ASHLAND — Today it seems there is always a special day on the calendar in remembrance of special events in American history or to commemorate state or local events.
In 1942, Ashland started its own special remembrance on Thursday of each week. “Beefless Thursday” became popular but no, it wasn’t like Meatless Monday or Taco Tuesday.
“Beefless Thursday” had nothing to do with meat at all. Ashland Mayor Glenn B. Haller became so fed up with people complaining about war shortages and other problems associated with World War II that on Oct. 8, 1942, he issued a proclamation. It stated that henceforth each Thursday would be designated as “Beefless Thursday” and there would be no kicking, beefing, complaining, or crying on someone else’s shoulder about anything.
When Pearl Harbor was attacked, the United States suddenly found itself needing more military personnel and additional supplies and equipment. “Do With Less, So They’ll Have More” became a motto for U.S. citizens.
They endured rations on various foods, coffee, nylons, gasoline and other items. Local rationing boards issued coupons that allow consumers to purchase limited supplies of these items. Citizens throughout the U.S. were encouraged to grow their own fruits and vegetables and dealt with price controls along with housing shortages.
Scrap Drives became a part of daily living. Cooking fat was saved to make explosives, rubber and paper was recycled, tin cans and metal were collected and rags were saved. Anything that could be collected and turned in was used toward the war effort as people fulfilled their patriotic duties. Women went to work to help with production of needed supplies for the war effort and men suddenly left to go fight in the war.
All this activity and strain on everyone led to the “beefing” Mayor Haller was tired of hearing despite strong belief in favor of the cause.
The Harry Higgins Post of the American Legion helped promote the decree and several newspapers across the country picked up the story. Since World War II didn’t end until 1945, there certainly must have been a lot less beefing in Ashland for a few years thanks to the proclamation!
Considering Covid-19 and all its variants, perhaps another proclamation is in order after two years of this type of war.
