Many railroads used passeneger and freight carrs as advertising for war bonds during WW2. My question is : Were these cars painted as directed by the war department as part of a specific war bonds drive (1-7) or was it a railroad initiative not related to a war bonds drive ?
Randy Stahl
In that era, just about everybody had an ad or a billboard car of some sort to promote war bonds, enlistments, etc. I would assume that most railroads, transit operators, etc. did it of their own volition rather than in response to a directive.
CSSHEGEWISCH In that era, just about everybody had an ad or a billboard car of some sort to promote war bonds, enlistments, etc. I would assume that most railroads, transit operators, etc. did it of their own volition rather than in response to a directive.
aka patriotism.
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
During the first three years of the war it was estimated that nearly three quarters of a billion dollars in the war bond effort was spent in donated advertising through various means, primarily the media. It was not directed by the government as the home desire for patriotism was quite strong so a government suggestion to do your part was well taken. Railroads were no exception as they felt they were moving ibill boards and a simple stenciled "Buy War Bonds" was mainly used on cabooses...probably due to the fact when it came to freight trains the caboose was the only rail car most people would look at.
A PRRT&HS article in their Keystone magazine some time back told of the railroads efforts during the war to include using its trains and advertising in magazines, public time tables and posters encouraging people to buy bonds, all at the expense of the railroad. America's railroads played a big part in the war effort and this was just a small part of it. In the world of business at that time not being supportive could have negative consequences as Americans were more consious of their spending to assure their money would only go to those supporting the war effort.
It all sounds logical , thanks all !!
Randy
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.