---
title: 'Keep ''em Rolling, Make ''em Last: Take Care of Machinery'
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/keep-em-rolling-make-em-last-american-hotel-association-1941/
description: A raised fist holding an oil can, over a machine part and a red-and-white striped background, with a sign reading 'Keep 'em rolling, make 'em last'.
section: Collection
---

1. [Home](https://propagandaarchive.org/)
2. [Collection](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/)
3. Keep 'em Rolling, Make 'em Last: Take Care of Machinery

[![Keep 'em Rolling, Make 'em Last: Take Care of Machinery, 1941 US poster: A raised fist holding an oil can, over a machine](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/keep-em-rolling-make-em-last-american-hotel-association-1941.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/keep-em-rolling-make-em-last-american-hotel-association-1941.jpg)

# Keep 'em Rolling, Make 'em Last: Take Care of Machinery

A raised fist holding an oil can, over a machine part and a red-and-white striped background, with a sign reading 'Keep 'em rolling, make 'em last'. A blue panel lists ten conservation tips for hotels. The flag-stripe backdrop and 'Serve Uncle Sam' wording tie routine upkeep to national service (transfer).

## Propaganda techniques used in this poster

[Glittering generalities](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/glittering-generalities/) [Transfer](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/transfer/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
KEEP 'EM ROLLING
MAKE 'EM LAST
TAKE CARE OF MACHINERY
AMERICAN HOTEL ASSOCIATION
CONSERVE and you SERVE UNCLE SAM
Turn off water, lights, gas, fans, etc. not needed.
Do not overheat rooms.
Save wastepaper, scrap, etc.
Do not soil walls, furniture or fixtures.
Keep equipment well oiled and in good repair.
Don't let hot water get too hot.
Promptly repair leaky faucets or valves.
Clean boiler tubes regularly.
Protect motors with proper fuses.
Keep fire protection equipment ready for use.
```

[← Keep 'em flying! Sure I'll help!](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/keep-em-flying-sure-ill-help-1941/) [Keep 'em Rolling! (Planes) →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/keep-em-rolling-planes-1941/)

## More propaganda examples that use the same techniques

- [Gypsum alabaster slab inscribed in cuneiform, from Nimrud (Kalhu), reign of Ashurnasirpal II](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/nimrud-slab-ashurnasirpal-ii-inscription-883bce/) (Neo Assyrian Empire · 0000 · Transfer, Glittering generalities)
- [Colour lithograph of the Latin text of the Res Gestae Divi Augusti on the wall of the temple of Roma and Augustus at Ancyra, with the heading in large letters (Perrot, Guillaume and Delbet, 1872)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/lithograph-res-gestae-ancyra-heading-0014/) (Roman Empire · 0014 · Card stacking, Glittering generalities)
- [Bronze sestertius of Trajan, reverse S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S C, the emperor on horseback riding down an enemy](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/sestertius-trajan-optimo-principi-0103/) (Roman Empire · 0103 · Testimonial, Glittering generalities)
- [Gold solidus of Constantine I, reverse RESTITVTORI LIBERTATIS](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/solidus-constantine-i-restitutori-libertatis-0313/) (Roman Empire · 0313 · Glittering generalities)
- [Gold solidus of Justinian I, reverse VICTORIA AVGGG with Victory holding a Christogram staff](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/solidus-justinian-i-victoria-avggg-0538/) (Byzantine Empire · 0538 · Transfer, Glittering generalities)
- [The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I (Royal Museums Greenwich version), oil on panel](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/armada-portrait-elizabeth-i-greenwich-1588/) (England · 1588 · Transfer, Glittering generalities)
- [Medal of Elizabeth I: portrait in a ruff, reverse an ark on stormy waves with SAEVAS TRANQVILLA PER VNDAS (18th-century aftercast of a 1588 model)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/elizabeth-i-ark-medal-aftercast-1588/) (England · 1588 · Transfer, Glittering generalities)
- [Frontispiece to Eikon Basilike, The Pourtraicture of His Sacred Majestie in his Solitudes and Sufferings (Hollar, 1649)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/eikon-basilike-frontispiece-hollar-1649/) (Dutch Republic · 1649 · Transfer, Glittering generalities)