The 1930s were a turbulent and difficult time in Nebraska. The crumbling economy and falling crop and farm prices resulted in many farmers and ranchers losing their homes and livelihoods. Federal aid programs helped some, but Nebraska wouldn’t recover from the damage for quite some time. During this era of hardship, Nebraskans kept working and hoping for a better future. These candid photos give a glimpse into what life was like way back then.

1. A farmer and his daughter have a conversation at a sorghum mill in Lancaster County in 1938.
Photogrammar/Yale
2. These men are both picking their teeth as if they've just enjoyed a good meal in Beatrice, 1938.
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3. Men have a chat on a quiet Saturday afternoon in Lincoln in 1938.
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4. A rehabilitation client cans some foods to get the family through lean times. Lancaster County, 1938.
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5. A farmer plants corn in Lancaster County in 1936.
Photogrammar/Yale

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6. There were some happy moments during this difficult era. Here, a debtor and a creditor sign loan adjustment agreements in Alliance, 1936.
Photogrammar/Yale
7. A farmer receives a check from the county supervisor in Alliance, 1936.
Photogrammar/Yale
8. The county supervisor advises a rehabilitation client on the purchase of a tractor, Alliance, 1936.
Photogrammar/Yale
9. Folks take a break from their day to play on this water slide in the Pine Ridge area, Dawson County, 1936.
Photogrammar/Yale
10. A farmer and office worker have a discussion in the local rehabilitation office in Broken Bow, 1936.
Photogrammar/Yale
11. This heartbreaking scene was repeated all over Nebraska: a farmer is forced to watch his possessions go on the auction block after he lost everything due to the drought. Kearney, 1936.
Photogrammar/Yale

Have you heard stories from family members about this difficult part of Nebraska history? Do any of these photos look familiar? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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