It's hard to imagine what it was like in the 1930s in Oklahoma. Some may see it as a simpler time, but it was difficult due to the conditions of the drought and the Great Depression, and the Sooner State was ground zero. Farmers became unemployed, many people migrated West, and poverty was unimaginable - yet they still survived. It is a complicated chapter in our state's history. What did daily life look during this era? Take a look at these 20 historic photos of Oklahoma that showcase small town life in the 1930s in Oklahoma.
1. Local drought farmers waiting around for work.
2. And the farmers working the local fields.
3. Small churches were an important part of the community.
4. They had a local jail and sheriff on watch.
5. Main Streets filled with locals or deserted ones that became ghost towns.
6. Corn grinders for the breaking down of food.
7. Clothes lines were used to dry the clothes.
8. The local bank was not only a place of business, but a gathering spot for the locals.
9. Milk cans and milk delivery were commonplace.
10. Water wells were essential for survival.
11. General stores were where you sent the children to pick up supplies.
12. Small schoolhouses that were usually no more than one room.
13. Barber shops with the iconic striped poles.
14. Poverty that was unimaginable.
15. The local mailman that was on a first name basis.
16. Mom and pop cafes that served a warm meal.
17. City halls smaller than one-room schoolhouses.
18. Feed mills for the local farmers to feed their livestock.
19. Lots for the horses and wagons.
20. And hitching posts for the mules.
This historic photos of Oklahoma remind us of our resilience and make us proud of our Sooner State roots. How about you? If you're interested in seeking more vintage images, take a look at these even older photos of Oklahoma.
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