WWI Yellowstone County

Victory Gardens came to be in 1914. These gardens were created to help provide more food for families and soldiers. During World War I sugar, wheat, and flour were sparse. If you were suspected of food hoarding you could receive a large fine or even go to jail. Sugar was only used for job purposes, Flour and wheat was mixed with a substitute to make it go farther. Posters were put up saying things like "save the wheat, help the fleet, eat less bread." Wheat eventually became fifty percent actual wheat and fifty percent substitute. People were urged to join in to help make more gardens in empty fields and lots. The Agricultural College proposed that school children start garden clubs and make gardens in various empty places. The children were to be educated in canning and gardening. These clubs soon moved to Billings.