One pamphlet includes information on enriched flour and bread during the wartime, with information on what this means and how it helps the wartime U.S.

Acquisition information:
The collection was purchased by Special Collections in February 2024.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the World War II Food Ephemera Collection was completed in April 2024.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized by types of kitchen and food items.