The Great Depression was a very hard time for most Americans, including those living in Oregon. These historical photos allow us a glimpse into another time, and into the lives of those who lived and struggled through the tumultuous 1930s. Thanks to the photographers from that period, we are able to see fragments of what Oregon looked like all those years ago and to begin to understand what people’s lives were like. A picture is worth a thousand words, as they say, and these images tell incredible stories. These photos were taken between 1936-1939 by Dorothea Lange and Arthur Rothstein, and they’re accompanied by their original captions.
25. "An abandoned farmhouse in central Oregon representing years of unfruitful efforts to make things grow."
24. "This family came to the potato harvest after the Oregon hop harvest. In FSA (Farm Security Administration) camp unit. Merrill, Klamath County, Oregon"
21. "Oregon, Marion County, near West Stayton. Children in large private bean pickers camp. Pickers came from many states, from Oklahoma to North Dakota"
10. "Oregon, Marion County, near West Stayton. Bean picker's child. Just arrived from near Joplin, Missouri. Question: 'Why did you leave there?' Answer: 'We couldn't make it.'"
9. "'We made good money in the cherries this year. From then on we made just beans.' Merrill, Klamath County, Oregon. Woman in mobile unit of FSA (Farm Security Administration) camp"
