​Looking Back: Depression or Style?

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 
Only a limited number of us could speak firsthand of the Great Depression, because it began 96 years ago.  

The Depression began with the Stock Market Crash of 1929, and lasted until 1939, ending with the onset of World War II. Some would argue that recovery began in the mid 1930s. 
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So, how did Grain Valley survive during the depression years? 

Grain Valley 5th & 6TH Grade Class, 1932
 
This past Monday while we waited for the next group of 7th grade students from Grain Valley North Middle School to visit the Smithsonian Exhibit, a few members of the Historical Society discussed several photos from the 1920s and 30s. As is normally the case, we had many more questions than answers.

First of all, no one appeared to be down and out! We wondered if the two barefoot boys in the front row were barefoot from necessity or barefoot by choice. Everyone appears to be dressed for warm weather. 

We also wondered if the boys in the class were told to wear overalls. They surely didn’t all wear overalls every day. And did they always button the top button of their shirts?

For girls, the 20s were the decade to “raise your skirts and bob your hair.” Well not every girl raised their skirts above their knees, but most all of the girls bobbed their hair. (Not always attractive in my humble opinion!)

After some research, I learned that while the citizens of Grain Valley suffered financial loss and unemployment during the depression, they weren’t as “bad off” as other communities.  WHY, you ask? Sni-A-Bar Farms was in its “hey day!”

Many men were given employment on the farm. In reminiscing about the farm, my father told of how beautiful the pastures were along U. S. 40 Highway (now Eagles Parkway) because men were hired just to cut the thistles in the field and the weeds from the fence rows.

Also, families could go to the farm during the summer months for free vegetables from the garden maintain by the employed town folks just to feed everyone. In the winter months they also provided root vegetables. The same article also stated that eggs were almost always available for anyone who asked.

On Tuesday at the Bright Futures luncheon, we learned of how our community is providing food, clothing, and Christmas gifts to family who need assistance. We should all be proud of our town!
                              
You still have until December 13th to visit Voices and Votes at the Grain Valley Historical Society. We're open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00am - 4:00pm, and Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Come visit!