What Every Small Town in Kansas Had in the 1930s. It Was a Simpler Time.

Ever wonder what it was like in Kansas in the 1930s? The 1930s were trying times in the history of the entire nation — the history of Kansas included. Between the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and a looming World War, the economic climate was challenging, and nothing seemed certain. Despite the complexities of the economy and drought, the world was a much simpler place, as shown by these 12 rare and historic photos of Kansas depicting life in the 1930s.

1. FDR speaks at the Kansas State Capitol. (1932)

2. "Glenn Cunningham competing for the University of Kansas." (1933)

3. "Steam Shovels. Cherokee County." (1935)

4. "Stockyards. Kansas City, Kansas." (1936)

5. "A farmer's son playing on one of the large soil drifts which threaten to cover up his home. Liberal, Kansas." (1936)

6. "Drovers at rest in stockyards. Kansas City, Kansas." (1936)

7. The Jayhawk Theatre marquee. (1938)

8. "Co-op Creamery. Baldwin City, Kansas." (1938)

9. "Farmer on the street, Minneapolis, Kansas." (1938)

10. "Farmer's Union Coop grocery store, Centralia, Kansas. This cooperative has received a loan from the FSA (Farm Security Administration)." (1938)

11. "Water bottle on side of farm truck. This is a common sight in western Kansas." (1939)

12. "Poster in drugstore window, Syracuse, Kansas." (1939)

After taking a look at these historic photos of Kansas, do you have a better feel for what it was like in the 1930s - that tumultuous decade that threatened the fabric of our entire nation? If you're interested in seeing more vintage photos, here are some even older images of Kansas that are absolutely fascinating.