It was a completely different world in 1940s North Carolina, between WWII, FSA, still recovering from the Great Depression, and many families still trying to make their way…it’s a time some of us lived through and some can only look through pictures and wonder. Luckily, the FSA brought in amazing photographers to capture all the moments we’d otherwise forget. These 10 pictures below give us a glimpse into life in 1940s North Carolina.

1. Feggen Jones resting on his plow in Zebulon, 1942
Arthur Rothstein
2. Mrs. Jones, the wife of a tenant farmer, looks away as she plows the field, 1940.
Jack Delano
3. W.M Scott's General Store giving out free haircuts on Saturday morning, Farrington, 1946.
Marion Post Wolcott
4. A North Carolina tobacco farmer near Farrington in 1940.
Jack Delano
5. Bantam Car in mid-air in 1940's Onslow. Looks like fun.
Yale / Photogrammar

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6. Salvaging buried trolley tracks to aid in war program in exchange for new guns,
Yale / Photogrammar
7. A mule auction on main street Creedmoor, 1940.
Arthur Rothstein
8. The interior of a general store in Granville. The boys are dressed up for election day. 1940.
Jack Delano
9. Bobby Willis gathering some things off the shelves his father, W.H Willis, built. Yanceyville 1940.
Marion Post Wolcott
10. The opening day of tobacco market and a chicken stew to raise money for a new gym in Caswell County.
Marion Post Wolcott

Wow, what a different time. Did the images bring back any memories for you?

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