Lessons of Tough Times

http://www.theledger.com/article/20090508/NEWS/905085091?Title=Lessons-of-Tough-Times

By Jeff Kline
THE LEDGER

Published: Friday, May 8, 2009 at 10:40 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, May 8, 2009 at 10:40 p.m.

Think times are tough now? You should have lived 80 years ago.

That's when the Great Depression started - when the stock market crashed Oct. 28 and 29,1929. The crash plunged the nation into a dozen years of tough times. No money, no jobs, even fewer prospects. Unemployment more than double the 10.5 percent in Polk County today.

But the people persevered and the survivors share similar stories: worn-out shoe soles replaced with cardboard; clothes made from burlap bags; gardens where dinner was grown; canned fruit, vegetables and meat.

They walked just about everywhere; took most any job that came along and always looked for another.

They also share another recollection: Despite the difficulties, the Depression had its positive aspects.

Everyone interviewed for this article recalled the Depressionwith a sense of humor and a feeling that they somehow became better people for the experience.

FULL story, great photo, & video at link.