Apocalypto: 1936

My mother also was born and grew up in the Texas Panhandle, in the little train-stop town of Claude. She would have been 14 in 1936. I recall her telling me of the dust clouds so thick that they literally blackened the sky, but I never could fully picture it in my mind (or accept that it wasn't another "tall Texas tale") until I saw this photo. Scary, indeed. Like so many other families, they left Texas for California in search of a better life around this time.

My Mom grew up in the Texas panhandle (Dimmit) and would have been a teenager in 1936. She has told me many stories of what the dust storms were like but it puts it in perspective when you see it like this. Thanks for the education!

Hi Dave, this is exactly what I called it when I forwarded it on to the rest of the family. Arthur Rothstein picture of the day! Thanks so much for sourcing these. I live in Hong Kong and it is wonderful to keep in touch with my Dad's work through your photos. Really appreciate it. Wishing you a great year in 2008! Eve

[Thanks Eve! (I'll never run out, will I? Another good one here.) And Happy New Year to you too, way over on the other side of the world. - Dave]

Dave, you did it again. That is one incredible photograph taken by my father! He loved his contrasts and this is another one I have never seen. Thanks

[I saw this and knew I had my picture for the day. Thank you Arthur Rothstein! And daughter! - Dave]

Makes me think of some of the "hard travelin'" Woody Guthrie might have gone through.

The book "The Worst Hard Time" gives frightening accounts of what happened during the Dust Bowl. At times these dust storms blew to the East Coast. Great book, awful topic.

This is one unbelievable shot. Scary as hell though. I can't blame anyone for trying to get out of there.