Patriotism & Propaganda - War Posters at the Cleveland Public Library

War posters were instruments of propaganda created by the order of governments and other political and military groups. They reflected the fears and hopes of nations. Compelling images and strong slogans were used to convince the populace that a particular group's cause was just and to enlist support for that group's efforts on the field of battle.

Some posters were intended to raise recruits - soldiers, nurses, ambulance drivers, Red Cross workers and the like. Others were used to raise money to equip a fighting force. Still others aimed to involve civilians in conservation/recycling/farming efforts to feed, clothe, and house troops. Production of the weapons of war was urged, and absenteeism from the job was decried as slowing that production.

Posters ran the gamut from being crudely executed to being highly sophisticated, both in design and content. Some were printed by underground movements and were used to boost morale. Others were used to disseminate information regarding atrocities. One group of posters exhibited here was created to publicize the European Recovery Program, also known as the Marshall Plan, which fostered the rebuilding of Europe after World War II.

War posters are now highly sought after by collectors for their artistic value, as well as their informational content.

The Cleveland Public Library has over 1,200 posters covering the WWI through the post-WWII era. The Library acquired most of these posters through its status as a federal depository agency.

Absenteeism

1.	Our Pal! Losing Time Suits Them Fine. World War II Location: 387

2.	The Nazis Conquered Poland in 37,440 Minutes...Minutes Count Keep on the Job. World War II Copyright & Issuing Agency: Think American Institute Location: 177

3.	You Think War End Soon? .... Go Ahead, Take Day Off!. World War II Issuing Agency: Texaco Location: 174

4.	*Barclay, McClelland, USNR, This is Your Firing Line! Stay on the Job Don't Give (Slow) Up the Ship!.* World War II Issuing Agency: Lutz & Sheinkman, NY Location: 185

5.	*Disney, Walt, Don't be a Job Hopper Our soldiers Are Sticking to their Guns Stick to Your Job!.* World War II Issuing Agency: War Manpower Board Location: 204

6.	*Dwig, Vic ory the Absent T.* World War II Issuing Agency: Douglas Aircraft Co. Inc., Santa Monica, CA & Illustrated Parts Catalog Location: 379

Cleveland

1.	They're Having a Helluva Time at Home, Joe...Pa Can't Get Tires for the Sport Coupe and They've Put the Kid Brother on the Third Shift. Work and Sweat for Victory. World War II Issuing Agency: Warner & Swasey Co. Cleveland, Ohio Location: 155

2.	Victory Chest, Cleveland War Fund - 100% Pledged. World War I Issuing Agency: Crane Lithograph Co. Cleveland, Ohio Location: 923

3.	*Arend, Nelson A., Cleveland War Fund - All For Victory - Give! Give! - Your All Is Less Than "Others" Are Giving - Give!.* World War I Cleveland, Ohio Issuing Agency: Central Lithograph Co. Location: 919

4.	*Gibson, Charles Dana, U.S. Navy - "Here He Is, Sir" We Need Him and You Too!.* World War I Issuing Agency: Navy Recruiting Station, 508 Post Office Building Cleveland, Ohio Courtesy of Life Magazine Location: 842

Conservation

1.	Don't Burn Waste Paper, Our War Effort Needs It, Call a Collector!. World War II Issuing Agency: Division of Information, Office for Emergency Management Location: 320

2.	Fats Are Fuel for Fighters Bake, Boil, and Broil, More ... Fry Less. World War I Issuing Agency: U.S. Food Administration Location: 915

3.	For Gunpowder Save Waste Fats, Rush Them to Your Meat Dealer. World War II Location: 421

4.	*Arens, Don't Shiver Next Winter, Order Coal Now!.* World War II Issuing Agency: Solid Fuels Administration for War, Washington, DC Location: 424

5.	*Babcock, R. Fayerweather, Don't Waste Paper - Paper is Essential, War Industries Board, A Pound of Paper Wasted is a Pound of Fuel Wasted.* World War I Issuing Agency: Central States Paper Trade Association in Support of the U.S. Government Location: 904

6.	*Bull, Charles Livingston, Save the Products of the Land Eat More Fish They Feed Themselves.* World War I Issuing Agency: United States Food Administration Location: 887

7.	*Dorne, Albert, All Fuel is Scarce, Plan for Winter Now! The Solid Fuels Administration for War Urges: 1. Winterize Your Home! 2. Check Your Heating Plant! 3. Order Fuel at Once!.* World War II Location: 316

8.	*Dorne, Albert, Me Travel? Not This Summer Vacation at Home.* World War II Issuing Agency: Office of Defense Transportation Location: 353

9.	*Douanne, G., Soignons la Basse Cour Je Suis Une Brave Poule de Guerre Je Mange Peu et Produis Beaucoup.* Translation:Take Care of the Chickens, I am a Brave Warrior Hen, I Eat Little and Produce Much World War I France The artist, G. Douanne, was 16 years old. Issuing Agency: Union Francaise, 286 Boulevard S. Germaine, Paris, Comte Location: 946

10.	*Grant, Vernon, Lick the Platter Clean, Don't Waste Food.* World War II Issuing Agency: GPO Jack Spratt Location: 332

11.	*Koerner, H., Save Waste Fats for Explosives Take Them to Your Meat Dealer.* World War II Issuing Agency: GPO Location: 343

12.	*Melbourne, Montgomery, Millions of Troops Are on the Move Is Your Trip Necessary?.* World War II Issuing Agency: U.S. Office of Defense Transportation Location: 386

13.	Penfield, Edward, Will You Help the Women of France? Save Wheat They Are Struggling Against Starvation and Trying to Feed not only Themselves and Children but Their Husbands and Sons Who Are Fighting in the Trenches. World War I Issuing Agency: U.S. Food Administration Location: 952

14.	*Sarra, I'll Carry Mine Too! Trucks and Tires Must Last Till Victory.* World War II Issuing Agency: GPO Location: 367

15.	*Sheridan, John E., Food is Ammunition, Don't Waste It.* World War I Issuing Agency: U.S. Food Administration Location: 883

16.	*Steig, W., Get in the Scrap! Rubber and Metal Collection Depot.* World War II Issuing Agency: National Printing & Engraving Co., Chicago, NY, St. Louis Location: 1006

17.	*Williams, Dick, Am I Proud! I'm Fighting Famine by Canning Food at Home.* 1946 Issuing Agency: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Location: 363

European Recovery Program

1.	Cooperation Inter-Europeenne. Post-World War II France Marshall Plan Location: 518

2.	Cooperation Inter-Europeenne Seve Nouvelle Vie Meilleure. Post-World War II France Marshall Plan Location: 526

3.	ERP Inter-Europaische Zusammenarbeit fur Bessere Lebenshedingungen. Post-World War II Netherlands Marshall Plan Issuing Agency: Kuhn en Zoon, Rotterdam Location: 506

4.	Europe Cooperation Means Prosperity. Post-World War II Marshall Plan Location: 655

5.	La Cooperation Inter-Europeenne pour Un Niveau de Vie plus Eleve. Post-World War II France Marshall Plan Location: 521

6.	Prosperity the Fruit of Cooperation, European Recovery Programme. Post-World War II Netherlands Marshall Plan Issuing Agency: Kuhn en Zoon, Rotterdam Location: 512

7.	Reconstruire l'Europe. Post-World War II France Marshall Plan Location: 507

8.	Samen Werk Samen Sterk - Together We Work, Together We Are Strong. Post-World War II Netherlands Marshall Plan Issuing Agency: Kuhn en Zoon, Rotterdam Location: 747

9.	Towards a Better Future, European Recovery Program. Post-World War II Netherlands Marshall Plan Issuing Agency: Kuhn en Zoon, Rotterdam Location: 505

10.	Whatever the Weather We Only Reach Welfare Together. Post-World War II Great Britain Marshall Plan Location: 679

11. Abergjusta, Marshall Hjalpen.
Post-World War II
Netherlands
Marshall Plan
Issuing Agency: Kuhn en Zoon, Rotterdam
Location: 508

Foreign

1.	Den Allierte Millionhaer Dine Landsmenn Gjor Sitt Pa Hjemme-Fronten. Translation:Allied Millions: Your Countrymen are Doing Their Part on the Homefront! World War II Norway Location: 1045

2.	Fuori I Tedeschi! Germans Out!. World War II Italy Issuing Agency: United States Office of War Information, London Location: 451

3.	Kdo Jste Bozi Bojovnici C.S. Armada Ve Francii. Translation: "Who Are You, Fighters of God" (This is a song title) "Czech Army in France" World War I Czechoslovakia Issuing Agency: Czechoslovak Recruiting Office Location: 875

4.	La France a Perdu Une Bataille! Mais la France N'a Pas Perdu la Guerre - Charles de Gaulle aux Armes Citoyens, Formez Vos Bataillons - France Libre. Translation: France has Lost a Battle but France has not Lost the War! Charles de Gaulle (signature). "To Arms Citizens! Form Your Battalions.." (this is a line from the "Marseillaise", the national anthem of France). Free France. Worl Location: 1035

5.	Leaders of the Allied Nations Whose Headquarters Are In Britain. World War II Great Britain Left top of "V" to bottom and then up to right top of "V": Hubert Pierlot, Eduard Benes, Charles de Gaulle, George of the Hellenes, King Peter II of Yugoslavia, Grand Duchess Charlotte Aldegonde Elise Marie Wilhelmine Location: 795

6.	Mihailovich: Yugoslavia's Unconquered. World War II Yugoslavia June, 1942 Issuing Agency: Office of Jugoslav Member Inter-Allied Information Center, NY, NY Pictured is: Draza Mihajlov (aka Draza Mihailovich) Location: 1063

7.	Suid-Afrika Voor Alles! Veg Vir Jou Land! Sluitaan!. Translation:South Africa First! Fight for Your Country! Enlist! World War II South Africa Issuing Agency: "Leader" Johannesburg Location: 1071

8.	The Pick of Our Youths Are Joining the Air Force. World War II China Location: 1016

9.	Together. World War II Great Britain Issuing Agency: Lowe & Brydone Printers Ltd., London, England Location: 653

10.	United To Defend Our Country Burying Rumors That Will Divide Us. World War II China Location: 986

11.	Uz Slovenskovstava Puta Sistrhava. Translation: Already Slovakia Is Rising, Tearing Down Its Chains World War I Czechoslovakia Issuing Agency: Czechoslovak Recruiting Office Location: 912

12.	*Arreola, David & Araiza, Luis, El Grito De Guerra.* Translation: Battle Cry World War II Mexico Artist: Arreola Concept & design: Araiza Issuing Agency: Secretaria de Gobernacion, Mexico Location: 1008

13.	*Bernal, Arias, Como Un Solo Hombre.* Translation: As One Man World War II Spain Issuing Agency: Publicado Por El Coordinador de Asuntos Interamericanos, Washington, DC Location: 1009

14.	*Ginsti, George, Join A.R.P.* World War II Great Britain Issuing Agency: Air Raid Precautions, reprinted in Fortune Magazine Location: 450

15.	*Heringfeld, M., Tout l'Acier et le Charbon Pour Nos Usines.* Translation: All Steel and Coal for Our Factories World War I France Issuing Agency: Union Francaise, 286 Boulevard S. Germain, Paris, Comite Nation Prevoyance et D' Economies Location: 948

16.	*Illion, Kosciuszko Pulawski....* Translation: "Fought For Liberty In America. Will You Help America Fight for Liberty in Poland? Eat Less Wheat, Meat, Fat, Sugar. Help Our Brothers Fighting In Allied Armies." World War I Poland Location: 852

17.	*Isip, The Fighting Filipinos, We Will Always Fight for Freedom!.* World War II Philippines Issuing Agency: Office of Special Services, Commonwealth of the Philippines, Washington DC Location: 1024

18.	*Kauffer, E. McKnight, Greece Fights On.* World War II Greece Issuing Agency: Greek Office of Information, Washington, DC Location: 1069

19.	*Mackinlay, Byddwch Yn Gefn I'R Arfogion.* Translation: Back Up The Fighting Forces World War II Wales Issuing Agency: H.M. Stationery Office Location: 704

20.	*Pachelo, 5000 Pilotos Para Defender La Patria Desde El Cielo.* Translation: 5,000 Pilots To Defend The Country From The Sky World War II Argentina Issuing Agency: Junta Argentina de Aviacion, Buenos Aires, Argentina Location: 1011

21.	*Pressig, Vojtech, Czechoslovaks Join Our Free Colors.* World War I Czechoslovakia Issuing Agency: Czechoslovak Recruiting Office, NY Location: 1067

22.	*Sturbelle, R., Belgium Fights On.* World War II Belgium Issuing Agency: Belgian Information Center, NY Location: 1070

23.	*Surrey, Every Canadian Must Fight.* World War II Canada Issuing Agency: Director of Public Information, Ottawa, Canada Location: 958

Loose Lips

1.	Enemy Ears Are Listening. World War II Issuing Agency: Office of War Information Benito Mussolini, Tojo, Adolf Hitler Location: 462

2.	Keep Mum She's Not So Dumb! Careless Talk Costs Lives. World War II Great Britain Issuing Agency: H.M. Stationery Office Location: 735

3.	*Clement, Charles, Someone Talked!.* World War II Artist for Victory War Poster Label One of the more than 2,000 posters entered in the National War Poster competition held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Location: 1510

4.	*Dohanos, Stevan, Loose Talk Can Cost Lives.* World War II Issuing Agency and Copyright: British and American Ambulance Corps., NY Location: 431

5.	*Ess-Ar-Gee, Free Speech Doesn't Mean Careless Talk!.* World War II Issuing Agency: House of Seagram Distillers Corp., NY Location: 478

6.	*Falter, John, Sailor Beware! Loose Talk Can Cost Lives.* World War II Issuing Agency and Copyright: British and American Ambulance Corps., NY Location: 434

7.	*Scott, Howard, Closed for the Duration Loose Talk Can Cost Lives.* World War II Issuing Agency and Copyright: British and American Ambulance Corps., NY Location: 437

8.	*Stoops, Herbert Morton, Careless Talk Got There First.* World War II Issuing Agency: Office of War Information Location: 429

Production

1.	Give 'em Both Barrels. World War II Location: 286

2.	Sink the Screwball with the 8 Ball, A Plane Every 8 Minutes. World War II Location: 394

3.	Step On 'em Work to Win. World War II Issuing Agency: Rogers-Kellogg-Stillson Inc., NY Location: 247

4.	Take Care! Idle Hands Work for Hitler. World War II Location: 150

5.	The Navy Needs Ships to Avenge Pearl Harbor, Let's Go. World War II Copyright & Issuing Agency: Bethlehem Steel Co. Location: 180

6.	*Carlu, Jean, America's Answer! Production!.* World War II Issuing Agency: Division of Information, Office for Emergency Management Symbol Location: 172

7.	*Miller, C.X.R., If the Temperature Tempts You to Take Time Off, Remember That Boy in a Fox-hole is Having a Hotter Time Than You.* World War II Issuing Agency & Copyright: Kelly-Read & Co. Inc., Rochester, NY Location: 362

8.	*Miller, C.X.R., War Ends! Extra! Times Extra! Unconditional Surrender of the..., Work to Make it Come Sooner!.* World War II Copyright & Issuing Agency: Kelly Read & Co., Rochester, NY Location: 169

9.	*Newbould, Frank, Tighten Your Grip!.* World War II Great Britain Issuing Agency: H.M. Stationery Office Location: 678

10.	*Nichol, Get Your Teeth Into the Job.* World War II Canada Issuing Agency: Wartime Information Board, Ottawa, Canada Location: 801

Propaganda

1.	Comrade Lenin Sweeps Away the Filth of the World. Russian Revolution Russia Location: 968

2.	Hitler Rides in the Empty Seat Double Up!. World War II Location: 383

3.	Vot Do We Want Mit Dot Afrika Anyhow, All Dot Iss Iss Sand! - Turret Lathes Help Turn the Tide. World War II Issuing Agency: Warner & Swasey Co., Cleveland, OH Location: 396

4.	Wanted in Prague. World War II Location: 397

5.	Artzybasheff, Untitled World War II Issuing Agency and Copyright: Wickwire Spencer Steel Company Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Tojo Location: 405

6.	*Fabnes, Hot Air in Holland.* World War II Location: 406

Recruiting

1.	Canada's New Army Needs Men Like You. World War II Canada Issuing Agency: Director of Public Information, Ottawa, Canada Location: 744

2.	Man the Guns Join the Navy. War World II Issuing Agency: NRB Location: 62

3.	U.S. Naval Aviation First American Armed Force to Set Foot in Europe - Good Pay, Valuable Training, Interesting Duty, Adventure and the Romance of the Sky. Apply Nearest U.S. Navy Recruiting Station Sailors of the Air. World War I This poster may be post-World War I Issuing Agency: GPO Location: 1408

4.	Woman's Land Army of America Northeastern Division - Sign Up Now Y.W.C.A. Cleveland or Lake Erie College Painesville, Ohio. World War I Issuing Agency: Otis Lithograph Co., Cleveland, Ohio Location: 858

5.	Women Wanted as Ambulance Drivers, Offer Your Services to Your Local Council or Any Branch of Women's Voluntary Services Civil Defence. World War II Great Britain Issuing Agency: H.M. Stationery Office Location: 1375

6.	*Flagg, James M., I Want You for the U.S. Army.* World War I Location: 1566

7.	*Jardine, Walter, This Is a Man's Job! Join the R.A.A.F.* World War II Australia Location: 739

8.	*Moore, Bruce, U.S. Marines "Soldiers of the Sea".* World War I Location: 950

9.	*Sawyers, Martha, Let's Finish the Job! Urgent - Experienced Seamen Needed! Wire Collect Merchant Marine, Washington, D.C. or Inquire Your Maritime Union or U.S. Employment Service.* World War II Location: 67

War Bonds

1.	Buy More Bonds. World War II Location: 117

2.	Let's Get This Shield Up, We Bought Extra War Bonds 4th War Loan, Buy Extra War Bonds Today. World War II Issuing Agency: GPO Location: 118

3.	*Dohn, Adolf, Present with a Future War Bonds.* World War II Issuing Agency: WSS Location: 79

4.	*Douglass, Your Red Cross is at His Side - 1944 War Fund.* World War II Location: 393

5.	*Norton, John, Keep These Off the U.S.A. Buy More Liberty Bonds.* World War I Issuing Agency: Strobridge Litho Co., Cincinnati, OH & NY Location: 102

6.	*Treidler, Adolf, Care is Costly Buy and Hold War Bonds.* World War II Issuing Agency: GPO Location: 93

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