A History of Halloween-- Part 3: A Depression, A War and a Baby Boom

In the United States, by the 1920s, pranks had become the Halloween activity of choice for rowdy young people.

The Great Depression seemed to make this pranking even worse.  Some people say this pranking led to  the current community-based traditions of trick-or-treating in the United States starting in the 1930s.  However, World War II  meant sugar rationing  and there were fewer treats to hand out.

At the height of the Baby Boom after the war. Halloween activities came back stronger than ever.  It quickly became standard practice of millions of children in America's cities and booming suburbs. No longer constrained by sugar rationing, candy makers capitalized  on the lucrative ritual.

Today. Americans are estimated to spend $2.5 billion on candy during Halloween.

And, the day itself has become the nation's second-largest commercial holiday.

--CootCandy

Getting "Hooverized" for the WW I Effort: Wheatless and Meatless Days

From the November 29, 2017, MidWeek  "Looking Back.:

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Meatless and wheatless days are a common thing around this neck of the woods, and it seems that everywhere one goes there is work of "Hooverizing" in evidence.

"The local restaurants eliminated pork, beef and all by-products from their menus and although there was little to choose from save fresh fish and egg dishes, there was not a word of complaint heard."

Doing It For the Troops.  --DaCoot

No School? Why?-- Part 6: World War II

WORLD WAR II

During a crisis, there can be other important uses for school buildings and teachers.  On February 16, 1942, schools were used by local draft boards.  On May 8, school was canceled so teachers could get a day off because many of them had volunteered to help with sugar rationing registration.

In November, pupils stayed home at least two days because the city's 340 elementary schools were used to help register car owners for federal gas rationing.

--DaCoot