Back in the day, people lived slower, simpler lives, without the benefit of modern technology. The chaos of a million things didn't seem to derail them from what was important, because that was all that they had time for. As much as I love my modern conveniences, it seemed like people back then had their priorities pretty straight. I think it would be a nice historic time to visit, don't you? Life in the 1930s in NorCal was certainly different than it is today, but there are still plenty of familiar sights, products, and places. Let's dive into some historic photos of Northern California and see what it was really like in the 1930s in California!

1. Mobile Homes

Yuba is where you would've found these neighbors. Everyone needs a home to call their own. These folks appreciated the tiny home movement and van life trend even before it was popular.

2. U.S. Post Office

Neither rain nor snow...I love the shot of these old cars in this photo. Looks like finding a parking space has always been a struggle. This post office was in Auburn.

3. Police Officer, San Francisco

San Francisco has been the meeting place for protesters for generations. Great job security for the police department.

4. Farm Workers Co-op, Tulare County

Part work, part community gathering place.

5. Doctor

This doctor is examining a migrant farm worker's son.

6. Library

The library. One of those magical places almost all of us can remember in our own childhood.

7. Product Transport

This truck may not be an Amazon Prime delivery truck, but it's still bringing much-needed supplies to farmers and their herds!

8. Home and Garden

Housing prices might be a little different these days, but there's no place like home sweet home and your own home-grown veggies.

8. Sunday School

Church has always been a part of Western culture, and Sunday school is still a thing today! What's unique about this photo's context is that back in the day, small congregational groups would sometimes stroll around and sing in between services, enticing people to come and ministering to those who couldn't attend.

9. Grocery Store, Loomis

Here's where you went to pick up everything under the sun.

10. Preschool

These youngsters were part of a preschool class at a school specifically for migrant children. California wouldn't be here today if not for these families!

11. Wagon Rides

Family time still matters even today, and these youngsters are along for the ride!

12. Gas Station

I think we're all familiar with this one! Fuel prices back then would have been $0.18-0.21 per gallon.

These are just a few of the oldest photos in California, but there's a lot we can learn from the simpler times. Maybe turning off our TV tonight or even our iPhones for a few hours is a step in the right direction! And yet, some things haven't changed too much - all of these places still exist, after all!

Check out even more historic photos of Northern California in WWII specifically.

For an immersive taste of history, how about staying overnight in a covered wagon? Or, if that glamping option is a little too far back in time, how about this cozy historic 1870s cottage in Petaluma?

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/northern-california/covered-wagon-camping-n-ca/