Did You Know...From the Archives!

In the 1940s, the land that is now Andrews Parking Lot was known as the “picnic grounds.” During World War II, in Spring 1943, the area was plowed and set up as a victory garden for planting lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cabbage. Faculty, students and Bronxville residents maintained the garden for the remainder of the war.

This clipping, from an unidentified newspaper, shows students working in the Sarah Lawrence victory garden.

In case you are wondering what a victory garden is, here’s a brief definition.

During both World War I and II, the federal government instituted food rationing nationwide to allow agricultural production to be directed toward the troops abroad. To supplement the shortage of food, in particular vegetables, millions of civilians across the country, especially in urban areas, created victory gardens, growing their own vegetables. The work of victory gardens not only increased the food supply, but was also seen as a morale booster for civilians.

For more information on victory gardens, check out these links:

Living History Farm in Nebraska

Smithsonian Institution

For more information on Sarah Lawrence College during World War II, visit the SLC Archives!