23 Rare Photos Taken In Vermont During The Great Depression

Vermont has never been a rich state.  It has been founded and harvested upon the hard work of dedicated people who had to face many difficulties, including the harsh winters year after year.  A devastating blow to Vermont's livelihood was the the Great Flood of 1927 which shattered the state and caused an estimated $21 million in damage. Vermont’s roads, bridges, and railways were hit hard and local communities could not afford to rebuild.  Almost immediately following the Great Flood was the Great Depression.

The Great Depression that began in late 1929 struck hardest in Vermont cities. Unemployment led to shrinking tax lists and greater costs for the relief of the poor.  Let's take a look back in time to see what Vermont was like during this time period.

1. Highway signs in Rutland.

2. Sign alongside the road near Albany.

3. The old timers take to the steps of the general store in Albany.

4. Bragg show announcement in Lowell.

5. A once prosperous farm that has been allowed to fall into disrepair in Caledonia County.

6. Antique shop in Windsor County.

7. Interior of railroad station in Randolph.

8. Frank Kinney on a hay rake, in Eden Mills

9. Storekeeper in Lowell.

10. Snow fences in Lamoille County.

11. Business block in Randolph.

12. Covered bridge in Plainfield.

13. The McNallys at dinner in Kirby.

14. Blacksmith in Lowell.

15. Silo on a farm in Eden Mills.

16. Hired man and team, Putney Homesteads, near Woodstock.

17. Mr. Gilbert and hired man had to haul all their water in milk cans during winter months as all other sources of water were frozen. Woodstock.

18. On many farms in Woodstock, Vermont, water had to be hauled for two months when other sources of water were frozen.

19. Townspeople listening to discussion and balloting during a town meeting in Woodstock.

20. Milk house cooled by running spring water on farm near Lowell.

21. Fair day in Morrisville.

22. An auction in the Hyde Park vicinity.

23. Old Vermont carriage and farm family near North Hyde Park

It's always interesting to see how much has changed and how much has stayed the same in Vermont.