Pelham, like all of America, was at war with Germany, Japan, and the Axis powers in 1943. The world needs to understand that when our Town of Pelham is part of the war effort, the world doesn't have a chance against America -- and Pelham.
In 1943, the outcome of World War II was still unresolved. America, however, was fighting with resolve and had little doubt about the eventual outcome. The country began its third of eight major War Bonds sales that eventually raised about $186 billion of bonds -- often noted as more than $2,000 per person in the United States when the average annual income per person was $2,000.
It is almost impossible, given our current political situation, to understand that every American in 1943 had singular focus to preserve the American way. Every person in Pelham from the youngest school child to the most elderly resident supported the War effort in every way possible.
One such way, of course, was to purchase War Bonds. Bonds were available in denominations from $25 through $1,000. Additionally, Americans could buy War Stamps for ten cents apiece. The stamps were saved in special tiny stamp albums that, when full, could be redeemed for a War Bond. As one might guess, War Stamps often were sold to children who wanted to do their part for the war effort. Indeed, as will be seen below, the children of Pelham were shockingly successful raising money for the War effort through purchases of both stamps and War bonds.
"Even a little can help a lot - NOW -- Buy U.S. WAR STAMPS
& BONDS" A World War II War Stamps and War Bonds
Poster Showing a Mother and Daughter Affixing U.S. War
Stamps Into Their Own Albums With What Presumably Is
The Husband's and Father's Military Hat Next to the Girl.
NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.
There were eight "War Loan Drives" held during and shortly after World War II. In 1943, Pelham residents participated avidly in the Third War Loan Drive held from September 9 to October 1, 1943. Communities, including Pelham, were assigned quotas of the amount they were expected to raise during such War Loan Drives.
For the Third War Loan Drive, Pelham was assigned a quota to raise $600,000 (about $8.44 million in today's dollars). Virtually everyone in town participated including schoolchildren, adults, men's and womens' clubs, and businesses. Indeed, if not every single business in town participated, then virtually every last one did from grocery stores, delicatessens, stationery stores, dress shops, the local newspaper and more. Nearly sixty businesses helped raised money for Uncle Sam by selling War Stamps and War Bonds. Kiosks were opened in many such businesses where the bonds and stamps were sold.
One local business, Dreyer's Drugstore, ran a "Victory Guess Contest." Every time anyone purchased a War Stamp in Dreyer's they were allowed to write down a guess as to the exact date the United States would win the war against Germany. Written guesses were slipped into a "Victory Barrel" in the drugstore to be opened (and a winner declared) when the war with Germany ended.
Pelham schoolchildren were extremely excited about the War Loan Drive. If they could raise $100,000 to fund the purchase of a Grumman fighter aircraft. In the case of any such purchase, Pelham kids were entitled to name the aircraft. After weeks of effort and a vote by all Pelham schoolchildren, the name "The Pelham Hellcat" was selected by a mere six votes out of the 1,500 votes that were cast. Now it was up to the kids to raise the money.
Pelham schoolchildren were merely following the lead of their parents. Earlier in the war during an earlier War Loan Drive, Pelhamites easily raised $100,000 to fund the purchase of such an aircraft. That aircraft was named "The Pelham Pilgrim."
Patriotic Pelham and its schoolchildren did the job! By the end of September, the Town of Pelham raised $1,188,454 (with more coming in during the days thereafter). This was the equivalent of more than $16.7 million in today's dollars. The massive full page headline of The Pelham Sun published on September 30 screamed "MILLION MARK PASSED AS BOND BUYING NEARLY DOUBLES QUOTA".
Even better, Pelham schoolchildren would have their "Pelham Hellcat." The kids of the Town raised nearly $10,000 MORE than the required $100,000 to fund such an aircraft.
Pelham was doing its best for the war effort. As with all other War Loan Drives during the War, Pelham did more than its share.
1943 Advertisement for Pelham Store's Contest to Encourage
Pelhamites to Buy United States War Bonds in the Third War Loan.
to Enlarge.
To facilitate search, the text of the advertisement shown immediately above appears below:
"DREYER Announces a Victory Guess Contest
Our War With Nazi Germany Must Be Won . . . Shall Be Won . . . And Will Be Won . . . However. We On The Home Front Must Never Relax Our Efforts To Help Win This War and Win It Soon. We All Can Help by Buying All The War Stamps and Victory Bonds We Can Possibly Afford.
With Every Purchase From Us of a 25c Savings Stamp We Will Give You a Contest Blank On Which You Mark Your Estimate of When the War With Germany Will End. The One Who Estimates The Nearest Date Will Receive from Us a $25 Bond Free.
The Purpose of This Contest IS TO STIMULATE THE SALE OF DEFENSE STAMPS
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We Place No Limit On The Number of Times You Wish to Estimate As Long As You Buy A 25 Cent Savings Stamp Which Remains Your Property, and Your Investment in Our Victory.
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ALL CONTEST BLANKS ARE DEPOSITED IN THE VICTORY BARREL IN OUR STORE. THE BARREL WILL BE OPENED ON THE DAY HOSTILITIES WITH GERMANY CEASE. THE WINNER'S NAME WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE PELHAM SUN AS SOON AS A COMPLETE CHECK IS MADE."
1943 Advertisement in The Pelham Sun to Encourage Purchases
NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.
To facilitate search, the text of the advertisement shown immediately above appears below:
"OUR DEMOCRACY -- by Mat
EVEN THOUGH YOU'VE BOUGHT AND BOUGHT, REMEMBER THAT OUR BOYS HAVE FOUGHT AND FOUGHT AND THEY'RE GOING TO KEEP RIGHT ON FIGHTING UNTIL THEY WIN. BACK THEIR ATTACK WITH EXTRA WAR BONDS THIS MONTH."
* * * * *
Below is the text of just a few of the countless news articles published in 1943 about Pelham's successful Third War Loan drive. Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.
"MILLION MARK PASSED AS BOND BUYING NEARLY DOUBLES QUOTA
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Chairman of War Savings Staff Rejoices at the Great Response of Pelham People to the Call for Third War Loan; May Even Reach a Million and a Half in Determination to 'Back the Attack.'
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'Pelham has already subscribed more than a million dollars to the 3rd War Loan and the final total may be more than double the original quota of $600,000 before the Campaign officially ends.' 'That is the good news in the announcement by Carroll B. Haff, Chairman of the Pelham War Finance Committee. The actual total subscribed so far in the Campaign $1,188,454.
'Pelham was the first town in Westchester County to have attained its quota, and we hope we shall have the added distinction of being the first to double its quota,' said Mr. Haff to a representative of The Pelham Sun.
'Again I want to give credit where credit is due. The Women's Committee, of which Mrs. John F. Condon, Jr., is chairman is directly responsible for over $520,000 of our total. Furthermore, the record shows that the women of our community have been the largest individual purchasers of bonds. . . . [partially illegible table omitted]
School Children Buy $53,059.60
'The school children are well on their way in their program to purchase enough stamps and bonds
(Continued on Page Three)
MILLION DOLLAR MARK PASSED IN THIRD WAR LOAN
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(Continued from Page 1)
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to present our fighting forces with a Grumman fighting plane, the last word in the air. Their combined total up to Saturday, Sept. 25th was $53,039.65, and since that campaign runs until Oct. 15th, there is little doubt, according to Mrs. George T. Amis, chairman of the School Committee, that the children will have the satisfaction of having the name they select painted upon one of the new fighting machines.
'Willard N. Young, manager of the First National Bank of Mt. Vernon, Pelham Branch, reports that from Sept. 1st to the close of the business Saturday, Sept. 25th, a total of $527,325 in bonds has been sold by the Branch in Pelham.
'As has been pointed out, from time to time, in my reports our total figures do not tell the whole story, for several reasons. First, many people are buying bonds through the Pay Roll Deduction Plan of the concern with which they are associated. The combined purchases through these plans run up into real figures, yet we get no credit. Second: for business reasons, many people must purchase their 3rd War Loan bonds through their New York connections, and again Pelham gets no credit for these most substantial amounts. Third: we know of many Pelham residents who have made their purchases of bonds through their banking connections in New York and other cities, and have given up their home address as Pelham, thinking that we would get the credit. Let me make it clear that unless you report your purchases directly to the Pelham War Finance Committee, we cannot get the credit for Pelham.
'Please let me make this appeal. Report your purchases direct to us promptly this week. Your report will be held in strict confidence, and no one, other than the one person to whom the report is made, will know of it.'"
Source: MILLION MARK PASSED AS BOND BUYING NEARLY DOUBLES QUOTA -- Chairman of War Savings Staff Rejoices at the Great Response of Pelham People to the Call for Third War Loan; May Even Reach a Million and a Half in Determination to "Back the Attack", The Pelham Sun, Sep. 30, 1943, p. 1, cols. 1-8 & p. 3, col. 4.
"OVER THE TOP! WITH A BANG!
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More than a million dollars of War Savings Bonds and Stamps have been purchased by residents of the Pelhams during the last two weeks in the Third War Loan campaign.
It is a glorious answer to the call of Uncle Sam to subscribe $600,000 -- our quota.
It's the sort of answer that makes us feel proud of our town, proud of its people, and must be a grand tonic for the men of our armed forces when they learn that what has been done in the Pelhams is being repeated all over this country.
Most of us have sons or relatives in the fighting forces. To let them down by not raising our quota would have been akin to treachery. To nearly double our quota is the finest moreal tonic that our men can have. It means they and their allies shall have everything needed to carry on the war in the most vigorous manner until Victory is proclaimed for our side, and we can look forward to our boys coming back home.
Quite optimistically last week we saw the quota passed and saw a million dollars on the horizon of Pelham flood of bond buying.
It arrived. It has been exceeded and it is possible that the people of Pelham will have invested more than two and a half times their quota before time is called at the end of this week.
Hurry up and get in those last minute purchases this week so that they may be recorded.
Think of what a like result to this all over the U. S. means to our fighting men -- more munitions, more tanks, guns, planes, ships, bombers and fighters, subs and machine guns, food and clothing for those who are suffering cold and hunger in foreign lands. A work of mercy going hand in hand with the methodical business of destroying our enemies who forced this fight on us.
More than a million dollars -- only $600,000 was requested. That's our answer, and there's some more where that came from if and when it's needed."
Source: OVER THE TOP! WITH A BANG!, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 30, 1943, p. 2, col. 1.
"GREAT EFFORT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN BOND DRIVE
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Mrs. J. F. Condon, Jr., Chairman of Women's Division, Reports Final Totals Exceed $100,000.
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The school children of Pelham are not to be outdone by their elders. Last week was the final week of their campaign to purchase enough stamps and bonds to provide our boys at the front with a Grumman fighter plane. Sales for the week ending October 9th were $9,751.10 making a remarkable total in the campaign of $105,766.05.
'The children went over the top last week,' said Mrs. John F. Condon, Jr., chairman of the Women's Division. 'They just added almost $10,000 more this week for good measure. Perhaps that will buy additional radio gear and confidential equipment for the plane after it leaves the factory line. We hope so, anyway.'
The vote on the name was very close, 'The Pelham Hellcat' won by the margin of only 6 votes over the next most popular name. More than 1,500 votes were cast. The votes were counted by Mrs. Condon, Mrs. George W. Amis and Mrs. T. H. Holmes.
Burris Jenkins, Jr., internationally known artist and cartoonist, has volunteered to draw a sketch of a 'Hellcat' in color, under which will be painted, 'The Pelham Hellcat,' and Mr. Cowan of the Grumman Aircraft Corp. has announced that he will be delighted to have this sketch transposed
(Continued on Page Twelve)
Pelham Hellcat Is To Be Name of Plane Bought by Pupils
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(Continued from Page 1)
and painted on the plane to identify and designate it as the one bought by the Pelham school children.
Sales of stamps and bonds in the schools are as follows:
SCHOOL: Week ended Oct. 9th
Colonial:
Stamps..............................$ 91.80
Bonds................................$ 4,050.00
Cumulative Total................$16,611.65
Hutchinson:
Stamps..............................$ 165.85
Bonds................................$ 350.00
Cumulative Total...............$ 10,091.10
Prospect Hill:
Stamps..............................$ 166.45
Bonds................................$ 250.00
Cumulative Total................$ 9,359.80
Siwanoy:
Stamps..............................$ 127.80
Bonds................................$ 550.00
Cumulative Total................$ 15,288.45
St. Catharine's:
Stamps..............................$ 281.80
Bonds................................$ 2,050.00
Cumulative Total................$ 31,585.35
High Schools:
Stamps..............................$ 386.15
Bonds................................$ 1,025.00
Cumulative Total...............$ 22,829.70
Conversions......................$ 256.25
Total all schools
week ended Oct. 9th $ 9,751.10
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Cumulative total 3rd
War Loan Drive.................$105,766.05
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Sale of stamps and bonds in the booths were as follows:
Weeks ended Sat. Oct. 9 Oct. 2
A&P:
Stamps.........................$ 143.60 $ 179.00
Bonds........................... 225.00 400.00
Railroad Station:
Stamps......................... 145.90 170.05
Bonds........................... 200.00 3,350.00
Girl Scouts, Pic. House:
Stamps......................... 72.05 65.00
Bonds........................... 150.00 850.00
Woman's Exchange:
Stamps......................... 35.50 118.40
Bonds........................... 150.00 7,600.00
Manor Club:
Bonds........................... 5,000.00
Country Club:
Stamps......................... 30.00 30.00
Bonds........................... 1,157.00
Merchants' Committee:
Stamps......................... 314.55 381.70
Bonds........................... 2,775.00 9,750.00
Pelham Knitting:
Bonds........................... 4,000.00
All Schools:
Stamps, bonds............. 9,751.10 42,975.45
Lions Club:
Stamps......................... 68.50 55.00
Bonds........................... 50.00 100.00
Pel-Oaks Prog. Club:
Stamps......................... 11.00
Bonds........................... 250.00
Weeks ended Sat. Oct. 9 Oct. 2
Abarno's drugs.............$ 103.30 251.25
I. Kahn, jeweler............. 105.00 10.00
Harris' drugs................. 106.00 10.00
Boren, stationer............ 46.00 32.00
Lorman, stationer......... 26.00 1.00
Hugo's Dlctsn............... 4.00 4.00
J. V. Restaurant........... 5.00 5.00
Pel. Ladies Shop.......... 100.00 8.70
Dreyer's drugs.............. 63.50 660.00
Mary El. Clark............... 54.00 25.00
Pelham Stationers........ 101.25
Grand Union Stores:
113 Wolf's lane.............. 2.00 2.00
Pelham Manor............... 142.25 21.50
York, florist..................... 28.00 25.00
Pel. Hghts. Mrkt............. 8.00 107.00
Lane Stationers............. 20.00 10.00
Party Package............... 5.00 50.00
Klein's drugs.................. 8.75 14.75
5th Ave. Bakery............. 2.00 5.00
Edward's Salon............. 10.00 1,833.00
Pel. Pain, Hdw.............. 150.00 512.50
Manor Grocery.............. 4.00 5.00
Grand Store.................. 27.50 25.00
Park View Drugs........... 5.00 5.00
Wolf's Ln Dlctsn............ 10.00 26.50
Wolf's Ln. Prod.............. 5.00 2.00
Pel Mel Salon................ 105.00 111.00
Edwards Dresses.......... 25.00 25.00
Pel. Wines, Liqs............ 50.00 25.00
A. Archigian................... 1.00 1.00
Schwartz, cigars............ 1.00 1.00
Swiss Cleaners.............. 58.75 25.00
Millie's Salon.................. 100.00 50.00
Manor Stationers........... 20.00 62.50
Pel-Station Gar.............. 50.00 50.00
Dorothy Gaye................ 1.00 1.00
Alice Beauty................... 10.00 302.00
Manookian, rugs............ 5.00 5.00
Walsh, plumber.............. 1.00 25.00
5th Ave. Salon............... 2.00 2.00
Wise Hardware.............. 2.00 3.00
The Pelham Sun............ 115.00 90.00
Amato's Garage............. 8.50 32.50
Mirabelli, tailor................ 1.00 51.00
Elite Cleaners................. 2.00 5.00
Lawler & Larsen.............. 28.00 1.50
Beacon Cleaners............ 12.00 12.00
Pel. Hand Laund............. 10.00
Bats, N. Y. Clean............ 2.25 5,050.00
Crystal Clean.................. 50.00 12.00
Arthur's Salon................. 125.00 25.00
A&P Manor...................... 8.75 8.75
Safeway Stores............... 25.00 7.00
Gristede Bros.:
Fifth Avenue.................. 210.00 10.00
Wolf's Lane................... 10.00 210.00
Martin's Salon................. 5.00
Milbrandt, E&W............... 50.00
Cammerano's................. 25.00 25.00
Totals.............................. $3,089.55 $9,750.00"
Source: GREAT EFFORT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN BOND DRIVE -- Mrs. J. F. Condon, Jr., Chairman of Women's Division, Reports Final Totals Exceed $100,000, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 14, 1943, p. 1, col. 6 & p. 12, col. 6.
"Pupils Exceed Grumman Goal
PELHAM - Pelham's school children went over the top last week in their campaign to buy enough war stamps and bonds to purchase a Grumman fighter plane, it was announced today by Mrs. John F. Condon, Jr., chairman of the women's division of the War Finance Committee -- and this week they have added nearly $10,000 for good measure -- enough, perhaps, to buy additional radio gear and other equipment for the plane after it leaves the factory.
The winning name for the plane, 'The Pelham Hellcat,' was chosen in a contest by a margin of six votes. More than 1,500 votes were cast, which were counted by Mrs. Condon, Mrs. George W. Amis and Mrs. T. H. Holmes.
Burris Jenkins, Jr., noted cartoonist, has offered to sketch a 'Hellcat' in color, under which will be printed 'The Pelham Hellcat.' The Grumman Aircraft Corporation has agreed to have the sketch transposed onto the Pelham plane."
Source: Pupils Exceed Grumman Goal, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Oct. 15, 1943, p. 8, col. 4.
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