Browse Items (415 total)

This price comparison sheet from 1931 provides some insight into the value of items of the period. Below is a list of what these items would cost today, calculating for inflation: 100# Sugar $ 71.77 1 Bbl. Flour $ 50.24 10# Meat $ 11.48 1#…

This 1940 Schedule of Farm Income and Expenses, known as Form 1040F by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), was utilized by farmers to calculate their income. The livestock, produce, and services listed – as well as their respective amounts –…

This receipt, from the Virginia Public Service Company, is dated January 1930; Mrs. L.W. Massie of Louisa, Virginia paid 2.00 for her electrical energy consumption. Calculating for inflation, this would be approximately $26.13 by today’s…

This form reveals a little bit about the political and economic setting in the Mineral District of Louisa in 1934. J.A. Kent was the Treasurer of Louisa County; he was to receive these tax forms back from the citizens within the Mineral District. …

This letter, from Cousin Annie to Mary, was written in the early years of the Great Depression. The second paragraph depicts how Louisa was the victim of both terrible drought and frosts; the agricultural-based facets of Louisa’s economy suffered…

This 1933 notice, from the Virginia Bankers Association, lets bank employees know about the legal holiday declared by Governor Pollard. Notice the wording of this letter, such as the phrases “unusual situation” and “cool thought”; these…

This response letter, dated September 8, 1933, was sent to Mr. W.A.C. Pettit of Fredericks Hall. While the contents of Pettit’s original letter to the Commissioner of Insurance and Banking are unknown, the response letter provides several details…

This certificate verifies Captain Joseph N. Porter's role in the Army of the United States between October 1942 and December 1944; the certificate also notes the ribbon and medal to be awarded to Mr. Porter for his service as an Exchange Officer in…

First Lieutenant Joseph N. Porter was initially an Army Exchange Officer and later a Supply Officer, Administrative. Between October 1942 to December 1944, Porter handled the requisition and distribution of Army post exchange supplies to the entire…

This World War II medal, awarded to Byrd W. Long for his service in the United States Navy, is known as the World War II Victory medal. Made of red brass, the medal is a little less than 1.5 inches across; all members of the Armed Forces of the…

During World War II, there was a great demand for various materials, such as rubber, iron, and steel. Junk drives, scrap drives, and other types of collection initiatives were made in an attempt to get the public involved and to donate old, unused…

Stamps, such as these from the third ration book, were used to purchase various rationed items of the time.

Miscellaneous items could be purchased with the use of the stamps marked "Spare."

On November 29, 1942 coffee joined the list of rationed items in the United States. While coffee production itself was not affected by the war, the distribution suffered as a result of the prioritization of the military's shipping needs. Demands…

In early 1942, sugar was rationed; each rationing book contained 28 stamps, each stamp good for one week's ration of sugar. It is estimated that 3/4 pound of sugar was considered aweek's ration. To prevent people from stocking up on sugar, the…

This photograph, taken October 7, 1943, shows Ralph Maddox in his World War II uniform. Photographs of family members, oftentimes in uniform, were mementos cherished by loved ones back home, as their fathers, sons, brothers, and cousins served…

Physical and mental requirements for service were, and still are, important to the military – as they help to determine how a person will fit into a certain role and the likelihood of success in that field. Physical combat is not the only aspect…

Prior to departure, many officers were provided with checklists like the one here. This was to ensure that legal and medical issues were taken care of so the focus would be on their duty in helping to win the war. This structured list, and ones…

Constructed in 1937, Buchenwald Concentration Camp was one of the largest concentration camps in Germany. The prisoner population was only male until about 1943. Most of the prisoners were political prisoners, Jehovah's Witnesses, German military…

In 1836, Sarah Ann Quarles Chandler reluctantly left Louisa County for Cooper County, Misssouri. To read her full journal in pdf format, click on the associated file tab on the right. Her journal begins:

September 16th 1836:
This day set off…