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1. World War II Rumor Project collection, 1942-1943

   approximately 8,000 items. 10 boxes (5 linear feet). 141 folders (approx. 8,000 sheets). 12 drawings and cartoons : graphite pencil, blue ink, newsprint. -- American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

   Summary:

   Manuscript collection created by the Office of War Information in 1942-1943. Field representatives of various federal agencies in 42 states enlisted individuals who collected rumors generated in the United States during World War II. These individuals or "correspondents" included dentists, beauty shop operators, policemen, proprietors, and librarians who had access to rumors in their communities. Reports were submitted to Dr. Eugene Horowitz at the Bureau of Public Inquiries of OWI, who organized the materials. Rumors, jokes, rhymes, and anecdotes about the war were also collected by teachers from African American and white high school and college students; a few drawings and cartoons are included with the submissions from students.