Small town Missouri in the 1930s looked like most of middle America during this time.  While things were simpler, times were hard, especially for farmers.  We took a look at the homes from that time, and showed various views of life from 1935 in previous posts.  Here, we look at more of the normal day to day in small town Missouri in the 1930s.

1. A typical group of farmers in Prairie City, Mississippi County, March 1936.
Photogrammar/ Carl Mydans
The man on the left may not be a farmer. Notice the difference in his clothes and the fact that he doesn't seem part of things.
2. A horse is paraded before prospective buyers at a farm sale, Pettis County, November 1939.
Photogrammar/ Arthur Rothstein
3. The entrance to a store in La Forge, May 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
Benz Baby Bowel Corrective, and Ex Lax? Do we see a theme here?
4. Southeast Missouri Farms. Interior of schoolhouse, La Forge, May 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
For a great explanation of the formation of the Southeast Missouri Farms agricultural community, check out this article by Little River Valley.
5. Farmers at auction drinking soft drinks, Sikeston, May 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
Vess Soda is a brand of soft drink manufactured and distributed primarily in the St. Louis area.
6. Spectators at a wrestling match, Sikeston, May 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
7. Ornament on the radiator cap of an automobile, Sikeston, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
8. Display of candy in a store, La Forge, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
The candy section of a store is not much different today, especially in some smaller stores.
9. Display of merchandise in a store, La Forge, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
Seems like an odd way to sell razor blades.
10. Display of merchandise in a store, La Forge, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
I'll be honest, the only display here I completely understand is the handkerchiefs. Are they selling pipes or pipe cleaners? Also, what exactly is "Solder Seal?"

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11. A crowd in front of an itinerant photographer's tent in Steele, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
"Photos that looks like you!"
12. Apples and peddlers, Steele, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
13. A sign in Steele, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
14. Watermelon peddlers and buyers, Steele, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
15. Pool hall in Steele, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
J. Marten's Pool Hall. The building doesn't exactly look solid, but I would love to see inside.
16. Children looking at posters in front of a movie theater on a Saturday, Steele, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
17. Farmer in town with his family on a Saturday afternoon in Steele, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
18. A street scene in Steele, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
Note the cotton picker's bag in middle ground,
19. Children sitting on the fenders of a car in Steele, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee
20. A delivery boy in Caruthersville, August 1938.
Photogrammar/ Russell Lee

I just love looking at these old photos!  I love seeing the old logos for products that are still around.  It’s also fun to see the people interacting with each other.  It gives you a glimpse into the culture of that place and time.  What is your favorite?

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