Most of us hadn’t graced the earth with our presence yet in the 1930’s, but that doesn’t stop us from wondering what life was like. Our parents and grandparents can share memories and stories, but there’s nothing like a photo gallery to convey the trials and tribulations (and blessings) of being alive in post-Depression Texas. Take a look at these 24 old photos from 1939.
If only jails today could be as small as this one in San Marcos.
Russell Lee
This is the house of a small vegetable farmer in Santa Maria.
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Thankfully our education has improved since 1939.
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This miniature golf course in McAllen is perfect fun for the whole family.
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And this movie theater in Pharr is just adorable. I wonder what movie they’re going to see!
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I wish my tax collector’s office looked this friendly and inviting.
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These people in Harlingen are enjoying a burger and good conversation with their friends. Who needs fancy restaurants?
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This little secondhand clothing store in Corpus Christi probably helped clothe a lot of struggling families.
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Gas for 15 cents? Where’s a time machine when you need one?
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People found enjoyment in the simplest of things. A game of dominoes made for a fun weekend activity in a Sebastian beer parlor.
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Childcare wasn’t the best in the 1930’s.
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The spinach growing center of Texas was in Crystal City, so this monument was fitting. I wonder if it’s still standing today.
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I’ve always wanted to go to an old-fashioned barbershop.
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Farmer’s markets were just as abundant as they are now. This one is in San Antonio.
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Kids will be kids, no matter the era.
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Buying a new car was such an amazing feat.
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I don’t think I’ve ever seen a schoolhouse smaller than this one in El Indio.
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The Marshall town square was alive with activity back in March of 1939.
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This is a real estate office in Poteet. Ah, what simple times.
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Church always has been and always will be important in Texas.
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How does this bank in San Augustine compare to your bank?
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Oil field work was definitely far more manual.
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The days when schoolchildren worried only about not tripping over a jumprope were splendid days indeed.
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Everyone was social in the East Texas old days. This street is lined with people out and about and enjoying their day.
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As you can see, life was very different back then. But differences aside, there are some things about our state that will always remain the same – and looking into the past can remind us of this. What are your thoughts on these pictures? Let me know in the comments below!
Russell Lee
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