A Great Source For WWII Posters by Michael E. Moss

     Michael E. Moss was the curator at the prestigious West Point Museum in the 1970s and published this short but fascinating anthology of World War II Posters.  The title is "Posters For Victory: The American Home Front and World War II, Posters From The West Point Museum."  In it he includes brief essays about the various subjects and intentions of the posters that were published in the United States during the war.  On a select few he includes colorful commentary and thoughts.  Although the posters are all printed in black and white, it offers insight on Wally's work I haven't found anywhere else, making it an invaluable source.  


     Walter DuBois Richards made at least two posters during World War II that I know of.     

     This exciting poster showcases an Army artillery unit in action and was "one of the more popular and well designed posters [of WWII]" according to Moss.  Published by the Office Of War Information in 1943, "Housewives... Save Waste Fats For Explosives" is both entertaining and informational.  Click here for the color version of this poster. 
   
     In Framingham, Massachusetts there exists one of the greatest private collections of WWII artifacts in the World.  Called Museum Of World War II, you must be over 18 years of age (they will make exceptions) and must obtain special permission just to access its halls.  In it you will find a bronze bust of Hitler that General Patton owned and trained his dog to urinate on.  The stains can clearly be seen streaking down Hitler's forehead.  
     Like the vast majority of the artifacts in the Museum, the bust is not behind an acrylic pane, instead it is on an eye level pedestal, and the visitor is free to get as close as he/she comfortably wants to.  The Museum is built on trust and the assumption that the visitors will be respectful and careful.  Which explains why no High - School field trip is allowed in.  
     There is an actual Sherman tank that still has sand from the African Desert in its metal crevasses and joints.  (Notice the various guns you can pick up and inspect.)  Just about every country that participated in the Great War is represented with separate rooms dedicated to propaganda, weaponry, correspondence, for each country.  It is a truly breath-taking collection.   
     It was at this museum I first saw this poster, "They've got more important places to go than you!... Save Rubber, Check Your Tires Now."  

     What a thrill it was to see it in such a remarkable and prestigious collection.  The poster was published by the Office Of Emergency Management, date unknown. 
     For a color version of this poster, click here. 

A personal note from the Author of "Posters For Victory"