The Great War: July 30, 1918

One hundred years ago, the front page of the Columbia Republican reported that the Allies were pushing ahead through France, American troops received an ovation when they arrived in Italy, and a recommendation was before Congress to raise the upper age for eligibility for the draft from 26 to 45. The front page of the paper also included this item, reporting the words of the commander of the German military.

The item in the news for July 30, 1918, that gives the best insight into life at home during World War I, however, appeared on page six, where it was reported that a Kinderhook woman, with the unfortunate name of Newcomer, was caught hoarding sugar and flour.

During the war years, the limit for purchasing sugar was two pounds per person per month. Today, it is estimated that the average American consumes more than six pounds of sugar each month, although it's somewhat rare to see people actually buying bags of sugar in the supermarket.
COPYRIGHT 2018 CAROLE OSTERINK