US Government tire inspection station at Firestone store, Wishkah and M Sts. — 7/1/1944 — #21007_1
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Photograph Copyright Anderson & Middleton Company
United States — Washington (State) — Aberdeen
Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.
21007_1 from this assignment appears on page 79 of William D. Jones' "Motor Cars and Serv-Us Stations" under the number 21007. Book caption reads : "Official U. S. Government Tire Inspection Station at the Firestone store in Aberdeen during World War II. July 1, 1944. Located at Wishkah and M Streets."
Thanks to Terri Middleton who adds: "When the Japanese seized territory in Southeast Asia during WWII they cut off most of America's supply of raw rubber. Since rubber was the exclusive material used in car tires it was the first non-food item to be rationed, and government requests were made for any rubber-made items to be donated to the war effort. The shortage of rubber meant severe restrictions on new tires for civilians, and also created a real need for retreads. By cutting out non-essential driving and slowing down, the five tires allotted to non-essential vehicles were meant to last throughout the war. "Victory Speed" during WWII was limited to 35 mph."
