Vermont has never been a rich state. It has been founded and harvested upon the hard work of dedicated people who had to face many difficulties, including the harsh winters year after year. A devastating blow to Vermont’s livelihood was the the Great Flood of 1927 which shattered the state and caused an estimated $21 million in damage. Vermont’s roads, bridges, and railways were hit hard and local communities could not afford to rebuild. Almost immediately following the Great Flood was the Great Depression.
The Great Depression that began in late 1929 struck hardest in Vermont cities. Unemployment led to shrinking tax lists and greater costs for the relief of the poor. Let’s take a look back in time to see what Vermont was like during this time period.
- Highway signs in Rutland.
Russell Lee
- Sign alongside the road near Albany.
Carl Mydans
- The old timers take to the steps of the general store in Albany.
Carl Mydans
- Bragg show announcement in Lowell.
Carl Mydans
- A once prosperous farm that has been allowed to fall into disrepair in Caledonia County.
Arthur Rothstein
- Antique shop in Windsor County.
Arthur Rothstein
- Interior of railroad station in Randolph.
Arthur Rothstein
- Frank Kinney on a hay rake, in Eden Mills
Arthur Rothstein
- Storekeeper in Lowell.
Arthur Rothstein
- Snow fences in Lamoille County.
Arthur Rothstein
- Business block in Randolph.
Arthur Rothstein
- Covered bridge in Plainfield.
Arthur Rothstein
- The McNallys at dinner in Kirby.
Arthur Rothstein
- Blacksmith in Lowell.
Arthur Rothstein
- Silo on a farm in Eden Mills.
Arthur Rothstein
- Hired man and team, Putney Homesteads, near Woodstock.
Marion Post Wolcott
- Mr. Gilbert and hired man had to haul all their water in milk cans during winter months as all other sources of water were frozen. Woodstock.
Marion Post Wolcott
- On many farms in Woodstock, Vermont, water had to be hauled for two months when other sources of water were frozen.
Marion Post Wolcott
- Townspeople listening to discussion and balloting during a town meeting in Woodstock.
Marion Post Wolcott
- Milk house cooled by running spring water on farm near Lowell.
Carl Mydans
- Fair day in Morrisville.
Carl Mydans
- An auction in the Hyde Park vicinity.
Carl Mydans
- Old Vermont carriage and farm family near North Hyde Park
Carl Mydans
It’s always interesting to see how much has changed and how much has stayed the same in Vermont.
Russell Lee
Carl Mydans
Arthur Rothstein
Marion Post Wolcott
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