Jack and Jill, March 1955

 

Jack and Jill "Scrappies" paper dolls, April 1944

I was going through my collection of children's magazines last week, and came across this April 1944 issue of Jack and Jill with a story by Maud Hart Lovelace--the beloved author of the Betsy, Tacy and Tib books. Lovelace's story is about a family that collects scrap metal for the war effort. One day, they find an old trolley car and dream of using it as a clubhouse, but ultimately realize their treasure has to be reported so it can be chopped up and used for scrap. Happy ending (and spoiler alert for anyone who finds another copy of this issue): the metal is removed, the rest of the trolley (wood) is painted and restored so the kids can use it as a clubhouse after all! Dad comes home on furlough, and all is well. 

Little Bobby has the last line in the story: "Clang, clang! All aboard! All aboard for the end of the war!"

Jack and Jill, February 1940

Ann Eshner's charming cover for Valentine's Day 1940.  The paper doll was long gone when I found it in an antique store. Old magazines are one of my favorite ways to unwind and escape the busy world.