What was it like in the 1930s in Missouri? Small town Missouri in the 1930s looked like most of the rest of middle America during this time. While things were simpler, times were hard, especially for farmers, due to drought and the Great Depression. It was a trying period in the history of the Show Me State and the rest of the nation. These historic photos of Missouri depict what the normal day to day in small town was like, and offer a glimpse into life in in the 1930s in Missouri.

1. A typical group of farmers in Prairie City, Mississippi County, March 1936.

The man on the left may not be a farmer. Notice the difference in his clothes and the fact that he doesn't seem part of things.

2. A horse is paraded before prospective buyers at a farm sale, Pettis County, November 1939.

3. The entrance to a store in La Forge, May 1938.

Benz Baby Bowel Corrective, and Ex Lax? Do we see a theme here?

4. Southeast Missouri Farms. Interior of schoolhouse, La Forge, May 1938.

For a great explanation of the formation of the Southeast Missouri Farms agricultural community, check out this article by Little River Valley.

5. Farmers at auction drinking soft drinks, Sikeston, May 1938.

Vess Soda is a brand of soft drink manufactured and distributed primarily in the St. Louis area.

6. Spectators at a wrestling match, Sikeston, May 1938.

7. Ornament on the radiator cap of an automobile, Sikeston, August 1938.

8. Display of candy in a store, La Forge, August 1938.

The candy section of a store is not much different today, especially in some smaller stores.

9. Display of merchandise in a store, La Forge, August 1938.

Seems like an odd way to sell razor blades.

10. Display of merchandise in a store, La Forge, August 1938.

I'll be honest, the only display here I completely understand is the handkerchiefs. Are they selling pipes or pipe cleaners? Also, what exactly is "Solder Seal?"

11. A crowd in front of an itinerant photographer's tent in Steele, August 1938.

"Photos that looks like you!"

12. Apples and peddlers, Steele, August 1938.

13. A sign in Steele, August 1938.

14. Watermelon peddlers and buyers, Steele, August 1938.

15. Pool hall in Steele, August 1938.

J. Marten's Pool Hall. The building doesn't exactly look solid, but I would love to see inside.

16. Children looking at posters in front of a movie theater on a Saturday, Steele, August 1938.

17. Farmer in town with his family on a Saturday afternoon in Steele, August 1938.

18. A street scene in Steele, August 1938.

Note the cotton picker's bag in middle ground,

19. Children sitting on the fenders of a car in Steele, August 1938.

20. A delivery boy in Caruthersville, August 1938.

I just love looking at these historic photos of Missouri! I love seeing the old logos for products that are still around. It's also fun to see the people interacting with each other.  It gives you a glimpse into the culture of that place and time and really instills a sense of pride in my Missouri roots.  What is your favorite? If you'd like to see more images from this period, check out these Missouri homes from that time.