Spotlight on Golden Age Patriotic Advertising

The patriotic posters and advertising ephemera that emerged from these periods are some of the most compelling and beautiful ads and posters in American History. They were informative, persuasive, cautionary, and above all, extraordinarily effective. This is one area of the spotlight that is almost impossible to capture with words alone. The posters and ads say it all far more eloquently.

As we remember our Veterans, we're reminded what it was they were all fighting for--back home and abroad, as well.

Here then, is a sampling of some of the more memorable and effective wartime support materials from the Golden Age of Radio era. (Click on one of the images to see a larger, more detailed rendition. Be patient while some of them load)

Western Electric produced a series of very effective and informative broadside ads describing the application of their technology in a wartime setting.

'Thinking Cap' , c. 1950

'Army Day' c.1949

"If and when an AIR RAID COMES!" c. 1942
(A precursor to the Cold War Years, but this
was a sign of the times in the NYC Metro Area)

'This Banner shall be Star-spangled!' c. 1943

'World War I Marine Recruiting Poster

U.S. Savings Bonds Fold-out

"Going Our Way?"

"Unsilent Partner" c. 1944
(If you recognize Snap! Crackle! and Pop! in this
Illustration, you're almost right. It's by Vernon Grant
one of the first illustrators of the famous Kellogg's Trio)

"Now It Can Be Told!" c. 1943
(Triple Threat Ad touting the movie, 'Destination Tokyo",
Admiral's 'World News Today', on CBS Radio,
and Admiral's Radios used on AAF Planes to bomb Tokyo)

The Radio Manufacturers also kept the public informed of Radio technology's progress in the war effort

Admiral Radio and CBS brought recorded broadcasts from the front lines with the show, "World News Today', transmitting clips of first-hand accounts of our men fighting the war--in their own words--for the folks and families back home:

Westinghouse created a series of ads for Broadcasters and the Electronics Industry highlighting the effect of the War on other countries.

Here's one of the results of that announcement:

As in all wars, some families were asked to give far more than their fair share. We remember them this month as well. These are the families, family members, and friends that we remember and salute this holiday season.