War Advertising Committee for Houston and Harris County

The War Advertising Committee was created by the Advertising Association of Houston, Inc. at the outbreak of World War II. The Committee coordinated cooperative advertising and publicity campaigns to fundraise for the war. They were supported by local newspapers including the Houston Chronicle, Post, Press and Houston Shopping News. The Committee supported War loan drives, scrap metal and paper recycling drives, fundraising events like boxing matches, parades, movies and fairs, and encouraged women to join the WAVES. The group originally officed in the Second National Bank building, then moved to the Kirby Building. Several local business leaders, especially those from major retail stores and advertising firms, were involved in the Committee’s efforts. The officers were Robert W. Dundas- Chairman, W. R. Laughlin-Vice-Chairman, J. Hank Grant- Secretary, and William S. Patton-Treasurer.