We’ve looked at schools and farms from the 1930s in Texas, but what about homes? What about the places people came back to after a long day at work to unwind and be with their families? It’s easy to take our modern luxuries for granted since we don’t know any different (or at least haven’t for quite some time.) To help you put things into perspective, here are 9 homes from nearly a century ago. The differences are vast and make me appreciate what I have today.

1. Vinyl siding and fancy columns might not have existed, but that didn't seem to bother anyone. (Marshall 1939)
Russell Lee
2. Kitchens were stocked with canned goods to prepare for shortages. (Dalworthington Gardens 1936)
Arthur Rothstein
3. People made do with the little kitchen space they had. (Harlingen 1939)
Russell Lee
4. There were no machines to wash your clothes - you had to put in some elbow grease. (San Antonio 1939)
Russell Lee

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5. Lawnmowers sure have changed over the years. (San Augustine 1939)
Russell Lee
6. Not everyone had an actual house to call home. A lot of migrant workers lived in trailers. (McAllen 1939)
Russell Lee
7. The inside of the trailer might've been small and cramped, but people still found a way to make it feel like home. (Sebastian 1939)
Russell Lee
8. A tractor driver was given a dollar a day, this house, and a cow to milk in exchange for 10-11 hour workdays. (Memphis 1937)
Dorothea Lange
9. There were lots of plantation homes throughout the state. (Ellis 1937)
Dorothea Lange

Have you heard stories from parents or grandparents about homes like these? What are your thoughts on this gallery and home life in general in the 1930s? I’d love to hear your comments!

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