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Dead Serious: 1939
... Boy living in May Avenue camp with homemade ax." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Happy ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/31/2018 - 11:45am -

July 1939. "Oklahoma City. Boy living in May Avenue camp with homemade ax." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Happy HalloweenReading the caption at first I thought it said "Homicide Ax." My bad! The reckoning He's going after the person who gave him that haircut. I don't know, but I'll ax himThank you for this wonderful cross between "The Shining" and "Children of the Corn". Happy Halloween to the webmaster too. Home-made haircutWhen every nickel counted and your chores include chopping firewood for cooking you don't go to a tonsorial parlor. Tent city of Dust Bowl folks making doThis site has multiple photos and stories from the May Ave camp http://daysgoneby.me/oklahoma-city/ Here is a slide presentation https://slideplayer.com/slide/8545701/ Heartbreaking. These folks were once farmers who owned their land making do as best they can. One cannot help be impressed with the dignity of the subjects in all respects in the face of such indignity. (The Gallery, Halloween, OKC, Russell Lee)
Board & Room: 1937
... in Littlefork, Minnesota." Medium format negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Watch that ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/23/2018 - 9:54am -

September 1937. "Boardinghouse in Littlefork, Minnesota." Medium format negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Watch that first stepThe upper door, an old balcony/upper porch judging from the scars on the wall framing, reminds me that most buildings in the Colorado Rockies needed a way out when the snow was real deep. I wonder if this upper door was used the same way in winter. Miss VickyThat 1932 Ford Victoria would be worth a small fortune, today RadioThe lower right window pulls in an antenna wire and a ground wire outside the window framing. I can't tell if the wire continues from the first roof post to the second. 3rd and FrontBoarding house was likely at 3rd and Front St, assuming this building is the larger one in the background (but viewed from another direction). Got That Right Horace!1932 Ford V8 Victoria Average asking price $57,431; lowest price in last three years $26,500! (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
Suppertime: 1939
... lady last seen here . Medium format acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Taking it all ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/02/2018 - 4:27pm -

February 1939. "Corpus Christi, Texas. Wife of war veteran living in shantytown on Nueces Bay." The lady last seen here. Medium format acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Taking it all for grantedThe next time I start complaining about something, I'll try to remember this family. CriminyWhat an awful and complete mess and what a horrible way to live. These folks would probably be considered "homeless" today and even have less than this hovel to live in. ClothingShe's got a good dress for such an occasion. Neatness countsFlour everywhere except on her dress and hands. Overdressed?That is a really pretty dress, compared to the threadbare cabin interior. [Like a lot of the ladies in these photos, she might have donned her Sunday best for Mr. Government Photographer, as well as for you and me. - Dave] (The Gallery, Kitchens etc., Russell Lee)
Paddy Wagon: 1936
... "Farmer's truck at state rice mill." 35mm negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Chevrolet ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/09/2012 - 1:29pm -

September 1938. Abbeville, Louisiana. "Farmer's truck at state rice mill." 35mm negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. ChevroletHis truck is a 1934-35 Chevrolet similar to the one in the photo below. Paddy WagonDave, I always look forward to your witty captions. Perfect formI give this "hunker" a 10. The farmer's name seems to be J. Broussard, reading from the truck's door. There are still many Broussards living in Abbeville. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Russell Lee)
Organ Transplant: 1937
... Indiana." View full size. 5x7 safety negative by Russell Lee for the FSA. Mount Vernon Flood Wow! That took me back. I was born ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/08/2011 - 10:31pm -

February 1937. "An organ deposited by the flood on a farm near Mount Vernon, Indiana." View full size. 5x7 safety negative by Russell Lee for the FSA. Mount Vernon FloodWow! That took me back. I was born in Mount Vernon, Indiana, in 1939, and my brother in 1937. We always heard about the flood of 1937, and I have a bunch of the family photo albums showing many flood pictures. Thanks! [You're welcome. I guess Mount Vernon was more Vernon than Mount. - Dave] Mount Vernon 1937 FloodThere is a marker downtown in Mount Vernon that shows were the water came to. The Flood never made it above 3rd Street except in the basements. Mount Vernon is more Mount than Vernon, because unlike Evansville, there was not a major displacement of people and it was treated as something for the kids to see, going down to the river. Most of the flood photos are from the flood plain west and south of the town, where there was no Mount. Organ transplantIt looks remarkably like the Hamilton organ I've got here in my flat in London. Age unknown. It seems that the Hamilton Organ company packed up in 1920, though the parent Baldwin piano company has staggered through various ups and downs. Mine still works, after repairs to the bellows, cleaning the reeds and emptying years of cigarette ash out of it. The one in the photo looks a slightly cheaper model. It has two fewer stops (probably the bass and treble couplers) and there's no sign of the knee bars to operate the swell dampers. There's a restored 1895 Hamilton illustrated here. (The Gallery, Agriculture, Curiosities, Russell Lee)
Showtime in Chicago: 1941
... in the Southside neighborhood." Medium format negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Looked the ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/11/2019 - 4:09pm -

April 1941. "The movies are popular in the Negro section of Chicago. Regal Theater and Savoy Ballroom in the Southside neighborhood." Medium format negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Looked the same in 1961when I was producing a series of Chicago jazz sessions for Riverside Records. I took this photo then—notice Sam Cooke and The Drifters were on the bill. This ain't a rehearsalI know it's been said before, but I love the way people used to dress up to go out. I still dress up when I go out. You live one time; dressing up is a nod to the uniqueness of every day. [As well as, in this case, Easter Sunday. - Dave] All the more reason to resurrect the custom of dressing up to go out. The first car is a 1940 Mercury. I bought one in 1968, and restored it by 1972. I used it for about 40 years, and then gifted it to a young friend who will take care of it for many years to come. UneditedI find it sorta remarkable that on the coming attractions, the Regal found it necessary to say they’re showing GWTW with “Nothing Cut but the Price”. What, they were going to clip out the burning of Atlanta because the show ran long?? Oy gevalt! Late ArrivalsI hope these filmgoers got a break at the box office in April of 1941. Both "The Philadelphia Story" and "Life With Henry" were released and had already been shown in movie houses in 1940. Previously on Shorpy ...We've been to the Savoy for roller skating a couple of times. The Coasters: 1941 Saturday Night: 1941 I hear a MeadowlarkIn addition to movies and roller skating, the Savoy also had basketball exhibitions by the Savoy Big Five, who later changed their name to the Harlem Globetrotters. Basie at the SavoyIt looks as if Count Basie was playing the Savoy ... can you imagine? ObservantI'm fascinated that the ones who noticed Mr. Lee are all children. So many of them are looking directly at the camera. Also, The Philadelphia Story is worthy of many, many viewings. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chicago, Movies, Russell Lee)
Trucks in a Row: 1940
... now under construction. Corpus Christi, Texas." Photo by Russell Lee. View full size. Debonair in the dirt The gents are looking ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/28/2019 - 8:14pm -

December 1940. "Lineup of trucks at workers' camp near naval air base now under construction. Corpus Christi, Texas." Photo by Russell Lee. View full size. Debonair in the dirtThe gents are looking pretty suave there, considering they're perched on begrimed bumpers and mired in the muck. That's a lot of ChevysNot a Ford or Dodge in the lot. TowsanSeeing the trucks in a row reminded me of something my uncle would say from time to time. Seville der dago Towsan buses inaro Nojo demis trux Summit cowsin Summit dux. See Billy, there they go. Thousand buses in a row. No Joe, them is trucks. Some with cows and some with ducks. Sic TransitI haven't seen that in print in many years (if ever)! The version I learned back in the early 60's was a different "Latin" dialect, I guess: Lucat bene derdego Honet buses inero Honomo demis trux Summit causin, summit dux (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Russell Lee, WW2)
Cozy Shack: 1939
... of shack home. May Avenue camp, Oklahoma City." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Not Shown ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/22/2018 - 11:19am -

July 1939. "Family in front of shack home. May Avenue camp, Oklahoma City." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Not ShownThere's no dog. Four kids keeps you busy but a dog would be nice. Tough times!How old is Mom, 26? Dog's aren't stupidIt's to doggone hot in those metal boxes in July! I'd bet the dogs are lounging under the trees we see in the background. The definition of poverty then compared to now is startling. Big screen vs food. Three out of fourThree out of four kids in the photo wearing shoes - they must have dressed up for the photographer. Only the runt got away until it was too late. A dog would be nice... but a dog has to be fed. (The Gallery, Kids, OKC, Russell Lee)
Hector's Palace of Sweets: 1937
... North Dakota. View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the FSA. Sign of Greatness Really great example of Art Deco here ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/09/2008 - 2:13am -

November 1937. Neon sign for Hector’s Palace of Sweets Cafe in Crosby, North Dakota. View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the FSA. Sign of GreatnessReally great example of Art Deco here An endangered speciesFor decades, we've torn down these extraordinary signs with no thought of salvage. There ought to be a sign museum. It won't be long before all the old signs are gone. [American Sign Museum. - Dave] A Sign Unto YouMy company still builds signs like these. There is little demand. When we do have projects like this they are by far the most enjoyable and always get the most press upon installation. There is a great sign museum in Tulsa as well and you can rent it for receptions and parties: http://www.stokelyeventcenter.com/ (The Gallery, Eateries & Bars, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
Chinese Temple: 1940
... street. Delano, California." Medium format negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Radio central ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/10/2019 - 5:12pm -

November 1940. "Main street. Delano, California." Medium format negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Radio centralThe pool hall has several "long wire" antennae attached to a pole. I'm guessing that would be the place to hear the game, etc. from the big city (LA & SF, about 160 miles away), or even international shortwave news. Deluxe radios of this era could tune shortwave and longwave in addition to commercial AM. Alternate theory: Local radio dispatch for trucks, etc. Not a deuceelbeaver, the car you are looking at it a Willys 77. The body style shown here was used from 1933 until '36. I can't tell without seeing the front end what one it is. Not a '32 FordThe "strange coupe" that is "four cars over" appears to be a circa 1933 Willys. "Old" CaliforniaFlorsheim Shoes always remind me of going to the mall in So. Cal. and my grandfather, who often wore them. And the side-on view of the grille of that late-30's Ford(?) in the front of the row of cars is fascinatingly almost transparent. I have never seen that angle on that before. 1937 FordReally nice '37 Ford Deluxe Fordor front and center. Pretty shiny looking for a three-year-old car in that era. Starfish on the GrilleOn the auto far left. Must be amphibious. Strange coupe.The '37 Ford is easy to identify but not the fourth car in. A five-window coupe with very interesting wheel design. I don't believe I've ever seen one before. Four Cars OverFourth car from the left I believe is a 1932 Ford -- tough looking 80 years ago. NehiI finally got what Radar O'Reilly was talking about in M*A*S*H all those years ago when he ordered a Grape Nehi at Rosie's Bar. Not being a citizen of the US. Jimmy D.The driver of the first car appears to have a large pointy nose and smoking a pipe. I realize it is really the hat brim of the person sitting in the right seat creating the nose illusion. I am not sure who is smoking the pipe. My first thought however was that the driver was Jimmy Durante. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Eateries & Bars, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
Baker Bikers: 1941
... Club, last seen here . 35mm acetate negative by Russell Lee. View full size. Daredevils Looks like a break during some kind ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/21/2020 - 11:39am -

July 1941. "Motorcycle racers, Fourth of July, Vale, Oregon." Members of the Baker Motorcycle Club, last seen here. 35mm acetate negative by Russell Lee. View full size. DaredevilsLooks like a break during some kind of performance, based on the climbing rig on the back of the bike and the folks lined up behind the wire fence. Massive handlebarMay it be to do stunts? or just for fun? A piercing SchreeckIn the far lower left corner, we see a mudguard banner with the words "Schreeck / er, Oreg." There are very few Schreecks anywhere; this one would seem to be Fred Schreeck Jr. of Baker (1920-2009). From the little I found, he was a farmer in Baker County; his father ran the local ice plant and cold-storage company. (The Gallery, Motorcycles, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
Ouray Bakery: 1940
... at Ouray, Colorado." Medium format acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Better than ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/30/2018 - 3:29pm -

September 1940. "Store buildings at Ouray, Colorado." Medium format acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Better than newNow Duckett's Market: StudebakeryJudging by the dented fenders and broken taillight, it looks like this 1938 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup has led a rough life in the few years it's been on the road. Hip, Hip, Ouray!I'm sure that was the town's motto. Mesker Store FrontsWaymarking reports: Hammond & Waring Grocery/Schwend & Mostyn Produce built this store in 1900 on the main street of Ouray, Colorado. It is still a family-owned grocery store with hours of 8 am to 6 pm, Monday thru Saturday, year round. This structure is a Mesker Building. Mesker Brothers of St. Louis were a primary supplier of anything from building parts to complete structures around the 1900s. Building could come on the railroad trains cars and be quickly assembled. This is the time of great industrial development in America. We often think of the mass production of automobiles, but the same occurred in buildings - both commercial and residential. (The Gallery, Russell Lee, Small Towns, Stores & Markets)
La Casa Enchilada: 1940
... front of store building. Mogollon, New Mexico." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. The ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/21/2018 - 11:31am -

June 1940. "Detail of front of store building. Mogollon, New Mexico." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. The Conversation Just After"C'mon in for a spell", the man with the dirty apron said, waving around a glass with some tired foam on it. "Nah, can't. Got work to do." said the photographer, feeling he'd been caught. "Government work. It's important. Might be famous someday." "What do you think I'm sayin, bud? I'm makin some more signs here and I need some help. I need a spell checker." [And that's when the photographer told him about a job opening in Montana. - Dave] Just askin'Do you get an enchilada or two if you board there? Looking at the prices, it might be a good deal if they're any good. Travel book releaseTitled "Mogollon, New Mexico, on $1.40 per day." The bench may not look too sturdy and the curtains double as dish towels (or vice versa) but where else can you take a vacation including food and lodging for that price? I wonder... if irregular boarders got a discount. Grill MarksGiven that bench is made out of straps of sheet metal, it's a wonder anyone ever actually sat on it. An interesting little town!... but the road to get there is not for the faint-hearted! It Still StandsIf you go to street view, it's known as the Old Kelly Store. It's easy to find in such a small area. It's been patched oa bit over time. (The Gallery, Eateries & Bars, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band: 1940
... conservation meeting." Medium format acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. If pianos ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/02/2010 - 10:35am -

February 1940. Vernon, Oklahoma. "Song director conducting singing of spiritual at soil conservation meeting." Medium format acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. If pianos could talkthat old beater could tell many stories I'm sure. Post "Dust Bowl" yearsMain topic of the meeting might have been "How to keep your soil from ending up in Arkansas and Missouri." Scatter-BrainWritten by Khan Keene, Carl Bean, Frankie Masters and Johnny Burke. The sheet music shows Frankie Masters. Covered by by Benny Goodman and Django Reinhardt, Guy Lombardo, Lawrence Welk, and many more. My favorite lyric: I know I'll end up apoplectic But there's nothing I can do It's just the same as being in a hurricane And though my life will be too hectic I'm so much in love with you Nothing else can matter You're my darling scatterbrain. Scatter BrainHere's a link to Guy Lombardo's rendition of Scatter Brain. It's one of those songs we've heard many times but can't name that tune. EarthySpirituals at a soil conservation meeting? Huh. What strikes me is that the landscape outside looks pretty darned barren -- probably need those spirituals. (The Gallery, Music, Russell Lee)
Big Bruvver: 1941
... farm labor camp mobile unit. Athena, Oregon." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Simple ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/20/2019 - 8:09pm -

July 1941. "Children outside tent home at the FSA migratory farm labor camp mobile unit. Athena, Oregon." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Simple pleasures -- few comfortsNo hot and cold running water; no indoor plumbing; difficult to prepare warm meals; no privacy. Toys were a luxury ... [The camp had stoves, running water, a laundry, hot showers, a swimming pool and at least one bicycle. Also a boxing ring. - Dave] Grapes of Wrath sceneWith all the aforementioned amenities, all that's is lacking is a lawnmower or a few goats for mowing duties. CringeThis brings back vivid memories of the times I rode barefoot and ended up with bloody toes. Be it ever so humble ...That bicycle is virtually new, so someone was thinking of the children and perhaps some double-duty fun. (The Gallery, Bicycles, Kids, Russell Lee)
Texas Topper: 1939
... top near market." View full size. 35mm negative by Russell Lee, Farm Security Administration. Top material Surface-coated fabrics ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/09/2011 - 2:58pm -

March 1939. San Antonio, Texas. "Man painting automobile top near market." View full size. 35mm negative by Russell Lee, Farm Security Administration. Top materialSurface-coated fabrics were used for lower priced soft tops and for covering the center deck of closed body tops. The latter application vanished with the advent of all-steel tops in the mid-1930s. For traditional black top-decking, a rubber-faced 4 ply fabric was specified by many car makers. If the top deck was to be painted (matching the car body), pyroxylin was used. Ford, and perhaps a few other makers, offered deck material featuring a print pattern on pyroxylin. PaintingThe gent painting his auto top reminded me of my uncle Frank Tucker. About the end of WWII, a company sold automobile paint and advertised that you could paint your own car. Uncle Frank bought one of the kits which included a special mitten for applying the paint. He did a fairly nice job of it too, but ran out of paint before he could cover the metal roof. Possibly he could have done the entire car had he worked faster so he could have gotten through before he ran out of paint. Backround CarLooks like a brand new '39 Mercury behind the man. This was the year Mercury began production in Fords mid-priced range. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
Norge: 1938
... home, Lake Dick Project, Arkansas." 35mm negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. The large ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/24/2012 - 9:38pm -

September 1938. "Kitchen in farmer's home, Lake Dick Project, Arkansas." 35mm negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. The large freezer compartment....When I was very young back in the late 40s we had a Norge refrigerator that was just slightly newer than the one shown. What I find really interesting is the freezer is NOT the large area below the open refrigerator compartment but the small square door in the center just below the woman's head. The lower area was where the belt driven compressor and its associated motor resided. As a youngster I would run the other way whenever my father removed the cover on this "scary" area. Those are some HUGE windows.But I guess they don't have to worry much about keeping the kitchen warm durog an Arkansas winter. The Linoleum rug is very modern and low maintenance (compared to wood floors, I suppose). Cold CokesMy grandmother had a fridge very similar to this one. She put the six and a half ounce Coca Colas in the tray under the freezer, and to this day, I have never tasted a colder or better drink. That old fridge ran for more than forty years. This photo brings back memories of my grandmother and her ice cold cokes. Freezing ColdAs Norwegian I find it hurtful to have my land and nation associated with cold environments like this. :P Re: Cold CokesMy parents also had a refrigerator similar to this one, a 1934 Westinghouse. The "freezer" was pretty much useless, as it would have to be set pretty low to keep a half-gallon of ice cream frozen, but it couldn't be beat for keeping drinks chilled. It had a degree setting instead of the "1-2-3-4" settings of modern fridges. It finally gave up the ghost in 2008. They don't build them like that anymore. The linoleum lives on ~I have two old grange tables that are topped with that lino pattern. it has beiges as the background, and red and blue for the blocks of color - it's not so bad to look at. Antique Snow ConesWe had a fridge like that too and the small freezer (just large enough to hold 2-3 ice trays) would build up ice which we would scrape off and make homemade snow cones. BrrrrAnd you had to manually remove the ice from the outside of the freezer compartment. Eat up the left over ice cream that was inside first. Shut off the power, a fan helps to loosen the frost. A Rare TreatThe federal farm electrification program began in 1936, same time as the 'new deal' farm resettlement project. When the Lake Dick Resettlement Project was completed in 1938, most farms were still without juice. (electric, not cow!) Ice creamhad to be eaten immediately in the days before large capacity freezers! (No inconvenience, when you think about it!) You typically got it hand delivered in town, and hand churned it out of town. If you had no electricity, gas-powered fridges were available. They are still used in RVs and similar applications. Norge, five years laterHow do you sell appliances in 1943 that you're not selling in 1943? (The Gallery, Kitchens etc., Russell Lee)
Pie Town BBQ: 1940
... the Pie Town, New Mexico Fair." Kodachrome transparency by Russell Lee. View full size. Coleslaw Sweet photo. I think the little boy in ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/07/2011 - 5:17pm -

September 1940. "Homesteader and his children eating barbeque at the Pie Town, New Mexico Fair." Kodachrome transparency by Russell Lee. View full size. ColeslawSweet photo. I think the little boy in the middle is saying to the man, "I'll take your coleslaw if you don't want it. I love coleslaw." eating on the groundyou can tell this was before the days of the FIRE ANT! jpf (The Gallery, Kids, Pie Town, Rural America, Russell Lee)
Death's Door: 1940
... at Penasco, New Mexico." Medium format acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Knockin' ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/28/2020 - 12:32pm -

July 1940. "Entrance to the cemetery at Penasco, New Mexico." Medium format acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Knockin' on Heaven's DoorThis black-and-white, somewhat stark image reminds me of the type of photo you'd see from Ansel Adams. Rio Lucio CemeteryDoors are gone, so it's easier for everyone to, uh, get in. Not that farI don't know the area, but Google Maps says this photo was taken only 35 miles from Hernandez N.M., where Ansel made his most famous photo ("Moonrise"). Twilight zoneI keep expecting to see Rod Sterling stroll on camera. (The Gallery, Rural America, Russell Lee)
A Tight Spot: 1939
... sister, all help with the painting." Acetate negative by Russell Lee. View full size. Frightening picture That is an accident waiting ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/24/2018 - 7:40pm -

June 1939. "Migrant steeplejack removing the crankcase from his automobile while his father blocks up the front wheel near Prague, Oklahoma. When he secures a job, the entire family, consisting of his father and mother, wife and sister, all help with the painting." Acetate negative by Russell Lee. View full size. Frightening pictureThat is an accident waiting to happen, with that jack and no additional support under the car. Two of Each"I got two lungs, might as well smoke two ciggies." [He's smoking one cigarette and one match, which might be his flashlight once he gets the oil pan off. - Dave] Wheel SealThat dark spot at the hub of the wheel generally indicates the inner wheel seal is or has failed. They'll probably be stopped along the road replacing wheel bearings pretty soon. ChryslerDefinitely a Chrysler, mid-20's, maybe 1925. So it was really an 'old" car in 1939. Not worth the riskMy wife's grandfather died that way. People's idea of risk was different back then. A Jack in the Grass=A car on your A&&. This is one of those, "Here, hold my Beer" kind of scenarios. The original Chrysler emblemDean Clark about the original Chrysler emblem: The seal form represented a wax seal of approval, with a ribbon, for this car. This represented quality (symbolizing state fair awards) and “emphasized the integrity of the car's makers.” The rope represents the strength of this car. Lightning bolts, looking like overgrown Zs, depict the power of the car. Source: Warren C. Steele (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Great Depression, Russell Lee)
Young America: 1941
... of July celebration in Vale, Oregon." Acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Winners! ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/18/2018 - 11:54am -

1941. "Kids' race at the Fourth of July celebration in Vale, Oregon." Acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Winners! Shoeless is best! If I recall my vintage catalog research well, shoes at the time mostly came with leather soles, in addition to leather uppers. With certain exceptions, like boots for barn wear or inclement weather, which were of course rubber. Leather soled shoes would be much too slick to run in, when what you're running on is dry dirt, therefore, stocking feet - for which you'll certainly get a scolding when your mother finds the condition of the "soles" of your socks! - or better yet, bare feet, are surely the way to go! [Another exception would be the rubber-soled sneakers worn by zillions of boys. - Dave] WinnersBarefoot seems to be the way to win. Stocking feet seems to be doing well also. Who needs shoes! Nice to see that the race is one class and not split between boys and girls or between ages. Of course, don't know if they have separate prizes but at least it is one race. Fit bunchNot a lot of body fat in the group. Chalk one up for the girls.They seem to be holding their own among all the boys. Boy on leftNever run a race without your Stetson on. (The Gallery, July 4, Kids, Russell Lee, Small Towns, Sports)
Idaho Chief: 1941
... the FSA labor camp. Caldwell, Idaho." Acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Turn around, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/11/2021 - 5:39pm -

June 1941. "Filling station and store across the street from the FSA labor camp. Caldwell, Idaho." Acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Turn around, Bright EyesI can't find a building similar to the one pictured near any entrance, but the Caldwell labor camp is still around - just transformed. It was originally built in 1938 to house American farmers displaced by the Depression. WWII caused labor shortages, so the Bracero program brought folks to Caldwell from Mexico as farm workers to cultivate and pick sugar beets, hops, and potatoes. The Bracero program continued until 1964; then the camp housed Mexican-American workers. Today, it houses workers from Mexico on H-2A visas. Also during the war, interred Japanese Americans were allowed out of the camps for temporary farm work, and some stayed at Caldwell. The camp originally had a mix of 2 bedroom houses and single-room apartments. The houses were occupied year-round; the apartments were for seasonal workers. After the war, the government transferred the camp to the Caldwell Housing Authority. Today, it's known as Farmway Village. Not exactly the Piggly WigglyIt's hard to imagine that the groceries could have been very good there (as in, plentiful and of a wide range), but I bet it was nice to have a cold drink while you filled up. For archfan: the Japanese Americans were interned ... not interred. xo (The Gallery, Gas Stations, Russell Lee, Small Towns, Stores & Markets)
Dime Cut: 1939
... Texas." View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. Ten Cents Ten cents in 1938 ... 
 
Posted by Ken - 04/21/2008 - 12:13am -

March 1939. "Mexican barber. San Antonio, Texas." View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. Ten CentsTen cents in 1938 money is worth $1.36 today only if you are using the Consumer Price Index alone to adjust for inflation. If you use a relative share of the GDP it comes out to something like $16. The Haircut Was A BargainAccording to this site, http://www.westegg.com/inflation/: What cost 10 cents in 1939 would cost $1.38 in 2006. ThanksI love this site. How wonderful is it to have a blog with little to no words, only photos, that says so much about how life used to be. How some things change (prices) and other things don't (man). Thank you. (The Gallery, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
Fais Do-Dudes: 1938
... taker." View full size. Medium format negative by Russell Lee for the FSA. Fais Do-Doers Wow, Jorge! That site you link to shows a ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/18/2008 - 1:54am -

October 1938. "Men's section at fais-do-do near Crowley, Louisiana. Note ticket taker." View full size. Medium format negative by Russell Lee for the FSA. Fais Do-DoersWow, Jorge! That site you link to shows a tiny version of another photo from this series. Same people are present, but the one girl doesn't have her head in her hands, and there's less "footsie" going on in the foreground. Neat! Fais Do-DoI was wondering about the name of these dances, since "fais do-do" is French slang for "go to sleep". There's a good summary here, along with the name for the guys' holding pen in the photo above: "une cage aux chiens." http://www.cajunculture.com/Other/faisdodo.htm (The Gallery, Music, Russell Lee)
The Vacationist: 1942
... the Family Campster. Medium format nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Office of War Information. View full size. Sketchy rig ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/30/2020 - 12:49am -

July 1942. "Oakridge, Oregon. Vacationist." Early version of the Family Campster. Medium format nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Office of War Information. View full size. Sketchy rigThe only thing holding that boat on the car is the 35MPH speed limit. Gone FishingNicely accessorized 1940 Chevrolet "Special Deluxe Club Coupe". ProofThere was a boat on there when we left. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Russell Lee, Travel & Vacation)
Poor Guy: 1939
... roof over it in May Avenue camp, Oklahoma City." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. He May Not Be ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/22/2018 - 5:44pm -

July 1939. "Bed with roof over it in May Avenue camp, Oklahoma City." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. He May Not Be Down on His LuckHe's wearing a Cities Service patch on what looks like a uniform that is in overall decent shape. Probably has a job. Interesting history of the company: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citgo [People sleeping outdoors on trash are down on their luck! - Dave] He may be down on his luck,But he's sporting a pair of well-used Chuck Taylors. AirbnbAir, Bed & Board. May AvenueI think many of the people of Oklahoma City have forgotten how rough it was here in those days. I wasn't born then, about 15 years later, but I heard a lot about it from my family. My great grandparents even had a land grant from the Run. The house I grew up in on the south side of the city had a working oil well one block over from us for many years, used to go to sleep at night listening to it and the trains that went past the house. May Avenue is very different now, of course. (The Gallery, Great Depression, OKC, Russell Lee)
Mormon Fridge: 1940
... in the atmosphere produces the cooling effect." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Wrapped and ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/17/2018 - 9:03pm -

April 1940. " 'Mormon refrigerator' used by caretaker at Tonto National Monument, Gila County, Arizona. Water placed in tin container on top drips over the burlap and rapid evaporation in the atmosphere produces the cooling effect." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Wrapped and UnwrappedNearby child produces "the cooling effect" in a different way. Ames Harris Neville desert water bagAs mentioned: "Saturate Before Using." How appropriate! Also known asThe Coolgardie Safe. Works on the same principle as the desert water bag, another simple and effective invention employing evaporative cooling. Desert water bags, of course, being made by such companies as Ames Harris Neville, and probably dime a dozen in desert climes during the '40s. [Also the same principle as the "swamp cooler." - Dave] In Greenhouses TooI see this principle used in large scale in industrial greenhouses here in Florida - they'll make one wall out of absorbent material and put drip sprinklers all along the top. Fans and vents keep the cool air moving through the greenhouse. It's fascinating to see. Grandma knewIn the summer months, she would hang burlap over the curtain rods and place a pan of water on the window sill with the bottom of the burlap curtain in the water with the window open. A poor man's air-conditioner. (The Gallery, Kids, Kitchens etc., Russell Lee)
In-Boxes: 1940
... View full size. Medium format safety negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. Mailboxes Maybe the Huttons ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/05/2012 - 4:13pm -

April 1940. "Mailboxes in Catron County, New Mexico." View full size. Medium format safety negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. MailboxesMaybe the Huttons kept a dog in the lower box to fetch the mail back to the farmhouse. Strange paradeWhat a strange parade of surreal mail boxes. And what a gorgeous photo. Just look at those clouds! (The Gallery, Rural America, Russell Lee)
Washed Up: 1939
... after washing up for dinner." 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. The Menu ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/17/2014 - 10:14pm -

June 1939. Muskogee County, Oklahoma. "Near Webbers Falls. Sons of agricultural day laborer after washing up for dinner." 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. The MenuIf they were lucky and had flour, water and lard, then dinner was fried dough (again) or sometimes beans. I knew an old timer from Oklahoma and he said when company was coming, Mom would just add another cup of water to the beans. Nikes, NikesWe don't need no stinkin' Nikes. (The Gallery, Great Depression, Russell Lee)
Delta County Fair: 1940
... View full size. 35mm Kodachrome transparency by Russell Lee, Farm Security Administration. Svelte Looking at this picture, I ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/08/2011 - 9:44pm -

October 1940. Fun at the Delta County Fair in western Colorado. View full size. 35mm Kodachrome transparency by Russell Lee, Farm Security Administration. SvelteLooking at this picture, I think people weren't as fat as they are now. Lean times, Lean peopleNot as much high-energy food and a sight more physical activity in the course of every day life... the same observations apply to Australians then and now. StylishToward the right, note the very stylishly clad mother and children trio: Mom in slacks with matching top, daughter at left in puttees and little boy in what looks like a sailor suit. (The Gallery, Kids, Rural America, Russell Lee, Sports)
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