World War 2 Begins - Freedom Magazine Presents The History of Clearwater Florida Part IX

The purchase of a War Bond served as the price of admittance for the premiere of “DuBarry Was a Lady” at the Capitol Theatre, with the U.S. Marine Corps Band featured outside.

“Bundles for Britain”

In September 1940, as German guns on the French coast shelled London and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill prepared for the threat of a Nazi invasion of Britain, “Bundles for Britain” benefit parties and sewing meetings were held at the Clearwater Garden Center and Sasser’s Grill, while private Teas for British Aid were held in Clearwater homes.

In August 1941, the Clearwater Junior Chamber of Commerce became the first Clearwater civic organization to make Defense Savings Stamps available to members. Sale of the stamps (available for as little as 25 cents) provided funds to ensure that U.S. soldiers were adequately supplied with food, clothing and medical care.

Defense Savings Bonds and Stamps were sold at the post office. Later, during the war, the purchase of a War Bond served as the price of admittance for the premiere of “DuBarry Was a Lady” at the Capitol Theatre, while the U.S. Marine Corps Band played in the street out front.

Rationing of gasoline, tires and other scarce materials loomed on the horizon, along with other signals of America’s growing involvement in the coming conflict: Exit and entry permits were required for citizens and aliens traveling to or from the United States. Aliens living in the Clearwater area had to register their location. And when President Roosevelt signed a compulsory military service measure into law, 1,300 young men between the ages of 21 and 35 from the Clearwater area were expected to register.