War ration book four, in war ration books holder

Creator

United States. Office of Price Administration

Date

• 1943

Publisher

[Washington, D.C.]: Government Printing Office

Summary

• "War Ration Book Four," also identified as OPA Form No. R-145, originally contained eight perforated pages of multi-colored paper ration stamps including "spare" stamps that occasionally were validated for the purchse of five extra pounds of pork. This example was issued from the local War Price and Rationing Board in Manitowoc to Clara E. Dorschner. The 6.5" x 5" brown cardboard holder labeled "War Ration Books" has two pockets containing two copies of War Ration Book Three and two copies of War Ration Book Four, only one of which is illustrated here as an example. With the release of Book Four in 1943, the use of tokens as change for stamps was introduced. A shopper could make a purchase using a valid stamp, and, depending on point values, receive tokens as change. Tokens, valued at one point each, did not expire and could be used for future purchases. In Manitowoc in 1942, the local Rationing Board had an office in the basement of the Manitowoc County Court House on the southwest corner of Washington and South Eighth streets. Mark L. Hooper was chairman of the board. By 1945, the U.S. War Price and Rationing Board office was located in Room 202 of the Safety Building at 822 Jay Street. War Ration books were distributed from various locations including schools. In Manitowoc, the Lincoln High School social studies classes helped register recipients and distribute the ration books. In October 1943, afternoon classes at the Manitowoc Vocational School were suspended for three afternoons so that the teachers could help distribute Ration Book Four at Manitowoc schools.