What Every Small Town In Maryland Had In The 1930s. It Was A Simpler Time.

It's hard to imagine life in the 1930s in Maryland. Development, inventions, and population continue to rise and Maryland looks quite different than it did in decades past. Take a look at the following images to get a glimpse of what every small town in Maryland had in the 1930s.

1. A Barber Shop

The shops were small, and the barber was likely known by everyone in town. (Berwyn, 1937)

2. A Post Office

When was the last time you visited a post office? In the 1930s, it was a must for keeping in touch. (Berwyn, 1937)

3. Swimming Holes

Not many people had access to a pool decades ago,

so local lakes (and the Chesapeake Bay!) were go-to spots on a summer day.

(Greenbelt, 1938)

4. Farmland

Maryland's prime industry was farming and thankfully, we still hold onto those roots.

(Garrett County, 1935)

5. A General Store

Forget the big chain grocery stores. In the 1930s, folks purchased all necessities at one general store. (Garrett County, 1935)

6. A Blacksmith

There weren't many mass-production factories so blacksmiths were in high demand, handcrafting intricate household items and fixtures. (Prince Georges County, 1935)

7. Dirt Roads

Rustic dirt roads were the norm and they were just as dusty as they look. (Garrett County, 1936)

8. A Pharmacy

Pharmacies were much more simple,

offering basic remedies and first aid supplies.

(Hagerstown, 1937)

9. A Train Station

While cars were around,

trains were still the main source of transportation.

Some of these historic train stations still remain around the state.

(Hagerstown, 1937)

10. Clotheslines

Before dryers, there was the awkwardness of hanging underwear for all the neighbors to see. (Greenbelt, 1937)

For more vintage photos captured in Maryland, take a look at these fascinating images from The Great Depression:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/maryland/great-depression-md/

Are you proud to hail from a state as resilient as Maryland? Take a look at this unique state pride apparel from Wear Your Roots.