they brought home food ideas from places they had been stationed. Soldiers stationed in the Pacific arena brought home the idea of tikis and Polynesian food. We still have popular tiki bars in larger cities. The tableware is still pretty collectible. As for the European theater, those solders brought back with them, food like pasta and pizza! Outside of Italian homes, traditional Italian food was rarely eaten. By the 1950s, spaghetti was considered a romantic meal, and Chianti bottles in their wicker cases graced many homes. With every new thing, along came home decor that complimented the new found love for Italian cooking, and other things. So it makes sense that your recipe box is 40s era and well loved. Now, your turn 
People have been using recipe boxes since the 1920s, and they have their own interesting history, even if not entirely romantic.
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