Thanksgiving 1944



The United States was at war. German U-boats and Japanese submarines disrupted supplies of sugar, coffee, rubber, and metal. Because these vital resources were scarce and needed by both the military and civilians, the federal government regulated their distribution. A national rationing system using points and stamps provided civilians with fair access, allotting each person 112 points per month.

Thanksgiving was still celebrated but providing dinner was a challenge. Poultry, fresh fish, eggs and fresh fruit and vegetables were sold but often unavailable for purchase. Sugar was rationed at one cup per week and was reduced by one half in 1945. The ration for coffee was one pound per month or 8 oz. per week. Butter and other fats were rationed or unavailable.

Substituting rationed canned fruits or vegetables for fresh had a cost of 12 points per can. Four cans of fruit for two pies deducted 48 points from the monthly 112. Thanksgiving dinner with guests was a heavy cost for the host.

Guests traveling to dinner committed their 3 to 4 gallons of gasoline per week for cars that needed 10 to 15 miles per gallon.

What did rationing do for the 12 million Americans serving in the military in 1944? Coffee helped sustain morale and alertness among service members. Sugar was used to produce alcohol needed to manufacture bombs, explosives, ammunition, and medical antiseptics, while rubber was essential for military transportation.

Although rationed and restricted, the Thanksgiving holiday meant being grateful for living in a country free from invasion.

~Gwen Harwood

~Memories Are Made of This~

Our USO exhibit, Home Away Home, captures a moment in time during World War II.

Accompanying the exhibit is a guest book encouraging visitors to share their memories of those times when USO brought comfort and companionship to themselves or loved ones. Arizona had three functioning USO clubs in Yuma, Phoenix and Tucson during the Second World War.

Join our visitors in sharing remembrances like the one pictured below.

This is an eloquent reminder that historical museums are the keepers of the lives of a community.

Giving Thanks to the Land



Last July, Buck Columna and Carol Caldwell had the opportunity to meet with Huhugam Ki: Museum Executive Director Gary Owens Jr. at the annual pancake breakfast given by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. 

The name Huhugam Ki:, means the “House of the Ancestors” in the Oñk Akimel O’odham language, and is involved in preservation and protection of the tribal collections and some of the historical archives of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. 

During Buck and Carol's visit, Gary shared insights into the importance of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s mesquite pancake breakfast festival.

“The pancake breakfast is a great opportunity for the community to eat and also learn about their heritage,” said Gary.

Gary stated the event fills more than hungry bellies “When we gather we talk and tell stories of days gone by but enjoy the present and find that with ingenuity, we can use ingredients from our land to make something new and delicious.

“When we break out the batter, we’re doing two things,” said Gary. “We’re reminding the people that they once depended entirely on their environment and the use of plants and animals. Also we let them know that you can carry on traditions and knowledge with the practicals of modern life and convenience.”

Mr. Owens is a long-time friend of the Cave Creek Museum.

Cave Creek Museum is honored to welcome Gary Owens, Jr., Director of The Huhugam Ki: Museum as a featured speaker in this season’s Cave Creek Museum Presents series “The Life and Food-Ways of the Salt River People” Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

At this special presentation, he will share insight into the traditional gathering and farming of indigenous foods of the Salt River People.

~Buck Columna

Mark your calendars for

“The Life and Food-Ways of the Salt River People”

with Gary Owens, Jr.

on Saturday, November 21, 2026,

2:00 - 4:00 pm.



Cave Creek Museum is honored to welcome Gary Owens, Jr., Director of The Huhugam Ki: Museum as November's featured speaker for the Cave Creek Museum Presents series.

FREE

Desert Discovery Day

Saturday, November 14



10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy a day of digital detox, fresh air, fun, and adventure for everyone, presented by the Desert Foothills Land Trust.

Discover the Sonoran Desert, learn about all its dwellers, past and present, and interact with native wildlife.

Held at the Jewel of the Creek Preserve.

NOT suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Bring sun protection and water to stay comfortable.

No registration is needed for this event. 



This program is made possible by the Kiwanis Club of Carefree,

Town of Cave Creek and our Community Partners. 

ARIZONA GOLD MINING EXPERIENCE

Saturday, November 14 and 28

10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

(Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m.)

Join our crusty, but not always trusty, ol’ local miner El Monty Jackson as he leads guests through Cave Creek Museum’s signature Arizona Gold Mining Experience.

Step back in time and witness the sights, sounds and thrills of the Golden Reef Stamp Mill and Tramway, Arizona’s only fully operational ten-stamp ore crushing mill, just five miles from its original history setting.

The guided tour includes the thundering mill at work, a peak into the workings of a mineshaft, a master blacksmith at work, and a hands-on gold panning station. An “Only in Arizona” experience!

CAVE CREEK MUSEUM PRESENTS:

Saturday, November 21

2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The Life and Food-Ways of the

Salt River People

with Gary Owens, Jr.

Director of The Huhugam Ki: Museum 

At this special presentation, Gary will share insight into the traditional gathering and farming of indigenous foods of the Salt River People.

Advance reservations are required. 

Hello everyone!

It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing year's end, and the holiday season is almost here! 

I’d like to welcome and thank our new Museum Members and those of you who recently renewed your Membership. The Cave Creek Museum is a member-based nonprofit community organization, and our duty is to preserve and present our community's history.

Please plan to come and see us, bring your holiday visitors, and schedule a time to see the Gold Mining Experience. Kids of all ages will enjoy getting their hands dirty at the Gold Panning exhibit, part of the mining exhibit.

But please remember that we’re not a museum of mining; we are a museum of the history of your community, and we have an interesting story to tell. Come on in!

~Pat O'Brien

Nuggets Graphic Artist and Editor: Stephanie Bradley

CAVE CREEK MUSEUM BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2026-2027

President: 

Pat O’Brien (2024-2027)

Vice President:

Tamsin Wolff (2024-2027)

Secretary:

Keith Otsuka (2026-2029)

Treasurer

David Ackerman (2025-2028)

Directors

Larry Ross (2026-2029)

Alex Nadesan (2026-2027)

Staff

Jo Ann Stuckey – Executive Director

Buck Columna – Operations Manager

Debbie Clement and Linda Vareha – Store Managers

Molly Tufts – Bookkeeper

www.cavecreekmuseum.org

480-488-2764