Modern Regent: 1936

Hey at least they had Seagrams back then!

Even though these people were obviously very poor it's interesting to see how neat everything is. There's a place for everything, and the broom is well worn. As my grandma always said, "It's no sin to be poor, but it is a sin to be dirty!"

I would wager that the news/wallpaper is not even for insulation, but to seal the gaps and cracks in the walls and provide some protection against the wind blowing through.

Granted, behind the photo is an extremely sad story, but wow, what beautiful composition.

Newspapers and magazines are a cheap and effective way to cut down on the drafts that were common in old expediently constructed dwellings.

I do believe that the use of newspaper to cover the walls had less to do with decoration as it did with cheap, effective insulation. As a product of wood pulp, it actually does a pretty good job in layers.

I was just complaining that I want wood floor in the living room. It takes these pictures to realize how spoiled and lucky most of us are (at least me). I'm not rich, but these people would jump to live in any house that was warm, safe and clean for their family. I am amazingly proud how strong these people were and just kept struggling. I'm tired and deadly for bed, but I tried to say this so it makes a little sense! Yawn.

I am proud to be an American in a country where you can fall hard and still pick yourself up!!!

The folks living here could have been the happiest people in the world.

Excellent to see the older frying pans. Still the best ones to cook with even today.

Imagine living here. You're one of Society's have-nots. To ease the dreariness of your poverty-stricken life in this bare shack, you make do with what little resources are at hand. You cover the walls with leftover newspapers. And what's on those papers? Page after page of reminders of the goodies which are far beyond your reach.

Next time you're agonizing over what type of wall covering to use in remodeling the kitchen, remember this photo. And stop to think for just a second how lucky you are for living now, instead of in the 1930s.

Anyone else see a fire hazard here?

Good to see that even though the stove has been hastily leveled, the walls carry a proper fire rating.

The most fascinating part of this photograph for me is the multitude of detail in the newspaper ads: whiskey (Seagram's, Windsor), theater shows (Les Miserables, Mark of the Vampire), Kroger's ads (lamps, watermelons, peas), and clothing (wool polo shorts, mohair, sealskin). Then there's the (religious?) picture on the upper left. I could probably spend an hour in this room just staring at the walls.

... please.