War Rationing Comes to Graham Avenue

The modest bungalow at 335 North Graham Avenue served as the home for the Richardson family as American troops fought during World War II.

George and Edythe Richardson married on December 11, 1938, and first resided in a small apartment at 4414 East New York Street. Later, they moved into 351 North Audubon Road with George's family. By 1943, they were ready to strike out on their own and relocated into the Graham Avenue home along with their children, Donn and Elizabeth. Arthur L. Chesterfield, the father of Edythe Richardson and owner of the Aluminum Finishing Company, lived with them as well. George worked at Allison's Engine at the time, but he would later work for his father-in-law. During the war, Mr. Richardson had to get up at three in the morning to go into work to assist with building military devices called bombsights. Edythe Richardson likely worried about all four of her brothers who all fought in the war. Her brother, Ed Chesterfield, helped to liberate the concentration camp known as Dachau. Her brother, Art Chesterfield, served as a guard during the Nuremberg Trials after the war was over. Her sisters also aided in the war effort at home.

As World War II raged on, Americans like the Richardsons received war ration booklets containing stamps. Every member of the family received a booklet including the very youngest who might need canned milk. Sugar, coffee, rubber, and gasoline were hard to get as the war dragged on so folks like the Richardsons had to use their rations to obtain certain products. The booklets pictured below, were issued by the government in 1943. Like many Americans, the family also planted a victory garden to raise their own produce. The Richardson family garden was actually located southeast of Washington Street and Arlington Avenue.

While the Richardson family really outgrew their bungalow almost as soon as they moved into it, they waited until the end of the war to move into a much larger residence at 477 North Audubon Road.

Edythe and George Richardson met at Butler University. They married in 1938 and moved into this bungalow at 335 North Graham Avenue in 1943. 

George Richardson stood along the walk in his front yard at 335 North Graham Avenue in 1943. 

George Richardson posed for a photograph in his front yard at 335 North Graham Avenue in 1943. Behind him, you can see the bungalow located at 333 North Graham Avenue. The Ratz family, neighbors to the Richardsons, lived in that residence for years. 

The Richardsons of 335 North Graham Avenue were issued ration booklets for each member of the family in 1943. Arthur Chesterfield, listed on one of the booklets, was the father of Edythe Richardson. 

I wish to thank Donn and Carolyn Richardson for making this post possible. 

Irvington Methodist Church Images--1940s

Methodists have been worshipping in Irvington since the late nineteenth century and in the current edifice since the 1920s. Thousands of people have been members over the years including the Richardson family who resided at 477 North Audubon Road. George Richardson had worked for Allison's Engine Company during World War II but had begun working at the Aluminum Finishing Corporation on 21st near the Monon Railroad after the war was over. His wife's father, Arthur Leslie Chesterfield, owned and operated the plant at the time.

George and Edythe Chesterfield Richardson joined the Challengers, an active adult Sunday School class at the Methodist Church. The Richardson children also participated in Sunday schools and with both the Boys and Girls Scouts in the basement of the church. The family would have had easy walk from their home along "Lover's Lane" to church each Sunday. Dr. Ralph O. Pearson served as the pastor of the church in the late 1940s when these photos were snapped.

Irvington Methodist Church c1947 (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

The Challengers Sunday School was for adults at the Irvington Methodist Church. George Richardson of 477 North Audubon Road is located in the top row at the far left. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

Santa visited the children of the Irvington Methodist Church in 1947. Standing under a window in black dress was Edythe Chesterfield Richardson holding her baby, Jenny. Sitting at her feet were her other children at the time, Donn and Elizabeth. (photo courtesy of Donn and Carolyn Richardson)

A special thanks to Donn and Carolyn Richardson for providing these photos and stories.