Memories of the Great Depression — a Time Remembered

                 ​About my Book — Why have I written this book? 

The answer is simple. In writing my first book, Memories of the Great Depression: A Time Forgotten, the process of gathering first-hand personal accounts of people who lived through the Great Depression of the 1930s and preserving them became a labor of love.

The 1930s were a time when people made do with what they had. For most Americans, it was an era of hand-me-downs, darning socks, and making do with the bare necessities.

For the more well-to-do, of course, there were still luxuries. But the wealthy who had common sense, took care not to flaunt their wealth, while the wealthy with compassion used significant portions of their wealth for civic improvements and to help the poor and destitute.

Today, the idea of waking your deceased father in the living room of the family home would be unthinkable. But in the 1930s, when families had little or no money to spare, the dead were waked in their own parlors. A new baby sister, born just before Christmas, was considered the family’s Christmas present! Watching a goldfish swim in his bowl sitting atop the console radio was the “early television” of the 1930s.

The accounts contained in this book are the original, first-hand stories of folks who lived through the Great Depression. I have taken their accounts as they were given to me on my tape recorder. I have changed nothing of substance, but I have organized the materials to create coherent accounts and to avoid redundancies. And of course, I have supplied the punctuation.

But the stories are entirely theirs; not mine.                                   

                   What was it like to live in America 90 years ago?

Have you ever needed to use an outhouse at two in the morning? Bathed in a corrugated metal tub with water heated on a wood-burning stove? Read at night by kerosine lamp? Got on your knees in early morning and prayed that your father might find job that day? Has your mother darned socks and made clothes for you from flour sacks? Have you ever subsisted for days on a diet of oatmeal?

The memoirs collected in this book tell of an America where families and neighbors came together to help each other survive America's longest and deepest economic depression. These are memories of ordinary Americans of a time now nearly forgotten. 

Today we have electricity, central heating, air conditioning, indoor plumbing, television and computers. As you read this book, you should find yourself asking, "are these the things that really matter?"

                      What Readers Have Said — Endorsements

A. John Coady, Lawyer and Circuit Judge, Ret'd

A major debt is owed to John Donald “Don” O’Shea. His collection of personal narratives from those who lived in the Midwest during the Great Depression preserves an oral history of an era of American life that profoundly shaped that generation and generations that followed.

At times the accounts are humorous, as with Rhinny who found himself “buck naked” under the manure spreader fleeing an angry bull. Wonderful tidbits are throughout, as with the derivation of “an easy mark” from chalk marks left on sidewalks for subsequent hungry “hobos” in front of the homes of good souls who would not turn away those needing a meal. There are numerous anecdotes of neighbors helping neighbors, families caring for families, and strangers sacrificially reaching out to those who were desperate with nowhere to turn.

And through it all, Don captures the sense of primary reliance during difficult times on one another, learning that nothing should be wasted, focusing on what is needed and not merely wanted, enjoying the simple things in life, and maintaining an optimism that all is well and would get better.

This is a pleasant read that will kindle many fond memories, and some difficult ones, too, among our elderly who lived those years and give insight to their children’s children about the experiences that deeply impacted their grandparents.

B. Margaret Collins, Human Resources Analyst, Argonne National Laboratory, Ret'd

These Folks Were - “Depression-Tough” I enjoyed the many first-hand accounts, noting that the same theme carried throughout. Times were tough, but the people did not complain, life was what it was, you helped others, they helped you, you carried on and did your best and when times were good you shared good fortune and truly appreciated whatever it was you had, never feeling entitled. Nothing was wasted  — recycling in its truest form.

I remember hearing similar stories and know for certain that I was the benefactor of the lessons, behaviors, ethics and principles these folks lived by. Believe reading this book would benefit all adults and children alike, showing them the true meaning of living in “tough times!"

C. Martin E. Conway, Lawyer and Circuit Judge, Ret'd

From “bathtub booze” to runs on banks and everything in between, Judge John Donald O’Shea has focused on compiling and presenting fascinating interview accounts from everyday people who lived through arguably years of the most challenging times in our country’s history — the Depression Years of 1929-1941. Their recollections are anything but commonplace.

In a quick-reading format, O’Shea has presented incredible stories of strength and survival, grit and gratitude, passion and prayer. While these interviews depict life in a simpler time but with the harshest living conditions, they can easily provide learnable lessons for use by those suffering today as result of the Covid -19 pandemic.

In reading, I was struck by the ingenuity of the people of this era as the author brought me into their minds and lives. I often felt I was reading about my own family, neighbors or friends. I seemed to find pieces of someone I knew in nearly every gripping story. Whether you the reader have heard similar stories from your ancestors, or are new to the circumstances, you’ll hang on every word. This book has been hard to put down. I now understand how they earned their title as "The Greatest Generation."

D. Clarence Darrow, Lawyer and Circuit Judge, Ret'd

In Memories of the Great Depression, Judge John Donald O’Shea weaves together intriguing tales of the determined generation that survived the Great Depression.

This was a proud generation. If you were out-of-work, the day was spent knocking on doors of potential employers. Accepting government assistance was viewed by many to be the last resort. TThey feared the stigma that a free handout would be considered a badge of failure.

This generation was comprised of strong family units that were determined to care for their own. If homeless, an aunt, uncle or cousin would always somehow make room.This generation refused to waste anything. They would darn socks and wear flour sack dresses. Every small plot of land became a garden. Living within means, they would only pay cash, never buying on credit. This was a sharing generation that was always ready to assist a neighbor in need. Perhaps, most importantly, this was a hopeful generation, confident that they would ultimately prevail.

I strongly recommend Memories of the Great Depression. It provides its readers with wonderful, educational and intriguing insights into this resilient generation.

E.  Eugene M Faut, McHenry, Il.

This a wonderful compendium of people’s lives from the proverbial past. Great similarities and yet touching and enlightening thoughts. Each story is special and unique. Thank you for your dedication to this project.

F .Thomas F. Longeway, Retired CEO of Classic Sunglasses, LLC

I have just completed reading your book about the Depression and want you to know it was EXCELLENT. I was born in 1941 with no memories of the depression, but I recall stories from my father about how he and his brothers were raised by his sisters who came to Chicago from Canada to find work during the Depression. I would like to see your book shared with all the kids in grade school so they know what actually happened during those years in our country's history. My own grandson just graduated from grade school and knows little or nothing about life during the Depression. It seems that did not teach that in History class. You are to be congratulated and your book should be mandatory reading for all 8th grade kids so they know what happened in the 30's.

G. Tom Sunderbruch, 40-year Educator and 12-year member of Scott County Iowa Board of Supervisors (4-year Chairman)

I enjoyed the stories by those who lived during an incredibly difficult period of our history. I’m 82 years young and have heard similar stories related to me by my parents, grandparents, and fellow construction workers who lived during the depression years.

Being a former U.S. History teacher, I fully endorse a book describing life during the depression. I remember making house calls (pro bono) with my physician father on Sundays on Cook’s Point (former Davenport City Dump). I don’t remember a text describing living during the depression as well as your stories do.

                                                      AudioBook

The audiobook narrator is  my daughter, Erin M. O'Shea. Erin is a cum laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame who majored in theater, and who makes her living in California as an actress.
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