O-R Archive: September 3, 1918
Step back in time 100 years as we present some highlights from the September 3, 1918 edition of the Observer-Reporter.
The edition we looked at was the final edition of the Washington Reporter, which at that time printed in the evenings. September 3, 1918 was a Tuesday, and the big news of the time were updates on WWI, which lasted from July 28, 1914 to November 11, 1918. The frontpage was filled with harrowing tales from the frontlines in Europe, as well as an article reminding men to register for the draft, and a new federal tax measure.
Two interesting pieces from this edition show what life was like for citizens during the war. An ad for a gasoline company reminded people that government would eventually regulate how much gasoline you could buy, and you could ensure your supply by buying thrift stamps today.
An information blurb reminded people that they are rationed enough sugar for canning, so make sure you can as much fruit as possible to help the war effort.
In sports, the Chicago Cubs were preparing to win the World Series against the Boston Red Sox. The interesting thing about this was that this was expected to be the last World Series until the war was over. The war ended November 11, 1918.
Ads at the time were typical of the era, with colorful words to describe the quality of a product. An ad for Post Toasties declared it the wartime breakfast of America. Sweet, clean, and wholesome were how one ad described a brand of Oleo. “Two matters of vital importance” was listed on one ad- the vital information”was that coat season and back to school season were coming, so shop at A. B. Caldwell, a stark contrast to the war information around the ad. Another ad for a “pipeless” furnace likened its invention to be as important as the discovery of radio transmission.
