Christmas & Life in the 1930s
A Country Christmas Remembered recalls a time when farm and family life were central to the small rural community of Spencerville.
Although the country was in the grip of the Great Depression, most farm families in this area were better off than those living in urban centres. Farmers always had a roof over their head and food for the family table. Spencerville’s businesses, tradespeople, school, doctor and dentist could provide almost all of the services local families required.
Social life was centered around the church and school. Associated with each church were organizations for all age groups. These groups met regularly and a social time was always enjoyed. The highlights of the Christmas season were the concerts presented by the local churches and schools.
In 1929 the first indoor arena was built in Spencerville. Huge crowds cheered on the local hockey team and took part in skating parties and masquerade parties.
After the rush of spring planting and fall harvest people looked forward to winter. Travel on poor roads was often easier by horse and sleigh over snow packed roads. It was common for people to travel considerable distances to take part in community events or attend family gatherings. Visiting neighbours for an afternoon tea or for an evening of crokinole, cards or conversation were part of this gentler time in the 1930s.
Although the country was in the grip of the Great Depression, most farm families in this area were better off than those living in urban centres. Farmers always had a roof over their head and food for the family table. Spencerville’s businesses, tradespeople, school, doctor and dentist could provide almost all of the services local families required.
Social life was centered around the church and school. Associated with each church were organizations for all age groups. These groups met regularly and a social time was always enjoyed. The highlights of the Christmas season were the concerts presented by the local churches and schools.
In 1929 the first indoor arena was built in Spencerville. Huge crowds cheered on the local hockey team and took part in skating parties and masquerade parties.
After the rush of spring planting and fall harvest people looked forward to winter. Travel on poor roads was often easier by horse and sleigh over snow packed roads. It was common for people to travel considerable distances to take part in community events or attend family gatherings. Visiting neighbours for an afternoon tea or for an evening of crokinole, cards or conversation were part of this gentler time in the 1930s.
The Decorations
A floor- to-ceiling Christmas Tree was the main decoration in the home. It was usually put up shortly before Christmas Day.
Popcorn garlands and decorations made from crepe paper, tinsel foil saved from cigarette packages and old Christmas cards were created to hang on the tree. Most families had a few treasured store-bought glass balls. Tinsel icicles and tinsel garland were popular additions to the tree. Most rural families lacked electricity, but a few homes in Spencerville used electric tree lights. In many homes a nativity scene was prominently displayed and natural evergreens and bittersweet berries added a festive touch. In some homes crepe paper streamers, honeycomb garland and red bells were used to decorate the ceiling and natural wreaths brightened a window or door. Businesses used many of the same decorations as the home. The Union Jack was the Canadian flag at the time, and was often displayed on special occasions. Window displays of boxes of oranges, lemons, candy, gift items, and toys were arranged to tempt Christmas shoppers. |
The Music
Although Brother Can You Spare a Dime was a popular song that summed up the hard times of the 1930s many young people were attracted to the upbeat sounds of the big bands and Broadway musicals.
Traditional Christmas carols were sung. New additions to secular Christmas songs such as Jingle Bells, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Winter Wonderland were just becoming popular. Big bands were very popular in the late 30s. Jazz arrangements and swing music played by the Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and Artie Shaw bands led the hit parade. Most bands featured singers and gave a start to such well known recording artists as Doris Day, Peggy Lee and Rosemary Clooney. Swing dancing was synonymous with big band jazz. The“jitterbug” was a particularly lively form of swing dancing with partners being thrown over the head and through the legs. The 1930s saw the creation of some lasting musicals as well as new movie categories: the movie musical and the singing-cowboy film. |
The Fashion
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Step back in time and recreate the look of the 1930s with these style tips. Grandma's fox fur collar would be great to wear about town and period dress is sure to add to the fun.
Throughout history fashion has been influenced by the economy. The years of the Great Depression were no exception. Immediately following 1929 hemlines plummeted and the wild fads of the Roaring Twenties were replaced with a more conservative styles. Even though money was scarce, people followed the change in fashion. Women were skilled at making and re-making their family's clothing and a seamstress could be hired for $1.00 a day. Mail-order catalogues offered all the latest styles at reasonable prices. Accessories were an important part of fashion for all ages. Adults wore hats and gloves to church, when visiting or shopping. Women's Fashions:
Men's Fashions:
Children's Clothing: Children's clothing followed the same fashion trends as adults. |
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