25 Rare Photos Taken In Maine During The Great Depression
The stock market crash of October 1929 brought on one of the hardest times in America’s history. The Great Depression, which took place during the years 1929-1939, caused as many as 15 million Americans to be unemployed. During this difficult time in history, the New Deal was put into place by President Roosevelt. An important part of this reform was the Farm Security Administration, which worked to alleviate poverty among some of the most rural areas in America.
Maine was largely held intact by this element of the New Deal. And it helped the potato farming industry hugely. In these recently released photographs we see how rural Maine made it through the Great Depression. It’s nice to see that despite the hardships, between the poor, rural homes and hard work, some smiles can be seen.
1. Farm Security Administration client, Mrs. Patrick Dumond, a potato farmer with two of her children at home. (Lille, 1940)
6. Poster distributed throughout Aroostook County, Maine by the potato growers association advertising the barrel rolling contest. (Presque Isle, 1940)
7. Baskets used for gathering potatoes are dipped in an acid bath as a preventive measure against bacterial wilt and other diseases. Woodman Potato Company Farm. (Caribou, 1940)
12. Very often entire families would become part of a large crew of potato pickers. This mother, father and son are taking a break during their lunch hour in a field. (Caribou,1940)
16. Prize bull owned by Robert Cunningham, Farm Security Administration client. Beef cattle was introduced to supplement potatoes as a source of income. (Washburn, 1940)
23. Children of Baptiste Deprui, French-Canadian potato farmer. Deprui ran a small seed foundation unit and also raised some certified seed oats. The barrels in front of the house were left there after he had stored all the potatoes in the cellar of the house. The potatoes completely filled the cellar as high as the floor boards. (Soldier Pond, 1940)
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
