There’s something fascinating about looking at pictures from the past. I’ve even written a few articles on the subject. Each time I discover more pictures or write on the subject, I always see readers recalling their memories, some even recognizing a face or two in the photograph.
The past was a much simpler time, and farming was the prime source of income in North Carolina. As tensions arose with Europe, many were still recovering from the Great Depression and farming was more sustainable but the world was shaky, changing, and uncertain. Yet, there was simplicity. These photos from 1940 North Carolina capture just that.
- If you got lost, needed to find your way, or simply needed directions…all you had was a paper map and some good directions from the locals.
Jack Delano
- Speaking of road maps…look at those vintage suitcases.
Jack Delano
- To see all of your friends and family, you’d just have to walk out of your front door.
Marion Post Wolcott
- The traveling carnival followed migrant workers around and stopped where there was a large concentration of them. Their show included a band concert, movie, and vaudeville.
Jack Delano
- A worker at the grading station in Belcross. His hopes are to find a 20 cent/hour job and one day have a 100-acre sweet potato farm.
Jack Delano
- An aerial perspective of Durham and the tobacco warehouses.
Arthur Rothstein
- A farming family poses for a picture. Three of the children in the left corner are those of the neighbor. Tobacco farming was hard and intense, but many depended on it for their sole livelihood.
Jack Delano
- Four men sit at the pick table end of a potato grader. Although they were working, they did have some good conversations.
Jack Delano
- The streets of Roxboro look a little gloomy on this rainy day.
Jack Delano
- Two farmers in Roxboro stop on Main Street for a smoke and a midday chat.
Jack Delano
- A gorgeous house on Main Street in Elizabeth City.
Jack Delano
- At the freight station in Elizabeth City, an outdoor potato grader requires more than one person to operate. Migrant workers gather around.
Jack Delano
- The tobacco grows high around this farmhouse in northwest Asheville.
Marion Post Wolcott
- Florida migrants passing through North Carolina stop and pose for a picture on their way to Cranberry, New Jersey, to work on a potato farm.
Jack Delano
- A man named Mr. Rigsbee and his son. Tobacco seeds are in the box his son is holding, and Mr. Rigsbee holds the peg. It’s safe to say they had a long day of planting ahead of them.
Jack Delano
Wow. Those pictures are simply fascinating. A real glimpse into the past! What did you think of the images? Did they bring back any memories for you?
Jack Delano
Marion Post Wolcott
Arthur Rothstein
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
