Many East Texans, such as this man shown in his Jefferson home in 1939, lived in poverty during the Great Depression. Photograph by Russell Lee, courtesy of the Library of Congress.
They also offer their thoughts on today’s economic crisis.
*****
“We just didn’t have any money and no work.”
– D.A. Benton, 94
Dirt poor but fresh out of business school, D.A. Benton moved to Longview in 1933.
“This was the hottest place in the world” because of the oil boom, Benton said. “I had that business degree and I thought, man, I’ll get a job. I must have tried dozens of places until 1935, and before I just had a few days of work now and then.”
Living in a shotgun shack in Greggton, Benton did odd jobs in the oil field and tried his hand with the federal Works Progress Administration.
“Roosevelt started the works project, and I worked for them a little bit,” he said. “Just a day or two working on streets and digging ditches. That was really the government keeping us from starving, that’s all it was. We just didn’t have any money and no work.”
Benton grew up in Arkansas. His family bounced around the southern state after his father lost his farm, and steady work was hard to come by.
When Benton graduated from high school, he hitchhiked to a business college in Little Rock, where he found work in a grocery store that paid $1.10 for a 10-hour workday.
Benton earned his degree in 1933. He had three aunts whose husbands found work in the East Texas oil field, and the Benton family soon followed.
“My dad was already out here working for oil field supplies,” he said. “My mother rode on the cab and my brother and I rode on the front of the truck, and we got to Longview, Texas.”
After two years of unsteady work, Benton was hired as a bookkeeper and shop sweeper for Standard Tool and Machine in Greggton. A year later, one of Standard’s owners formed an oil-field service company and took Benton with him.
“Ever since then, the Lord has blessed me so much I nearly cry to think about it,” he said. “Everything it seems like I’ve touched since then has been helpful to D.A. Benton.”
These days, Benton said he follows the economic crisis with concern.
“I’m really worried about this condition now,” he said. “I’m just not smart enough to know what is best.”
A longtime Longview City Council member and three-term mayor, Benton is on the board of directors at Texas Bank & Trust.
*****
“White people worked in the oil field. Blacks were not allowed.”
– Lawrence Oten, 86
Lawrence Oten got his first paying job when he was 14, working on a neighboring farm in northern Rusk County.
“I plowed a mule for a dollar a day and dinner,” he said.
Farmwork was what he knew. As a child, Oten walked a couple of miles to the Star Bailey school near Laird Hill, and when not in class he and his siblings helped his parents on the family farm.
“It was pretty tough, but you were making it,” he said. “You raised your own meat, hogs, chickens, grew stuff in the garden, the vegetables. But you still made it good.”
One important crop was corn. After the harvest, they took the corn to a gristmill to be ground into meal for cornbread.
Though wildcatters were drilling for oil throughout the countryside, Oten said, his family and friends did not benefit from the boom.
“I knew very few people,” he said. “White people worked in the oil field. Blacks were not allowed to work in the oil field.”
Oten farmed until he was nearly 20 years old, when he joined the military during World War II. Everything from bologna to overalls was cheaper then, but Oten said he does not long for the old days.
“People, they wouldn’t want to live like that,” he said. “It’s just so much better living now than it was then. Then, a fellow was lucky to walk around with 25 cents in his pocket.
“Now you don’t know how much a fellow has in his pocket. He could have a million dollars in his pocket. It’s just so much different.
He doesn’t concern himself with the current economic crisis.
“No, it doesn’t worry me, you know. I don’t think about it. You just have to go with the flow. You make a little money, you have to govern yourself,” he said.
Oten said he gets by on his retirement pension and Social Security benefits. He offers advice for any people and businesses who might be struggling.
“If you don’t live within your means, you’ll mess yourself up,” he said. “You get yourself hanging out so far you can’t get back.”
After returning from Italy following World War II, Oten worked in a mechanic’s garage in Kilgore and later in the Kilgore Ceramics plant. He retired in 1987.
*****
“No food with no place to get food.”
– Mary Thompson, 92
Hobos wandered the railroad that ran alongside Mary Thompson’s farm when she was a young wife.
“My husband fed ’em just like they were family,” she said. “He’d have me cook bacon and eggs, because we had them.”
Thompson’s husband came from a prosperous family of cotton farmers in Sherman, she said. One day, Thompson recognized a hobo who she had fed the day before. She refused to cook for him a second time.
“My husband said, ‘Feed that man. He’s hungry.’ You’d just get sick of ’em, but they had no food with no place to get food,” she said.
Thompson grew up shelling peas and helping to can vegetables on a cotton farm in Howe, seven miles south of Sherman. Her father died of pneumonia in 1930. Thompson was 14.
“Back then, you didn’t go to the hospital like now,” she said. “It was just a poor time.”
When she was a senior in high school, Thompson’s mother bought a little restaurant to make ends meet.
“She just did everything to make a living,” Thompson said.
After graduation in 1933, Thompson’s aunt helped her find work unpacking clothes at a ready-to-wear clothing store in Sherman. Thompson married her husband, Albert, two years later.
“Back then, we were all the same, but I can look back now and see how prosperous we were because we didn’t have to do without nothing,” she said.
When she considers the state of the economy today, Thompson said she is not a pessimist.
“I just think that we’ll be OK,” she said. “I just think the Lord will take care of everybody. When he gets ready he’ll shut her down.”
Thompson moved to Longview three years ago to be near her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
*****
“It was bad. It was just terrible.”
– Rev. Frank Richardson, 82
When he was a child, the Rev. Frank Richardson’s family was among the fortunate ones, he said. At the height of the Great Depression, however, as many as 15 or 16 relatives crowded into his family’s Dallas home.
Richardson was 4 in 1930 when his father moved the family from Paris to Dallas to become the district superintendent of Dallas’s Methodist churches.
“We had a great big parsonage, and I remember all the family moving in with us because they didn’t have jobs,” he said. “I also remember people coming by every day to get some kind of food to eat, and my mother kept a big pot of soup that she kept on the stove all the time.”
One time a cold snap cracked the pipes at the parsonage. The plumber’s helper didn’t have any clothes to wear in the freezing temperatures, so Richardson’s mother gave him warm clothes.
Another time, a church in Oak Cliff fell into debt and was taken over by an insurance company. Richardson’s father had to go all over town to raise money to get the church back.
“I can remember it well,” he said. “It was bad. It was just terrible. You’d see pictures in newspapers of long lines of people trying to get something to eat. It’s bad now. A lot of people are out of work, but not like it was then.”
Richardson is a retired Methodist minister who lives in Longview.
*****
“Everybody was the same. We did without a lot of things.”
– Fay Field, 96
In college during the beginnings of the Great Depression, Fay Field said her classmates didn’t think much about economic hard times.
“Everybody was in the same boat,” she said. “Most people that I was with at that time didn’t feel really hard-pressed because everybody was the same. We did without a lot of things, but everyone else did so you didn’t mind it.”
Her father grew cotton, and her family leased their Navarro County land for oil drilling, enabling Field to go to college.
“One thing I remember about being in college during that time is the college boys were sitting on the corner of the campus watching the girls go by because they said that in good times the dresses were short, and then in bad they were long.
“They were watching the girls go by before the dresses became longer.”
After she graduated, and before she began her graduate studies at Southern Methodist University, Field applied for a teaching job at Pilot Point.
“There were people for blocks and blocks standing in line to go on into the school building to apply for teaching jobs,” she said.
Field got the job. It paid $100 a month.
Field is a longtime teacher who has lived in Longview since 1946.
*****
From crash to recovery
Black Thursday: The stock market crashes on Thursday, Oct. 24, 1929.
Collapse: The banking system collapses, prices and productivity fall, factories shut down, farms and homes are lost and mills and mines are abandoned.
No jobs: In 1933, nearly 25 percent of the workforce was unemployed. Gangs of young people ride the rails as hobos in search of work.
New president: Promising a “New Deal,” Franklin Delano Roosevelt is inaugurated on March 4, 1933.
Migration: Families split up or migrate in search of work. Shantytowns spring up. “Dust Bowl” residents abandon their farms and head for California.
New Deal: Through spending programs and price stabilization the New Deal jump starts the economy.
Depression’s end: World War II creates millions of new jobs in the civilian and defense industries, ending the Depression.
Source: Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Marist College
*****
Longview’s escape from the Depression
Gregg County suffered a major setback the year of the 1929 stock market crash, according to local historian Van Craddock.
The Texas & Pacific Railway announced it was moving its terminal from Longview to Mineola. Seven-hundred jobs and a $1 million payroll were gone.
“High unemployment followed. Then there was a major drought, cotton prices fell, timber production decreased and along came the Depression. It was the worst of times for Gregg County. But it wasn’t long before Lady Luck – some said it was divine providence – again smiled on the area.”
Wildcatters around Kilgore struck oil in 1930, and East Texas was thrown into the chaotic Oil Boom.
“While much of the nation had Depression bread lines, Gregg County had pipelines.”
– “Historic Gregg County: An Illustrated History,” by Van Craddock
3,951 responses to “East Texans recall the Great Depression”
Offer Skilled Providers Online and earn cool cash, become a Digital Tutor and make legitimaate cash online, earn a living Freelancing, make money with Content Writing, generate income with wbsite Design, make cash online by creating and promoting premium WordPress Theme/Plugins, earn cash on Fiverr Affiliate, make cash on Electronic mail Marketing, start importation business and make reliable money in nigeria, begin paid to read e mail job, the best way to earn a living online in nigeria, how to begin importation enterprise,legal internet business, legal on-line enterprise,reputable method of creating wealth online,naira,being profitable online in nigeria,getting cash on-line,how to become profitable online in nigeria,home business alternatives,become profitable on the internet,internet advertising and marketing,Work At house jobs,tips on how to generate income, how you can earn money online in nigeria free, present online jobs in nigeria,latest online jobs in nigeria,online writing jobs in nigeria,prime paying home business alternatives,prime paying home business,internet income,web business in Nigeria, generate profits on-line images,earn money on-line opinions,make money online proper now,generate profits on-line sport,generate income on-line with,generate income online in nigeria 2024,make money on-line broke,earn a living on-line now 2024,generate profits online by watching videos,earn cash online, earn money on-line nigeria 2024,generate profits online in nigeria 2016,become profitable on-line in nigeria 2014,make cash online in nigeria quick, become profitable online in nigeria pdf,earn cash online in nigeria into your local bank,make fast cash on-line in nigeria,make legit money on-line in nigeria, make professional money on-line in nigeria,make genuine cash online in nigeria,make cash writing online in nigeria,easy methods to make cash on-line in nigeria with out spending a dime, tips on how to generate income online in nigeria as a student,websites to earn cash online in nigeria,how one can generate income on-line in nigeria without paying,how to earn money on-line in nigeria with out paying something,.
A motivating discussion is worth comment. I believe that you ought to publish more about this topic, it may not be a taboo matter but typically people do not speak about such subjects. To the next! Best wishes.
I’m usually to running a blog and i actually respect your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for new information.
It’s a role-taking part in recreation in that you simply play a role and make character growth selections that be sure that you find yourself with a unique alter ego.
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?
Seven-day sailings from Le Havre and Oslo or Oslo to Le Havre go to Dieppe, France; Oostende/Brugge, Belgium; Amsterdam (Ijmuiden), Netherlands; and Kristiansand, Norway.
I have discovered some important matters through your website post. One other subject I would like to mention is that there are various games in the marketplace designed specifically for preschool age youngsters. They contain pattern identification, colors, dogs, and shapes. These commonly focus on familiarization as opposed to memorization. This keeps a child engaged without sensing like they are learning. Thanks
Thanks for sharing
After Barr used the Drive to turn the Imperial stormtroopers present against them, the Ninth Sister was betrayed by the Sixth Brother, who severed her proper foot and left her behind to die so that he might escape, although she managed to outlive.
In 1858, they named their first son Eberhard, after Ferdinand’s father.
There is a specific stipulation, that is, a purpose to be achieved; for instance, to checkmate Black inside a specified variety of moves.
It was beneath Dean Samuel B. Richmond, that the school was named for Ralph and Lulu Owen.
Avoid spraying water in the face (nostril) or within the ears.
Our objective is to offer each & every occasion a different Meaning, Id and a Imaginative and prescient with true professionalism to chart the roads of informative & entertaining occasions.
Looking for my services. check my blog
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for your suggestions. One thing I’ve noticed is the fact banks and financial institutions are aware of the spending routines of consumers and as well understand that many people max outside their credit cards around the trips. They smartly take advantage of that fact and commence flooding your own inbox and also snail-mail box together with hundreds of 0 APR credit card offers shortly after the holiday season finishes. Knowing that in case you are like 98 in the American public, you’ll hop at the possible opportunity to consolidate card debt and shift balances to 0 apr interest rates credit cards.
Wednesday at the primary Presbyterian Church in Palestine with Dr.
With family members or sole follow makes you more efficient.
you are actually a just right webmaster. The site loading pace is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a excellent process in this subject!
This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Take care! Where can I find the contact details for questions?
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Along with the crossing of massive numbers of troops (most of whom could not swim), he needed to safely transport horses and eighteen items of artillery over the river.
One more thing I would like to talk about is that in place of trying to fit all your online degree tutorials on days that you finish work (since the majority of people are fatigued when they come home), try to arrange most of your lessons on the week-ends and only 1 or 2 courses in weekdays, even if it means taking some time away from your weekend break. This pays off because on the saturdays and sundays, you will be more rested and concentrated in school work. Thanks a lot for the different suggestions I have realized from your blog site.
Some could be just a little stubborn at instances lol.
residential glass panels
Discover Custom Glass Solutions ?t Ideal
Glass & Glazing
Enhance ?our spacde ?ith architectural glass
features ffom Ideal Glass & Glazing, leading glass panel
experts ?n the UK.
Concurrently, a second force, underneath Major Common Goislard de Monsabert and consisting of one infantry division and similar supporting forces, would advance in a extra northwesterly path, encircling the naval port from the north and west and probing toward Marseille.
Real or American Diamonds may give a royal yet trendy feel to the mangalsutra.
If some one wants expert view about blogging afterward i propose him/her to pay a visit this web site, Keep up the nice job.|
This is very interesting, You’re an excessively professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look ahead to in quest of extra of your excellent post. Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks|
Occasion registration might appear to be a simple and easy process, but in reality it involves a plethora of actions that must be taken care of both pre and put up registration.
Bob Barr was first elected to the Home of Representatives in 1994 as a part of the Republican Revolution.
The Sämisch Variation was employed 5 times by Mikhail Botvinnik against Tal in the 1960 World Chess Championship, with 5 draws ensuing, and once within the 1961 rematch, with a win for White.
This led to the primary public point out of an aquarium project, in a 1982 pupil exhibit of what they described as an “city design construction” for downtown Chattanooga and the adjacent riverfront.
They will let you know in the event that they already have resources in place and where, they usually may let you realize if they’re otherwise occupied throughout this time.
Ultimately, it’ll characterize the integrity of your online business and skilled requirements you’ve gotten set for your company.
Jin-Soo’s injury to Sa-Eun is fairly severe so it is best to by no means ever cross paths together with her when she’s in that state.
An impressive share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing a little bit analysis on this. And he the truth is bought me breakfast because I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If attainable, as you develop into expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this weblog submit!
FREE admission. FREE parking.
Hi there very cool web site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally? I am happy to find a lot of helpful information right here within the post, we want develop extra strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .|
Thanks for your posting. I also think laptop computers are getting to be more and more popular nowadays, and now are often the only type of computer employed in a household. Simply because at the same time that they’re becoming more and more economical, their processing power keeps growing to the point where they may be as highly effective as desktop from just a few years ago.
Passing simply south of Lafayette, Kentucky, two large barns had been destroyed, several electrical transmission strains and many trees have been knocked down, a house alongside Previous Clarksville Pike sustained roof damage, and damage close to Lafayette was rated EF2.
But we turned up and noticed this young lad on prime of the portakabin trying to get our attention.
Survived by one son, Vester Nelson of Lamont, WA; one granddaughter, Joan Nelson, Spokane; one grandson, Donald Nelson, Lamont; Three sisters, Lyla E Hedberg and Lena Kulm, each Spokane; Cordelia Albers, St Louis, MO; two brothers, Otis Hedberg, Monroe City, MO; and Wesley Hedberg, Tahachita, CA.
The preliminary script read by means of came about in March 1995, with filming beginning on Friday 24 March in South-West London with the scenes set at the Brigadier’s home.
Skilled corporate occasion planners have just about seen it all and can convert that expertise into a victorious event, leaving both you and the attendees with a enjoyable and memorable expertise.
It’s bounded by 45th Avenue to the south, Vanderbilt Avenue to the west, 46th Avenue to the north, and Depew Place to the east.
Earlier than having any knowledge it after all lost every single recreation.
Hello there, I believe your web site might be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, great website!
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!|