Jack's Farmer's Interview (1) .pdf

THE

GREAT

?

DEPRESSION

How has the depression affected you?
Well we don’t have as nearly as much disposable income as before, we have to be much more frugal and conservative
of what we use.
What do you think should be done to solve this issue?
The government should put restrictions on the businessmen who caused this and create jobs.
Who is to blame for the depression?
I think President Hoover is. Listen, I’m not a banker but I know that this could have been prevented with government
intervention. Isn’t that why they take my tax dollars?
How do you support your family?
I spend my time doing household chores when I’m not busy being a farmer.
What was the first notable effect the depression had on you or your family?
I first noticed the depression when my wife started complaining about the prices of foodstuffs in the groceries.
What was personal hygiene like?
Showers were replaced with moist towel wipes and showers were colder.
How were your relationships affected?
Family got closer together, we shared a lot more too. Your older cousin’s shirt would be yours in a few months. If you
wanted to go to church and someone had a car, we would fit as many of the little ones as possible in.
What is different on the dinner table?
Serving sizes, I’m sure I lost at least a few pounds already. Everyday we have canned soup and bread for lunch,
breakfast and dinner do have some variety.
What is school like?
The hours are shorter and the teachers seem less motivated to do a good job. Can’t blame ‘em, bad pay and having to
deal with children? I have to deal with 4 and that’s murder on my mind, imagine 30.
What do you do for fun?
The wife and I like to go to the city to watch movies and plays, the kids like to visit family and play with each other.