The early 1940s were dominated by World War II and its impact on the United States as well as many countries throughout the world.
The U.S. experienced a cultural shift when many jobs once occupied by men were left vacant as they left for war. As a result women in great numbers left the home and entered the workplace.
During a few of the war years, automobile production ceased and many Americans experienced hardships that included rationing of gasoline and food supplies.
Gasoline, meat, and clothing were tightly rationed. Most families were allocated 3 US gallons (11 l; 2.5 imp gal) of gasoline a week, which sharply curtailed driving for any purpose. Production of most durable goods, like new housing, vacuum cleaners, and kitchen appliances, was banned until the war ended.
Take a look at these amazing photos from The Library of Congress to see what stores of the U.S. looked like in the early 1940s.
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| Louisiana. A cross roads store, bar, “juke joint,” and gas station in the cotton plantation area, Melrose |
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| Louisiana. A store with live fish for sale, vicinity of Natchitoches |
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| Idaho. On main street of Cascade |
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| Kentucky. Farmers and townspeople in town on Court day, Campton. The sign on awning “Tyler’s Place” and sign on window “Tyler’s Store Dry Goods” |
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| Massachusetts. Quincy Market at the street corner, Brockton |
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| Massachusetts. Second-hand plumbing store, Brockton |
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| Mississippi. Store or cafe with soft drink signs- Coca-Cola, Orange-Crush, Royal Crown, Double Cola, and Dr. Pepper, Natchez |
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| Nebraska. Eagle Fruit Store, Lincoln |
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| Nebraska. Grand Grocery Co., Lincoln |
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| Nebraska. Seed and feed store, Lincoln |
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| New Mexico. General Merchandise store, Main Street, Pie Town |
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| New Mexico. General Merchandise store, Main Street, Pie Town |
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| New Mexico. General store, Chacon |
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| New Mexico. General store, near Questa, Taos County |
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| Ohio. Grocery store, Mt. Orab |
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| Texas. Old house and fruit stand, Houston |
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| Washington, D.C.. Laundry, barbershop and stores |
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| Washington, D.C.. Laundry, barbershop and stores |
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| Washington, D.C.. Shulman’s Market on N at Union St. S.W. |
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| Washington, D.C.. Shulman’s Market on N at Union St. S.W. |