The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Western Electric In Peace And War

During World War II, a large portion of the American manufacturing sector converted to war production.  Car factories built tanks, nylon hosery companies made parachutes, and telephone equipment manufacturers made military communications equipment.  The conversion did not stop advertising, however, because the businesses knew people could and would start buying again when the war was over.  Demonstrating a company's contribution to the war effort was great salesmanship.  Vintage Ads posted this Western Electric ad from an August 1945 issue of Life magazine.

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