U.S. At War: Rationing Comes of Age

The first notable victory over the rationing problem was scored this week: the Office of Price Administration put shoes on a coupon basis (three pairs—or less—a year*) with a minimum of fuss. For the first time, OPA drew up the order in secret, mailed out instructions to local boards on Saturday night, announced the rationing on Sunday afternoon—effective at once. In Manhattan, gossipy Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia let the secret out prematurely and helped start a run on East Side stores, which remain open Sundays. Elsewhere U.S. citizens were given neither urge nor time...