Being born in 1938, I have been interested in the ‘30s for a number of years. Even though my birth was late in that decade, the ‘30s hold a certain fascination for me. I am amazed when I read so often of the historic events that happened in that period of time. It seems as I read the newspapers and watch television that 1938 and earlier is appearing often as a reference for events that have made a major impact on the world stage.

Of course it was during the ‘30s that a phenomenon that was called the Great Depression reached it peak. The Great Depression had begun in the late ‘20s. Jobs were few and poverty was the norm for much of the years of the ‘30s. Many governmental agencies were created to produce jobs and otherwise alleviate the poor economy. But, it wasn’t until industry began producing war supplies and materials that the economy improved.

I have heard it said by some people who were living in Johnson County during the Depression that they hardly knew there was such a thing. They have told me that times were not much different for them during the Great Depression than at any other time.  More...