Turn in Your Tires

This article is a third from the newspapers found under the layers of flooring in my late grandparents house. History is always fun, especially when you find it unexpectedly. Remember what Edison said, and the article in 1942, rationing is now happening.  I do hope you enjoy.

BLYTHEVILLE (ARK.) COURIER NEWS

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1943

 

 

TURN IN YOUR TIRES

 

 

  As gasoline rationing becomes effective throughout the nation in November; the government is making a drive to acquire all tires in excess of five per automobile.

  The excess tires are to be paid for, put into a national stockpile and resold under strict rationing to  those who need them for war use.

  This is one of several methods by which, until the huge synthetic program gets rolling, it is hoped to keep automobiles running to move supplies, carry on essential services, and transport war workers between homes and factories.

  When automobile owners register for rationing books in states off the eastern seaboard they will be required to give Rationing Boards the serial numbers of the five tires they are keeping, and to certify that they have no more than five tires.

  * * *

 

  In the eastern states where rationing already is in effect motorists will be supplied with forms on which, not later than Nov. 22, they  must report the serial numbers of their tires, and notify the government that they have only five in their possession and ownership.

  Motorists are asked to keep their best five tires, and sell the others. The way has been made easy. All that is necessary is to telephone to the nearest Railway Express Agency and say: "I have some tires for Uncle Same. Come and get them."

  The Agency will pick them up and take them to a government warehouse at government expense. There they will be inspected and appraised according to a table, by size, by tread thickness and by need for repair. The owner can have either a check or war bonds or stamps in payment.

  *  *  *

  But of course there is the compulsion of tit for tat. If any die hard decides not to co-operate for the good of his nation at war, the OPA will save his rubber for him by withdrawing his gasoline ration book.

  We do not think that this compulsion will need to be used. The American public has shown a tremendous willingness to do anything specific for which it is given a good reason. The need to assure tires with which to get war workers to and from their jobs is a good enough reason for anybody.

  We expect that the government will get in full co-operation in this as in the scrap campaign.

 

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Rationing has happened many times throughout history.  Think it can happen again?