Book review: The depression years

A Secret Gift by Ted Gup

http://www.asecretgiftbook.com

I have just finished reading the most interesting book “The Secret Gift” by Ted Gup.

—what was life like for the ordinary folk in the town of Canton, Ohio in 1933?

It was horrible — with no jobs and no money, many families had nothing — some didn’t even have a roof over their heads, shoes on their feet, food on the table or even a coat to keep themselves warm.  However, in the midst of such terrible conditions people struggled on—they didn’t complain (or whinge as we like to do today) and even though many might have wanted to give up, they kept up the fight for survival. Mums and dads both searched desperately for what every work they could find, every cent was precious—no one had the luxury of sitting around and doing nothing.  Some had no choice but to take their children to the local orphanages as they simply couldn’t look after them (other children died from malnutrition). Suicide, drinking, turning to crime or simply abandoning ones families all increased during the Great depression. 

In December 1933 an anonymous letter appeared in the local newspaper (see bottom of story) asking people to send letters to a Mr B. Virdot with their stories and why they should receive $5 at Christmas (he had $750 to give away). Many, who would never normally share their pain with others, wrote heart-breaking letters to this anonymous man in hope for a few dollars, not that they really wanted charity, they just wanted to work but with no jobs, many didn’t have any choice.  This book is about the anonymous man. Mr B. Virdot (or more correctly Samuel Stone), and the many letters of desperation. It really does put life in perspective.  (The letters written can be found in the link above.)

The author (the grandson of the Samuel Stone) investigates some of the families who received the $5 gift to see what happened to them.  Some did ok, some did really well, however others never fully recovered from the Depression and the scars from their ordeal could not be erased – both physically (poor health) or mentally, often resulting in dying at a younger age. Many families passed on their frugal living skills well into the next generation - wasting nothing and appreciating everything they had. This wasn’t an era of handouts or high expectations of government, it was an era of battling on no matter what happened and trying to make the best of a very bad situation.  During those "hard times" people did turn to each other for help, something I think we have lost today and should do more of. Bartering and sharing (when no one had money) did help in a small way.

Whilst my parents were young during this period, they both remembered the need living fugally  and using up everything they had (waste not, want not mentality) and my mother can remember seeing families on the street surrounded by all their furniture with nowhere to live. 

Whilst life today isn't as tough as in the depress years (governments do help more now than they use to), many families are struggling and the gap between the very rich in America and the poor/working class is now much much bigger.  

Some facts about the Great Depression:

• During the worst years of the Depression (1933-1934) the overall jobless rate was 25% (1 out of 4 people) with another 25% taking wage cuts or working part time. The gross national product fell by almost 50%. It was not until 1941, when WWII was underway, that unemployment officially fell back below 10%.

• Some people starved; many others lost their farms and homes.

• Between 1929 and 1933, 10,763 of the 24,970 commercial banks in the United States failed. Life savings were lost leaving people with no money.

• Between 1930 and 1935, nearly 750,000 farms were lost through bankruptcy or sheriff sales.

• During the depression nearly 1.5 million women were abandoned by their husbands—many women tried to find work where-ever they could to provide for their families.

• Severe drought and dust storms exacerbated the Great Depression because it dried out farmlands and forced families to leave their farms. On May 9, 1934, a dust storm carried an estimated 350 million tons of dirt 2,000 miles east ward and dumped four million tons of prairie dirt in Chicago. The drought and dust killed tens of thousands of animals

• In 1932, half of all workers in Cleveland, Ohio, were jobless. And in Toledo, Ohio, four out of five were jobless.

Look how long it took for the US economy to improve and employment to return to anything normal - sadly this recovery had more to do with war than anything else. The US government pumped huge amounts of dollars in the war effort and buying equipment.

Mr B. Virdot's advertisement that appeared in the newspaper in December 1933:

In Consideration Of The White Collar Man!

Suppose if I were confronted with an economic situation where the bread of tomorrow is the problem of today—there is a question in my mind if I would accept charity directly offered by welfare organizations. I know there are hundreds of men that are confronted with economic problems and think, feel and act the same way.

To men or families in such position the maker of this offer, who will remain unknown to the very end, will be glad if he is given an opportunity to help from 50 to 75 such families so they will be able to spend a merry and joyful Christmas.

To such men or families that will request such financial aid, the writer pledges that their identity will never be revealed. Please write:

B. Virdot, General Delivery, Canton, Ohio

In writing, please familiarize me with your true circumstances and financial aid will be promptly sent