My Mom was born in the 30's. She has told us stories of how poor they were. She and her 8 brothers and sisters got shoes only when my Pap had a good farm year. Most of the time they were barefoot like the poor children in this photo. January in Georgia is cold. I see no coats, sweaters or shoes on any of the children except the oldest. Even the photo taken at the mill, they are all barefoot.
We are so blessed and I thank God tonight that my children and grandchildren are well clothed with shoes on their feet, have nice warm homes and food to eat.
It is interesting how the boy, Alex, was called Elic in the picture. My granddaddy's name is Alex (not Alexander, just Alex) and his mother always called him Alec (pronounced Elic). She was from Louisiana and of French descent. We never knew why he was called that...just assumed it was something of her French, but maybe that was common back then.
The Depression years were very hard on the family unit. How many survived? How many were ever told why they had to go to an orphanage? Were they ever given opportunity to make peace with their parents before they passed away (some of the parents were young). Strong people--because they had to be. I read the whole thing, I was surprised that I was able.
My father's childhood would read almost exactly like "The Grapes of Wrath", sharecropping and migrant farm work during the 30s.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom was born in the 30's. She has told us stories of how poor they were. She and her 8 brothers and sisters got shoes only when my Pap had a good farm year. Most of the time they were barefoot like the poor children in this photo. January in Georgia is cold. I see no coats, sweaters or shoes on any of the children except the oldest. Even the photo taken at the mill, they are all barefoot.
ReplyDeleteWe are so blessed and I thank God tonight that my children and grandchildren are well clothed with shoes on their feet, have nice warm homes and food to eat.
It is interesting how the boy, Alex, was called Elic in the picture. My granddaddy's name is Alex (not Alexander, just Alex) and his mother always called him Alec (pronounced Elic). She was from Louisiana and of French descent. We never knew why he was called that...just assumed it was something of her French, but maybe that was common back then.
ReplyDeleteOdysseus, and I'm sure he lived a hard life and came out the better for it too. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMamma Bear, We are blessed indeed. I'm thank the Lord every day for what I'm able to do for my children and grandchildren. Thank you, Sweet Lady.
KW, interesting. Perhaps Alec was common then. Many names of the past have been lost or not used much now, such as Emitt, my middle name. Thanks.
Strong people.
ReplyDeleteYes they were, my friend. They're kind shall never be seen again in our lifetimes.
ReplyDeleteThe Depression years were very hard on the family unit. How many survived? How many were ever told why they had to go to an orphanage? Were they ever given opportunity to make peace with their parents before they passed away (some of the parents were young). Strong people--because they had to be. I read the whole thing, I was surprised that I was able.
ReplyDelete