Mr. Cole?
Alex Cole, Period 5
Interview with my Grandfather
Me: What was the supply and demand of gasoline like?
Grandpa: There wasn’t much gas to go around. At the gas station, you had to purchase a ticket for only a certain amount of gallons.
Me: What was life like at school?
Grandpa: Life was different that I’m sure it is for you now. There was an “air raid” every so often that was unannounced. Each student had to get under their desk and take cover in practice for if any bomb were to strike the school. At school, they also sold stamps and once you got enough to fill your whole book which costed around $18.50, than you were able to receive a savings bond that was worth $25.
Me: What about the food?
Grandpa: There was a rationing of food. Meat products short in supply. Women could not buy nylon stockings because they were used for parachutes overseas.
Me: Was the patriotism any different?
Grandpa: It was on December 7, 1941, the day Pearl Harbor was bombed when patriotism really started to be shown. A lot of young kids just volunteered themselves for the draft. Some who were only 16 or 17 lied about their ages to be eligible since the minimum age was 18. People back then accepted the fact that our own country was at war and had their backs. There were no protests like there were during 9/11 and the patriotism was so much more noticeable. There was a big jubilation when the soldiers came back from the war which ticker tape parades.
Me: What was the main source of news?
Grandpa: The radio was the definite main source of news. A lot of people listened to the radio; it was like how the TV is now if not more. There was an update on the radio everyday but the only problem was that no one knew how recent it was.
Me: Are there any other important facts?
Grandpa: Soap and tires were two other items that were rationed. There weren’t nearly as many restaurants as there are now, no fast food. The phone was still used as it is today.