allowed three gallons a week."

Gas rationing was started by the U.S. government on May 5, 1942. But Red just relaxed and laughed, for he recognized all three women. "Judy, Annabelle and Nadine you all are sorta crazy, all three of you could have been shot! Now move that sign out of the middle of the road and split back to town. Here are four extra gas stamps a piece, that is a month's supply for all three of you ladies. Please use it wisely and do not expect any more. And remember this, you did not receive the stamps from me." Red Wurst was a remarkable, kind, and considerable individual. He always had to work hard for everything. But he could have also been a very rich man if he would have done business with "Mr. Black." (During World War ll., this is what the "Black Market" was called). People offered Red all kinds of money and other things too, if he would just sell them gas ration stamps. He could have had a dozen girl friends in exchange for the stamps. But nobody could bribe Red no matter how hard they tried. However, he would always help anyone who really needed help. Red Wurst delivered gasoline, fuel, oil, (now called diesel) and coal oil, (now called kerosene) to the farmers and ranchers. He worked

long hours as he drove several hundred miles a week.

As the farmers and ranchers were growing crops and raising meat for the war effort, they had an unlimited supply of gas stamps. When Red filled up a gas tank on the farm or ranch he had to color the gas blue,

then the gas could only be used in farm machinery. Some of these people could not use all of their monthly gas stamps, so they were given back to Red. He was instructed to use them for anyone needing help. (Needless to say, Red and the farmers and ranchers would have been subject to a stiff fine if caught. Many times the OPA (Office of Price Administration) would send an inspector to check on Red. It printed only Three Billion war ration stamps per month.

The inspector never did find out that Red had an unlimited supply of gas stamps. Sometimes he would have 400 to 500 extra gas stamps per month. He could not turn these extra stamps back to the

OPA for the farmers would be fined for not using all the stamps. And next month their number of stamps would be cut back. But there was also a shortage of gas, as most of it was needed in the Military. So, sometimes you could have a handful of stamps but service stations nearby would be completely "Out of

Gas."  Gasoline rationing began on  May 15, 1942 and it was a very complicated system. Each motorist was given a windshield sticker from A to E. "A" was for pleasure driving, with one stamp worth only three gallons per week. "B" was for commuters, gas amount varied, it was gauged by distance from work. "E" was for emergency vehicles, for policemen, firemen and clergymen. Their supply of gasoline was unlimited. And of course, many high politicians received an

unlimited supply also. Tires for cars and even retreads were very scarce, as most of them were sent to the military.

Can you imagine a national speed limit of only 35 mph? This is what we had during World War ll, it was called a "Victory Speed Limit." Now, one of the most effective ways to stretch the gas supply was "modifying" the automobiles. At this point in time, there were several million Ford Model A's  on the highways. This was one of the best cars Henry Ford ever manufactured. A second gas tank was installed on the Model A Ford. It was then filled with coal oil (Kerosene). After completely warming up the motor on gas, it would run splendidly on the coal oil, and the price of gasoline was high, it cost a whole 15¢ per gallon! (I was only paid 25¢ for mowing a whole lawn!) We could buy coal oil for only 9½¢ per gallon. This was considered very cool (clever), because it saved money too. A fellow who was lucky enough to drive a Model A Ford Convertible was considered "Groovy." And if the Convertible also had a "Rumble Seat" on the back, this was better than having a gold Cadillac. 

The Model A was also an all-round vehicle used for many purposed. For example, an attachment placed on a rear wheel would run different machines, (like grinding corn or sugar cane). Out in the desert, the Model A would behave like a Jeep. If the road ran out you made your own, because it had a high wheel base and was hard to get stuck in the sand. Many of the "Old Timers" like myself, remember the Ford Model A with fondness. Perhaps this would help us with the high gas prices of today. How about it, anybody have an old Model A out in your backyard or barn?
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