September 1942 headlines show Michigan, Lenawee County war struggles

In the heart of World War II, Lenawee County topics and concern have a ring of familiarity 80 years later.

Production costs were rising, the availability of products were limited, local school enrollment numbers were expected to be down and people were looking to the president of the United States to act on making things better.

The War Production Board began cracking down on merchants' hoarding of supplies, in a time when essentials were already being rationed. The decision, to take effect in early 1943, "resulted from problems created by heavy buying on the part of some dealers, threatening to create shortages in some areas while an abundance of needed supplies was available elsewhere."

In Canada, paper mill corporations announced plans to curtail production in order to "conserve workers and electric power for war industry."

It was the 2022 version of the oft-used phrase "supply chain shortage."

A cost-of-living increase was promised to be halted by action on the part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Wages and farm prices would be specifically targeted.

"A drastic Presidential order limiting all wages, salaries and farm prices was in store for the nation today in an unprecedented move, government officials revealed, to thwart a threatened runaway rise in the cost of living," said the Sept. 5, 1942, Daily Telegram.

"The presidential edict is scheduled to tighten the purse strings of every American to luxury or unnecessary spending but open them wide to payments of debts and more taxes, and to greater war bond purchases."

The article went on to say that Roosevelt "will say his wartime powers and duties are sufficient authority for the order." More rationing was on the horizon for Lenawee County residents.

Over the Labor Day holiday weekend 80 years ago, the National Bank of Adrian merged with the Lenawee County Savings Bank. Most of the National bank officials and clerks joined the staff at the Lenawee bank. The merger made Lenawee County Savings Bank a $4 million institution. Clerks at both establishments spent the week working nights to bring all records up to date and so that the transfer would be smooth. The Lenawee bank was remodeled to accommodate the increased amount of foot traffic. Some lamented the loss of the National Bank of Adrian, while others chalked it up to progress or a sign of the times.

Things became more strained across the country and for Lenawee County before things improved. As World War II ended, a renewed spirit spread, with new opportunities, growing pains, and advancements in housing, employment, medicine and education.

Dan Cherry is a Lenawee County historian.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: September 1942 headlines show Michigan, Lenawee County war struggles