Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Mustn't Destroy Govmint Property!
Artifact IDMO 2005.13.35.139
Object Type
Poster
Maker
U.S. Government Printing Office
(American, founded 1861)
Issuing Body
U.S. Army
(American, founded 1775)
Issuing Body
U.S. Army Conservation Program
(American, founded 1943)
Date1945
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 20 in x W 14 in (50.8 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA World War II U.S. Army conservation poster. The red, white, and black poster features a series of comic illustrations depicting a soldier engaging in various acts of property damage. In the scenes, the soldier is seen swinging from a hanging light, kicking a screen door, and carving the incomplete phrase “THE 1ST SGT. IS A” in a wall as that very same First Sergeant stands behind him wagging a finger in disapproval. The images are accompanied by text that states: “Mustn't Destroy Govmint Property! / FIXTURES / SCREENS / WALLS / TAKE CARE OF THE PLACE . . . after all, we LIVE here!”
Along the bottom margin of the poster is the U.S. Army Conservation Program “SAVE” logo and additional small text that reads: “U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1945—O-635894 / ARMY CONSERVATION PROJECT No. 147-E-34.”
Printed on the reverse side of the poster are instructions for posting and distribution.
Additional DetailsAlong the bottom margin of the poster is the U.S. Army Conservation Program “SAVE” logo and additional small text that reads: “U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1945—O-635894 / ARMY CONSERVATION PROJECT No. 147-E-34.”
Printed on the reverse side of the poster are instructions for posting and distribution.
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by the Adriance Memorial Library.
Credit LineGift of the Adriance Memorial Library
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesOriginal Posters from World War I and World War II (National Archives Identifier 739394)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view