Everyday life in liberated Paris (spring 1945):A large group of civilians queueing outside a bakery-
Everyday life in liberated Paris (spring 1945):A large group of civilians queueing outside a bakery-patisserie. Oneboy has just bought some baguette loaves. In the foreground is aCyclo-Taxi.A car converted to run on gas instead of petrol. There are four gascylinders attached to the roof, and a small tube runs down the sideof the car and under the bonnet.A Velo taxi at work. According to the original caption, this is ahome-made bicycle taxi, “with its cellophane windscreen, makeshifthood, two old bicycle wheels and wooden box body.” (There are alsomany factory-made versions being used.) The fare for a trip is about400 francs, about the same as a motor taxi: “Motor taxi drivers,reproached for high charges, answer that they have to buy theirpetrol on the black market, Velo taxi riders say that they have tobuy their food there too.”A “super Velo taxi” whizzes down the street. Two men “drive”in tandem, giving it extra power.A large group of people, including British and American soldiers,crowd around a trio of musicians in the Place de la Madeleine to heara new song. An accordionist, drummer and violinist are conducted byan older woman, who is preparing to sing. In the background is asmall newsstand.French civilians buy potatoes and leeks from a small market stall. According to the original caption, “potatoes are rationed, the pileof leeks won’t last long, there is very little else for sale.”A row of Velo taxis line the curb, and pedestrians go about theirdaily business.Fish stall in a market. According to the original caption, “Fishis rationed on a complicated system of monthly tickets. When you areproperly registered and have got your ticket, the fish isn’t alwaysthere.”Two cars converted to run on fuel other than petrol. The closest onehas a large cylindrical tank built into the back of the car. Theother has a large “bag” on the roof, and is probably gas-powered. -- source link
#history#military history#trade#culinary history#transportation#music#ww2#france#Île-de-france#paris#bread#potatoes#leeks#fish#cars#taxis#bicycles#petrol#gas#rationing