1998.023.01

Gasoline and Ration Card and Book Envelope. Gasoline envelope for Hiller's Auto Service "Motor Tune-up with Weidenhoff Equipment," 340 Lawrence St. Lawrence MA. Gas Station Book Envelope No. GR 16. The Gas Ration Book Envelope, "Conserve Gasoline and tires. Careful upkeep and common-sense driving will increase your gasoline mileage and lengthen the life of your car. Any Person finding a lost coupon book should mail it or return it at once to the nearest War and Price and Rationing board." There are also different fields to fil out like serial number, Tax stamp number, and Name and Address. The back of the envelope has the American Creed: "I believe in the United States of America, as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I, therefore, believe it is my duty to my country to my country to love it, to support its constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies." The American Creed by William Tyler Page, "adopted by an act of Congress, April 6, 1918." In the Gasoline Ration Card on the inside the top left corner has a buy war bonds and stamps image, and the title, “United States of America Office of Price Administration.” Underneath is the terms and conditions, “The acceptance and use of this card constitute an agreement that the holder will observe the rules and regulations governing gasoline rationing as issued by the office of Price Administration.” This card is made out to John G Lordeau at 11 Olive Ave, Lawrence, M. The make of his car is a Plymouth Coupe. The registration number: 462364, registered in Mass. There are two punches taken out of the bottom of the card for one unit. The back of the card has instruction:
“ 1. This is your gasoline ration card for the vehicle or boat described heron. This card must last at least through June 30, 1942 in the rationed area. This card must be presented to your dealer for cancelation of one or more of the units each time you purchase gasoline,
2. This card can be used only for gasoline delivered into the fuel tank of the vehicle described hereon; or, if a boat, for gasoline to be used therein.
3. The value of the unit may be changed from time to time on announcement by the Office of Price Administration.”
4. Your local rationing board alone can make adjustments or issue a different card.”
The bottom of the back side of the card has official printing from the U.S. Government printing Office: 1942 No. O-455906. Also inside the envelope was ten ration coupons. With the same vehicle and registration information as the card, and instructions on how to use the coupons. On the back of the coupon card is a certification from the bookholder.