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Lessons from the Women of the Great Depression & World War II
The stock market crash in 1929 through to the end of World War II in 1945 marks an era in which men and women were called upon to dig deep within themselves and find a strength and resourcefulness that many may not have realized they had...Lack of money in the depression years meant that families had to get by on very little. Growing a garden, keeping some chickens or rabbits and preserving the harvest were not mere hobbies, but a matter of survival. Women found all kinds of ways to creatively use and reuse what was available to them. To the end of her days, my grandmother saved every little jar to store leftover food or keep buttons and knick knacks. I remember a neighbor of mine who cut the cuffs off of her husbands worn work shirts because they were still good and might be needed in the future. These women had a hard time comprehending the throw away society that evolved during the prosperous 50’s and on through to our day. What is so impressive to me is how these women managed to do so much with so little. There are lessons aplenty for we who aspire to live the simpler, old-fashioned life in this day and age. Perhaps by taking a look at some of the ways they did what they did, we can take away ideas to enrich the lives of our families today. Remember, these women were no different than you and me. If they could do it, we can do it, too.
This is an excerpt from my January/February 2006 issue of New Harvest. Don't miss this one!
Lisa |
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