HerStory of Victory Gardens: During World War II, Americans were asked to do more than support the war effort - they were asked to grow it! With much of the nation's fresh food reserved for troops overseas, families at home relied on Victory Gardens to supplement rationed food and help feed their communities.
In Marion, Mrs. Weber, the Marion Women's Club's Defense Chairman, took that message directly to the public. In 1943, she spoke over W.M.R.N., encouraging residents to plant Victory Gardens and sharing practical gardening advice to help families make the most of their harvests. Club women understood that even a backyard garden could strengthen the home front.
The movement flourished nationwide. By the end of 1943, Victory Gardens were expected to produce 19½ billion pounds of food, and Marion celebrated the effort as well. The Club's 13th Annual Fine Arts Festival, even featured a Victory Garden exhibit put together by the Woman’s League of the Agriculture Adjustment Administration, reminding the community that patriotism could be found not only on the battlefield, but in the garden.
