January 25, 1946 War Bond Victory Dinner

How does the government finance a war? The answer depends on the decade you are discussing. For both World War I and WWII the government asked the people to help.

Throughout World War II, individuals, businesses and groups could purchase War Bonds. In addition to on-going sales, there were also seven War Loans and a Victory Loan. The fund-raising efforts ended December 31, 1945.

Lester Sparks, William Wheeler and Myron Bassette
outside the south entrance to the bank with a Defence Savings Bond sign.
Blauvelt WWII scrapbook, collection of the Interlaken Historical Society

On January 25, the Interlaken-Lodi Joint War Bond Committee held a Victory dinner at the Goodman Hotel. The report of the evening included a summary of when and how much funds were raised between the two towns.

The individual campaigns, the efforts before the US entered the war with Pearl Harbor, and funds raised between campaigns totaled $1,060,469.10.

The report given by Mrs. Jane King, Ladies’ Chairman of the Town Committee noted:

May 1, 1941, to Dec. 7, 1941           $ 27,232.50

          Sales to March 27, 1943         237,169.35

          2nd War Loan                          41,538.75

          3rd War Loan                           60,835.00

          4th War Loan                          89,668.47

          5th War Loan                           95,268.00

          6th War Loan                           98,529.75

          7th War Loan                         190,018.51

          Victory Loan                          128,748.35

Sales made between drives.                91,460.42

The Wheeler National Bank purchased over a million dollars in bonds, and with the “miscellaneous sales credited by the County Headquarters,” the grand total was $2,117,769.10.

Jane King and Myron Bassette who were involved in the War Bond efforts, 1943.
Blauvelt WWII scrapbook, Interlaken Historical Society collection. 

In addition to the local efforts and people involved, two members of the community were involved with the County Committee: Mrs. Esther Wyckoff, Ladies’ Vice-Chairman of County Committee, and Myron W. Bassette, Town Chairman, and Co-chairman of the County Committee

One couple used their war bond purchase as a way to honor Gen. Eisenhower. The letter from General Eisenhower to Myron Bassette dated August 4, 1945, thanked him and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clapp for the war bond purchased in his Honor, and for the message the Clapps included with the wrapped pennies #1988-58. Click here to see General Eisenhower's reply.

Notes included on the pennies used to purchase a WWII bond.
Collection of the Interlaken Historical Society

Copy of the letter to Gen. Eisenhower explaining the bond purchased in his honor.
Collection of the Interlaken Historical Society

The Review article listed several people who would be speaking, noting that citations at many levels would be presented. Assisting in making it a festive “Victory” dinner, the music was provided by the Seneca Street Orchestra.

Dewitt’s Diary: January 25, 1945 Another bad day. Temperature 5 below. Snow blowing all day. Some of the highest banks I ever saw around here. About 7 below tonight and only a breeze blowing. Walked down to Earl’s [Wilson]. All highways blocked and railroads.

1946 Mild today B.H. [Bunny Haviland] papering the south upstairs room. Fixing floor and painting. Strong wind and snow flurries from the west.