Metal sign : 'This is a War Savings Street - The Secretary Lives Here'

Place Oceania: Australia, Queensland, Brisbane
Accession Number REL25192
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Metal; Paint
Maker Unknown
Place made Australia: Queensland, Brisbane
Date made c 1942-1945
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Sheet metal sign painted yellow on one side only. Black lettering reads, 'This is a / WAR / SAVINGS / STREET / THE SECRETARY / LIVES HERE.'.

History / Summary

This sign was originally located on 11 Cooma Street, Clayfield (previously called Eagle Junction), a suburb of Brisbane and the address of the donor. War Savings Streets were developed in late 1942 as a means of organising the War Savings drive and instilling personal pride in the achievements of the street. The scheme was organised through local councils Australia wide and for each street, there was a voluntary secretary supporting the street and coordinating the effort. This sign was attached to a telegraph pole, a street sign or mounted to the front of the relevant house.

An advertisement in the Sydney Sun for 19 February 1943 notes "If no one has already called on you, form a Street War Savings Group yourself. Apply at you local Council Chambers for a Voluntary Worker's badge and start a group yourself", accompanied by a drawing of the sign.