Completed my April block. This is my take on the 1940s decade. It was a time following the Great Depression and a time of war, WWII. More women entered the work force, filling in for those serving the country. Early in the decade there was rationing of many materials and women made do with what was available. Felt was readily available and popular for jewelry similar to the felt flowers I created and used on my block. I also went with poppies as they relate to soldiers whose lives were lost during war. It was a very patriotic time and everyone willingly pitched in to do their part. I chose my color palette based on that patriotism - red, white and blue along with army green. My dad served in WWII and my mom trained as a nurse for military though she never was called. Would love to hear your family stories, military or otherwise, from the 40s!
4 comments:
Another great block Connie! My Dad didn't serve in WWII because he was the only son on a farm and his war effort was spent growing food for the troops. There was a munitions plant here and my father-in-law (being the only breadwinner for nine kids) ended up being the only man in the plant overseeing a staff entirely made up of women.
It was such an interesting decade and not that long ago. Thanks for sharing your stories! It was a time women really recognized their worth and strength. Unfortunately, or maybe not so, after the war things went back pretty much to the way they were. I read an article about how women wearing pants coincides with womens lib. Had never thought of that before. So many changes during the 20th Century - some good, some not.
Just love this series of blocks they each capture the era they represent. My dad was 4f as he had rheumatic fever as a kid an had heart damage.
Thank you Shirlee. I am enjoying creating this series even though I am already running behind. I never thought about fashion as a tool for learning history but the two coincide.
That must have been difficult for your dad at that time as everyone seemed to want to serve to defend the country. Those who couldn't serve in the military for various reasons however were very supportive doing what they could at home. It would be wonderful if our country could be that patriotic again and not so terribly divided.
Glad you are joining me on this journey!
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