Amarillo Trades Cars for Horses After the WW2 Tire Rationing

Amarillo is full of rich history, and the history is even better when the people find ways to fight back in the most unique ways.

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During WW2 the Federal Office of Price Administration was created by President Roosevelt and part of the duties were rationing programs during WW2. Back on December 27, 1941, the federal Office of Price Administration announced that tires would be rationed. The rationing began on January 5, 1942. This particular ration program mandated that as of that day, no driver was permitted to own more than five automobile tires.

Japan had conquered most of the nations that produced rubber and therefore, getting rubber for tires, shoes, gloves, etc., was difficult, The US Government chose to put the rationing in place. This was to ensure that the material and vital services that used rubber goods had the access they needed.

THC crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.

Local Tire Rationing boards were created to issue certificates for new tires. These certificates were only available for vehicles used for public health and safety, trucking, and public transportation.

beehaventrading via eBay

How did Amarillo fit into the Tire Rationing?

The citizens of Amarillo also had to follow suit with the tire rationing, but they found a better way around it. Instead of using cars and trucks, they decided to go back in time and use a trusty mode of transportation that didn't require a rubber tire. Maybe some hay, carrot or an apple, but not tires.

On January 1st, 1942 forty Amarillo businessmen rode horse to work to save wear and tear on tires. Several of the men were given tickets for refusing to insert the prescribed five cents. Rationing of tires had been announced on December 27, 1941, and began on January 5th, 1942.
by u/ATSTlover in texashistory

I love how some of those riders refused to pay the meter to park their horses. Amarilloians back in the day were so sassy!

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