The first two Christmases of World War II had come and gone and the season was not what it used to be. Children found this out when toys, such as electric trains and iron toys, became scarce.
Hot items for boys were anything military, and for girls, nurse uniforms and dolls. Christmas ornaments, many of which had come from Japan, were scarce, and replaceable lights for strings were nearly nonexistent. That hurt because when a light blew out, it darkened the whole string.
Flour for Christmas cookies and cakes was also in short supply and rationed. Even Santa went to war, as did Coke and Chessy the Cat, the symbol of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. One wonders what caused the increase in alcohol consumption – war tension, stress or concern about people in service. Perhaps all three.
Durango Herald Democrat, Jan. 7, 1943
American College of Surgeons Endorses Mercy Hospital
Despite depleted staffs, curtailed supplies, increased expenditures and heavy demands for services, hospitals of the United States and Canada have accepted war conditions as a challenge and are as a whole maintaining high standards. This included Mercy Hospital with its capacity for 64 patients and its efficient staff of Sisters and nurses.
Admiral Halsey predicts Jap defeat in 1943. He says he has not the slightest doubt of a complete Japanese defeat in 1943. The next Jap move will be to start a retreat which they won’t be able to stop.
Notice: In order that you may enjoy excellent skating on good ice Saturday and Sunday, the city manager requests that you cooperate by staying off the ice on Friday afternoon and evening while the pond is being flooded.
Automobile owners are getting a lot of free advice from the auto industry and service stations, and would do well to take it more serious than many of them do. Better use the old car enough to keep it in commission. Whenever that is possible rather than let it rust and stiffen in the garage.
HHH
Jan. 8, 1943
Colorado Showed Historic Thirst for Alcohol, 1942
The year 1942 was the most alcoholic in Colorado’s history, state house records reveal. 21 percent more wine and hard liquor and 23 percent more beer were purchased by Colorado citizens during 1942 as compared with 1941.
OPA lightens gas restrictions on Rocky Mountain salesmen
Salesmen who are delivering vital commodities in the Rocky Mountain states will be allowed additional mileage beginning on the 8th.
The 1940 census showed that Colorado has 309 more square miles of land than previously recorded. The new total is 104,247 square miles.
U.S. Marines invite recruits, 18 to 37.
Baseball officials set back opening of season one week (some people thought the season should not be played because of the war).
Trained nurses are badly needed at the new base hospital at Peterson Field in Colorado Springs. The hospital, completed ahead of schedule, was occupied last Sunday, but an adequate staff has not been assembled.
Duane Smith is a retired Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.
