What Every Small Town In Arkansas Had In The 1930s. It Was A Simpler Time.

Arkansas residents struggled to survive during the 1930s. Times were definitely hard, but the quality of life was much simpler than the fast-paced society we live in today. These pictures of life in the 1930s in Arkansas show that leisure time and hard labor were a part of every small town around the Natural State.

1. Sunday Clothes

Even today you'll still find clothes set aside for a formal Sunday gathering in Arkansas. Ben Shahn took this photograph on a Sunday in Little Rock in October 1935.

2. Washboards

In addition to all the other knick knacks around houses in the 1930s, you're sure to find a washboard somewhere. Ben Shahn took this photograph of a Boone County family in October 1935.

3. Everyday hats and caps

Hats and caps were simply worn more often in those days. Carl Mydans took this photograph of Batesville men in hats in June 1936 showing what it was like in the 1930s in Arkansas to look dashing and debonair. Sporting a giant 'stash was all the rage as well.

4. Canned goods

Carl Mydans took this June 1936 photograph of a Batesville woman and child with a bevy of goods from a canning kitchen.

5. Wagons

Wagons were the main transport to haul heavy loads, and they were everywhere around Arkansas in the 1930s. Ben Shahn took this picture of Pulaski County cotton workers in October 1935.

6. Canning kitchens

The interior of this canning kitchen in Johnston County, Arkansas was taken in August 1935 by Arthur Rothstein.

7. Livestock

Livestock was an integral part of the household in many rural Arkansas towns during the 1930s. Photographer Ben Shahn photographed this Boone County farmer in October 1935.

8. Washbins

Not everyone had a fancy electric washing machine, but surely everyone had a washbin to collect water. Russell Lee took this picture of an Arkansas farm wife washing clothes in September 1938. Many of the oldest photos in Arkansas show simple things like life on the farm.

9. Cotton field workers

This female cotton field worker, photographed by Russell Lee in September 1938, had a job that many others of that decade knew very well. Human hands instead of machines were employed in the cotton fields.

10. General Stores

Russell Lee took this October 1938 photograph of a storefront in Altheimer. General stores were a usual sight in the 1930s.

By viewing these photos about life in the 1930s in Arkansas, we get a better understanding of how life was in those days. The 1930s were not an easy time to live, but the strength and perseverance of Arkansas residents in those days showed future generations how to work hard and appreciate whatever luxury life can give you. Do you have any historic photos of Arkansas that you hold dear? Tell us about them in the comments.

If you enjoy a mix of history and outdoor exploration, you might like this guided walking history tour of Downtown Eureka Springs. You'll learn about the natural features in the area as well as the locals who shaped the city.

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