Maybe you’ve heard stories of what life was like in Pennsylvania during your parents’ or grandparents’ childhoods, but did you ever get the chance to see it? Here are some pictures that, thanks to Yale University, have been saved and made available to the public. Check them out and see how different things used to be.
- A trip to the post office takes on a vintage look.
Ben Shahn/ Yale Some men stand outside of a post office. Looks like the line was just as long back in 1935.
- A typical workman in 1935 had quite the accessory.
Carl Mydans/ Yale Here, a miner and his mule pose at the American Radiator Mine in Mount Pleasant.
- Coal mines comprised a huge part of employment back in the day.
Paul Vanderbilt/ Yale Here are some workmen in a coal yard in Philadelphia.
- Little kids, invariably, always look like little kids.
Walker Evans/ Yale A line of boys who are part Sons of the American Legion in Bethlehem.
- Where did people go to hang out after work?
Ben Shahn/ Yale Here is a popular spot: the Convict’s Barbeque in Connellsville.
- …And, here is the outhouse behind the Convict’s Barbeque.
Ben Shahn How luxurious! Indoor plumbing is sure nice.
- A walk down Main Street.
Walker Evans/ Yale Here is downtown Mount Pleasant, retro, 1935-style.
- When you get home, what awaits?
Ben Shahn/ Yale Here’s a typical interior shot of a dining room table in Westmoreland County.
- And here is a typical, 1935 bedroom.
Carl Mydans/ Yale It seems that not too much has changed, especially if you have a vintage taste to begin with.
- Some guys relax and play instruments together.
Ben Shahn/ Yale This scene from 80 years ago isn’t so different from something you might see today, minus a few costume changes and most likely, the banjo.
- Grocery shopping doesn’t look terribly different, either.
Carl Mydans/ Yale Pictured is a food co-op in Mount Pleasant.
- And lastly, chickens will always be chickens.
Edwin Locke/ Yale That is, except when they used to be dinosaurs.
Wow. What did you find most striking? Share below.
Ben Shahn/ Yale
Some men stand outside of a post office. Looks like the line was just as long back in 1935.
Carl Mydans/ Yale
Here, a miner and his mule pose at the American Radiator Mine in Mount Pleasant.
Paul Vanderbilt/ Yale
Here are some workmen in a coal yard in Philadelphia.
Walker Evans/ Yale
A line of boys who are part Sons of the American Legion in Bethlehem.
Here is a popular spot: the Convict’s Barbeque in Connellsville.
Ben Shahn
How luxurious! Indoor plumbing is sure nice.
Here is downtown Mount Pleasant, retro, 1935-style.
Here’s a typical interior shot of a dining room table in Westmoreland County.
It seems that not too much has changed, especially if you have a vintage taste to begin with.
This scene from 80 years ago isn’t so different from something you might see today, minus a few costume changes and most likely, the banjo.
Pictured is a food co-op in Mount Pleasant.
Edwin Locke/ Yale
That is, except when they used to be dinosaurs.
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