A Victory Garden in Irvington--1944

Twenty million Americans planted "Victory Gardens" on their lots, in parks, and on public land throughout World War II.  Food shortages and rationing became the norm as the country fought a two-front war. Eleanor Roosevelt planted a garden on the White House lawn to encourage more to do the same.  Americans produced an astounding nine to ten tons of food from these small and sometimes large gardens.

Verl Muncie answered the call and planted a large vegetable garden on a lot next to his in-law's home at 5225 English Avenue in 1944.  In this image, he paused from his toil along with his young son, Larry for a photo.  Behind them, you can see three new doubles on the northwest corner of English and Grand Avenue.  In less than a year after this photo was taken, Mr. Muncie was called into service.  The lot where the Muncies farmed was eventually sold and redeveloped into housing.

Verl and Larry Muncie in their Victory Garden next to 5225 English Avenue

1940s era doubles located on the northwest corner of English and Grand Avenues in 2012

The historic photo is courtesy of Larry Muncie. The contemporary photo shows the "newer" doubles on the northwest corner of English and Grand in 2012.