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

Small town life in Washington has always been the best – especially in the 1930s! Things were so much simpler back then, and life went at a slower pace. Check out these amazing photos captured around that time that illustrate what every small town had during this simple era:

1. A charming Main Street.

Where you could find the bank, post office, general store, feed store, barber shop, and anything you pretty much ever needed. Taken in Elma, August 1939.

2. A place to dry our laundry.

You didn't really need a big, fancy dryer - you just needed a clothesline and some pins. Taken in the summer of 1939, Michigan Hill, Thurston County.

3. All kinds of small businesses.

Real estate, florists, law offices, insurance, hotels and small cafes could all be found around town. Taken in Elma, August 1939.

4. Small churches.

This Seven Day Adventist Church was located just one block off the Main Street from the bank in Tenino, August 1939.

5. Mailboxes full of letters.

There was no need for e-mail when we had the post office delivering us plenty of letters. Taken near Toppenish in the summer of 1939.

6. City hall buildings.

A basic building you could find in nearly every small town - this one was captured in Elma during the summer of 1939.

7. Railroad tracks.

Nothing beat taking a train to where you needed to go. Taken in the town of Elma, August 1939.

8. Small crossroad stores and filling stations.

Whether you were thirsty for an ice cold pop or wanted a loaf of bread, there was no need to go to a huge grocery center - you could just stop by a small crossroads store like this one in Sumac Park near Yakima. Taken in August 1939.

9. Handwritten "For Sale" signs.

Before we had eBay or Craigslist ads, you could just post a sign in town if you were selling farm animals and equipment. This note was captured on the post office door in the tiny town of Vader, August 1939. It appeared to be selling 2 cows, garden tools, heating stoves and more.

10. And amazing farms & agriculture everywhere.

Wheat fields in Whitman County, summer of 1939.

The land you can see planted is growing strawberries! Taken in Thurston County, August 1939.

Aren't these vintage photos of our state amazing? Would you rather have lived during these simple times? Share your thoughts with us below!