Cold War

Another photo from Whitner Street. I thought this was merely strange at first. Survival biscuits, 89 per pound. (I was kinda scared to get too close.) But then the printing on the bent cover started sinking in. CIVIL DEFENSE ALL PURPOSE. SURVIVAL BISCUIT. Date of Pack February — April 1963. Whaaaat???? 

The imminence of nuclear war was still discussed when I was in elementary school in the ’70s. But the serious intent, the planning, the fear, which resulted in the production and distribution of this tin of “survival biscuits” —  is still amazing to me. (Even the name, SURVIVAL biscuits…) I looked briefly on the Web, and it appears these tins were to be stored in fall-out shelters. An anachronism today. However, not a charming one. And perhaps I am naive to relegate such fear to the past.

I remember the fear after 9-11. Terroists next to us on the street. Dirty bombs and deadly viruses to be released in public places. Death Valley and Hartwell Dam ready targets for violence. It was all possible. It still is. Perhaps Civil Defense has been replaced with the Department of Homeland Security. After visiting the DHS Web site, I learned today’s threat level is yellow, (merely) elevated. For domestic flights, the threat is orange, high. DHS recommends that

All Americans should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately. Everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves and their family, and stay informed about what to do during an emergency. Learn more about preparedness at www.ready.gov.

Geez, I want to go back to being amused at those quaint 1963 biscuits.