This photo is from 1935. One notices the prices and how inexpensive they are by todays standards. But then you can see that the barbershop is empty, no customers in sight.
The food prices are super low, but this picture was taken during the great depression when yearly wages averaged $750 and farmers averaged $250. All of a sudden 10 cents for a haircut and a pork chop seems like a lot of money.
A little look into the past. Not quite sure if it was the good old days.
ray
Fitchburg, Masachusetts.- The Fitchburg Art Museum is proud to present "Pioneers in American 20th Century Photography", on view at the museum through March 18th. A rare and recently acquired Alfred Stieglitz image "The Steerage" (1907), is the centerpiece of this exhibition featuring early 20th Century American photography. This seminal photograph, printed on Japanese tissue paper, is one of only eight existing in the world. It has been hailed as one of the greatest photographs of all time because it captures in a single image both a formative document of its time and one of the first works of artistic modernism.
6 comments:
We need to remind ourselves that although prices seemed to be low "back in the day", they were actually not, compared to the lower exchange rate of the period.
For example, an $89 typewriter in the 1930s would be the equivalent of over $600 now!
Cameron
Yes, it is true that the dollar was worth a lot more back then. I love the typewriter as a point of reference!
Hi Ray,
A fascinating reflection back to those days of the 1930's. I suppose, to some degree, each generation refers back to an earlier time as the good old days. Sometimes I think of the 1970's as the good old days. Then I remember having to cash in pop bottles to get some money for food. Still, it was a learning experience and I think it has made me more resilient and resourceful.
Thought you should know that Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, has bestowed an award upon your superb blog. She tells me that you in no way should feel obligated to acknowledge this. We leave it up to your good self.
Enjoy your weekend. I'm going to have a hot chocolate drink. Bloody cold here!
Gary
I owe Penny a thank you and will stop by to say hi and thank you. We are fortunate to have t-shirt and shorts weather here. Again thanks!
Great photo. A lot is happening in that space.
Hi Linda
I love old photos like this. I always wonder how it felt to live back then.
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