In the throes of the Great Depression, life in the 1930s in Mississippi was very different. Residents of small towns were merely trying to get by and the bare minimum became the norm; however, despite the country’s financial issues, life had to go on. Taking a look back on these historic photos of Mississippi will give you a glimpse into what life was like in a typical Mississippi town during one of the nation’s most trying times.
1. No small Mississippi town would be complete without a church. This particular one was photographed in Natchez in 1935.
2. Barber shops, such as this one in Natchez, were common sights at the time.
3. General stores were practically town staples, and this one in Bolivar doubles as a post office. Isn't this a fascinating trip to see what it was like in the 1930s in Mississippi?
4. Most towns included a Main Street that was lined with storefronts, such as this one photographed in Itawamba.
5. During the 1930s, several factories were opened in Mississippi as cities began to focus on economic development. This particular factory was a bottling plant.
6. Taken inside one of the Laurel Cotton Mills as a woman is winding cotton into a large spool.
7. Although less common with the onset of the Great Depression, blacksmith shops, such as this one, could still be found in some towns.
8. Farmers often shopped for supplies at plantation stores, just like this one. Many times, farmers would purchase items with credit and repay their debt with the crops they yielded.
9. Acres upon acres of crops, especially cotton, could be found pretty much anywhere in the state.
10. Even with the hard times the decade brought, theaters were popular during the 1930s. The Crystal Theater was photographed in 1937.
11. Drugstores were a common stop for residents of the time. This particular store was located in Belzoni.
12. Even with thousands of banks closing nationally during the course of the Great Depression, they were still pretty common sights. This Lexington bank was photographed in 1939.
13. In order to provide for the residents who owned vehicles, many towns were equipped with gas stations. Taken in 1939, this Gulp gas station was located in Tishomingo.
What do you think of these photos? These aren't even the oldest photos in Mississippi but they will give you a good idea of what life in the 1930s in Mississippi was like. If you have your own story about life in Mississippi during this time period, we'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Times are different now but if you love where you live then there is nothing wrong with being proud of your home state. Our friends over at Wear Your Roots have made apparel where you can showcase your state pride. Make sure you check it out.
For all you history buffs out there here are some more historical moments in Mississippi you are bound to remember.
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