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Lot 357

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U. S. Food Administration / Food is Ammunition. 19

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Artist: JOHN E. SHERIDAN (1880-1948) Size: 21 1/8 x 29 in./53.6 x 73.8 cm "Shortly after the United States declared war on Germany, [President] Wilson called [Belgian relief director Herbert Hoover] back to Washington. When asked what part food would play in the war, Hoover told the president that 'second only to military action it was the dominant factor" (Rawls. p. 112). During World War I, the United States Food Administration (now known as the Food and Drug Administration) produced several home front relief posters, reminding nonmilitary citizens of the active role they could play in the conflict with common sense dietary changes. These works all put forth the notion that comestible conservation is just as mighty as combustible ammunition: Sheridan coming straight to the point textually and Britton [see following lot] presenting us with a sumptuously acceptable feast that leaves plenty to feed our boys overseas, as well as our war-torn Allies. "Hoover often wondered about his standing with America's boys and girls, for he knew that his name was linked to every dreaded vegetable children were made to swallow" (Rawls. p 118).

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