Their childhood was marked by wartime sugar rationing and air-raid drills.

The business venture quickly fizzled, however, after the United States entered the war, and the ensuing sugar rationing was too much for production to overcome.

Despite sugar rationing, children visiting the bank were given lollipops that had been bought under the table from Schrafft's.

As a result, drinks for G.I.'s were exempted from sugar rationing.

As World War II ended, sugar rationing gave way and the entire country was eager to indulge its sweet tooth.

"No problem," he said, noting that yearlong sugar rationing and the dearth of yeast were due to the rise in home distilling.

Honey has been the chosen sweetener since sugar rationing began during World War II.

Ladies' Home Journal explained the principles behind sugar rationing, for example, sugarcane could be used to make explosives.

On 31 May 1952, Rajagopalachari put an end to sugar rationing and followed up by abolishing control over food supplies on 5 June 1952.

"It was right after World War II, when sugar rationing had just ended," their son Robert said.