What would you choose...

It has been an interesting month here in our home with the new 1941 study.  It feels like we are supposed to be studying this time in history and we are looking forward to moving into "1942" come January 1st 2026.

We seem more prepared to study the 1940s this time around because we studied part of the 1930s and learned how difficult it was during the 1930s.  It truly was a depressing time with such a tight budget and cutting  our food portions for lack of money.  We did not know how much worse it might be and we could feel the anxiety that they must have had with concerns of losing their home. We were extra frugal after being already frugal. 

We need to consider this when going into 1942 of their experiences the previous years. 

Charles and I have been reading the newspaper micofilms each day and even though we have just gotten into the war since the attack on Pearl Harbor, we have learned that before the Pearl Harbor attack we were involved  in many ways because we were sending military munitions and economic aid, food, clothes, we were sending money to other countries that were fighting axis powers.  

During 1941 Americans were learning to fix flats or buy used tires because rubber is being rationed and our government wants car manufacturers to cut back car production and only produce cars for defensive purposes. 

Those of us that were older teen or adults during the first world war, (I would have been born in the mid 1800's),  would recognize the signs of what was coming and understand that we would be rationing again and that many things not rationed would need to be used sparingly.  

The United Kingdom started rationing much earlier than the United States and their rationing was much more difficult than it was in the U.S. 

However before the United States started rationing we were being effected in many ways as the United States was sending aid to our allies.  It was known to Americans to voluntarily ration what they could to help with the war effort also the help with the red cross and other organizations. 

In December 1941 Americans were asked to limit non-essential phone use, to keep the lines clear for military and emergency use. This was just the beginning of the things they were going to be asked to do. The phone restrictions continued through to November 1945.  It feels almost wrong to even mention such a thing with all of the bombing that was taking place all over the world but I am just trying to give even the small details to understand the time.  Also in December 1941 we had blackout training as well a war plane watchers on top of buildings. 

I noticed in the newspaper study that soap was about to be rationed in the U.K. 

They were entitled to use four coupons in each four-weekly period, coinciding with the points four-weekly periods.  The coupons were to be found in page 15 of the ration book supplement R.B. 9 in the yellow book.  Each coupon - that is, one person's ration for a week - will entitle a consumer to 4 oz. of household soap: or 3 ounces of toilet soap, or 3 ounces of soap flakes, or chips, or 6 ounces of soap powder No.1; or 12 ounces of powder No. 2; or 6 ounces of soft soap. The first to be used are coupons 29 to 32.  Any or all of the coupons may be used at any time within the four weeks. 

The reason for the soap rationing was due to secure economy in the use of imported oils and fats, and to ensure that available shipping may be used to import edible fats.  

I started thinking about what would I do if soap was rationed?

When we consider the time in the 1940s we should consider what type of soap they had during this time in history.  Synthetic detergents emerged during ww1 due to fat shortages.  

There were many different types of soap but now the situation is we have only 4 choices per month and that is only small amount in ounces.  

So my question is what would you choose?  I am only showing some soap that is available to me, we all live in different parts of the world and have different types of soap but one must consider what was available in their country during 1942. 

So we have 4 coupons available to use over a period of 4 weeks, the periods correspond with the dates printed on the "points" coupons.  They were issued for a 4 week period but intended to one coupon per week. 

Each coupon entitles the consumer to any one of the following quantities:

(there are six choices but only 4 coupons for the month and to choose one each week) I have read many articles on the soap rationing in the U.K.

4 ounces hard soap (common household soap in bars or pieces)."or"

3 ounces. toilet soap (bathing, washing hands, personal hygiene) "or"

3 ounces soap flakes or chips "or"

6 ounces soap powder No. 1 "or"

12 ounces soap powder no. 2 "or"

6 ounces soft soap, this is not liquid soap as we have today.

Shaving soap is not rationed, tooth soap is not rationed, shampoo powder is not rationed. There are allowances for families with babies and or invalids. 

Repeating this photo to discuss my thoughts. We need soap for dishes, soap for bathing, soap for laundry, soap for cleaning and mopping, soap to bathe our dogs. I can only choose 4 for the month so which will I choose?  The kirk castile soap can be used for bathing, washing dishes and I could wash my clothes with it, possibly alternating with the powder mix.

The jar in the photo contains a grated mix I made with grated bar soap, washing soda and borax.  That is six ounces in the jar. 

Each of these bars are over the ounce limit of soap, I will need to cut the bars. The pure soap and the pink soap is a toilet soap. The brown square bar on the left is a all purpose soap made in France. It will last longer than a toilet soap. 

I did read that Ivory soap bar was a popular soap used to wash dishes during this study time. It was used for personal soap, baby soap, washing clothes, and general house cleaning. I do not have a bar of Ivory soap so could not add a photo.  Sunlight bar soap is no longer sold in the United States. 

In the forum you can add information that has been researched or known from where you live.  Soap rationing started in the United Kingdom February 9th, 1942. 

Charles and I are going to do the soap rationing, at least for a few months even though the United States did not have an official rationing of soap during ww2.  I like to experience things for the knowledge of what would I do if this happened?  I am looking forward to soap rationing to possible figure out a less costly way to use the right soap for all our needs. 

I do know form experience that bar soap must be kept drained and dry or it will use up too quickly so the harder the bar or milled, the better.  

*****************************************************

I hope no one sent Charles and I Christmas cards this year, we have not had a post office box for several years now due to the cost to have a box in the Post office. That is why there is no address in my contact form.  Just an email address. 

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas this week.  I hope you will be able to visit with family or do something special and I hope that you stay well and safe.  

 Soon we will be on our way to a new and old year. :)  See you in the forum and I will be back next week. 

Grandma Donna