In past articles, we’ve shown you images of New Mexico during the 1930s that concentrated on public life. But what were people’s lives like in the privacy of their homes? What kind of houses did they have? Obviously, people lacked today’s modern conveniences, but these 13 photos – of 11 residences – show the differences and similarities between the houses of yesteryear and those of today.
- When this shot of a farmhouse in Mills was taken in 1935, the town was already floundering due to the ravages of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.
Photogrammar/Dorothea Lange
- This is an example of a home in Taos during 1936. Do you think it’s still standing?
Photogrammar/Arthur Rothstein
- As you can see, New Mexican homes in the 1930s had a variety of architectural styles. This adobe home was located in Las Cruces.
Photogrammar/Arthur Rothstein
- A family standing in front of their farmhouse in Questa, in 1939.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- All good home stories feature a before and after reveal! This was the abode of one B.C. Aaron, who lived in Eddy County, BEFORE he received a tenant purchase loan from the Farm Security Administration. Pretty humble.
Photogrammar/Unknown
- This is where he lived after he received a loan!
Photogrammar/Unknown
- The photo of this home, located near Taos, was snapped in 1939. Aside from the black and white image, this could be a real estate listing today.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee However, the inside of homes during this decade were decidedly different…
- Since 1930s kitchens lacked the amenities we’re accustomed to having, food preparation probably took much longer. But I bet the effort paid off. Here, a woman is spreading lard over the top of homemade bread.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- A little boy perches on a chair in the kitchen. Next to him, mounds of tortilla dough wait to be rolled out.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- A woman peels chile after heating the peppers on her stove. Doubtless, similar scenes are still taking place throughout the Land of Enchantment!
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- A living room/bedroom in 1939. As you can see, wallpaper adds some pattern to the walls and pieces of lace hang over picture frames.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- This sideboard, in the same home, is covered with treasured photographs.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
- Even more framed snapshots are displayed on this corner table.
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
Do you have any family stories about what our state was like in the 1930s? Go ahead and tell us about them on the Only In New Mexico Facebook page.
Photogrammar/Dorothea Lange
Photogrammar/Arthur Rothstein
Photogrammar/Russell Lee
Photogrammar/Unknown
However, the inside of homes during this decade were decidedly different…
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