As U.S. forces continued to rearm in preparation for turbulence overseas, the Great Depression eased its grip on the American people in 1940. People were working and earning more and, in turn, buying more goods. Music and art flourished: Jazz musicians Benny Goodman and Count Basie rose to popularity, and superhero Captain America made his debut. DuPont’s Nylon stocking became immensely popular with women, selling millions of units.
Concern turned toward Europe, as German troops continued to move toward Allied defenses. Facing impending involvement in World War II, Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated for an unprecedented third term as president.
Advertising agencies increased spending, stressing patriotism and support for the country.
Pictured here is a selection of advertisements that appeared in HPAC Engineering, then called Heating, Piping and Air Conditioning, in 1940.
January and February 1940
Westinghouse Electric & Mfg.
Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. ad from the January 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
The Torrington Mfg. Co.
The Torrington Mfg. Co. ad from the January 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
International Correspondence Schools
International Correspondence Schools ad from the January 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Hoffman Specialty Co. Inc.
Hoffman Specialty Co. Inc., ad from the February 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Ingersoll Steel
Ingersoll Steel ad from the February 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
The Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co.
The Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. ad from the February 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
March and April 1940
Armstrong Cork Co.
Armstrong Cork Co. ad from the March 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Spang Chalfant Inc.
Spang Chalfant Inc. ad from the March 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Spoehrer-Lange Co.
Spoehrer-Lange Co. ad from the March 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Crane Co.
Crane Co. ad from the April 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
The General Electric Co.
General Electric Co. ad from the April 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp.
Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp. ad from the April 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
May and June 1940
Randall Graphite Products Corp.
Randall Graphite Products Corp. ad from the May 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Taylor
Taylor ad from the May 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
E.M. Dart Mfg. Co.
E.M. Dart Mfg. Co. ad from the May 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Buffalo Forge Co.
Buffalo Forge Co. ad from the June 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
General Electric Co.
General Electric Co. ad from the June 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
The Lincoln Electric Co.
The Lincoln Electric Co. ad from the June 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
July and August 1940
Kinetic Chemicals Inc.
Kinetic Chemicals Inc. ad from the July 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Carrier Corp.
Carrier Corp. ad from the July 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Kathabar
Kathabar ad from the July 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
The Dayton Rubber Mfg. Co.
The Dayton Rubber Mfg. Co. ad from the August 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
B.F. Sturtevant Co.
B.F. Sturtevant Co. ad from the August 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
The Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co.
The Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. ad from the August 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
September and October 1940
Illinois Engineering Co.
Illinois Engineering Co. ad from the September 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Midwest Piping & Supply Co. Inc.
Midwest Piping & Supply Co. Inc. ad from the September 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Fedders Manufacturing Co. Inc.
Fedders Manufacturing Co. Inc. ad from the September 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Jenkins Bros.
Jenkins Bros. ad from the October 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Modine Manufacturing Co.
Modine Manufacturing Co. ad from the October 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Dunham Co.
Dunham Co. ad from the October 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
November and December 1940
Aerofin Corp.
Aerofin Corp. ad from the November 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Delco Motors Corp.
Delco Motors Corp. ad from the November 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Spang Chalfant Inc.
Spang Chalfant Inc. ad from the November 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Taylor Instrument Co.
Taylor Instrument Co. ad from the December 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
Layne & Bowler Inc.
Layne & Bowler Inc. ad from the December 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
American Chain & Cable Co. Inc.
American Chain & Cable Co. Inc. ad from the December 1940 issue of Heating Piping and Air Conditioning.
