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Rare World War I (1918) Sugar Ration Card: Gregory, Michigan - $65 (west of Chelsea)
condition:
good
make / manufacturer:
U. S. Government
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During World War II, however, it was a different story. In the early stages of the Great War (1917), sugar rationing was voluntary. But when German U-boats ramped up their attacks on shipping vessels, mandatory rationing began in 1918.
Instead of ration books with stamps, people were given cards to fill out, noting how many people in the family qualified for their individual ration of sugar, which was 3/4 pound per week per qualifying person. When the family needed sugar, the holder of the card would take it to the grocers to check off. This particular card was for five months, from August to September.
Gregory, Michigan is a small town northwest of Ann Arbor. Well over a hundre,d years ago, the population was only a few hundred. Most of the area was composed of small farms, so the sugar ration cards were very simple, relying on the community to honor the government’s ration.
I purchased this card from an estate in Gregory, Michigan.
The card was never filled out for one reason or another, but it was kept stored for over a hundred years.
It’s made of light cardboard stock and designed to be folded to fit into a pocket. Unfolded, the card measures 4 1/2 x 5 inches.
It’s a great glimpse into everyday life during The Great War of 1918.