These 12 Rhode Island Photos Show What Life In The 1940S Looked Like

Today we are privileged to have the ability to travel world-wide easily, massive amounts of technology, and other things that we take for granted as we cruise through our days. Life in the 1940s was much simpler and in some cases a lot more challenging than it is today. Let’s take a look at these photos from the past to get a snapshot of the 1940s in Rhode Island.

The business center of Woonsocket looked so much different in the 1940s than it does today.

Photogrammar/LC-USF34-042692/Jack Delano

This farmer is working on cleaning pounds and pounds of turnips on his farm in Portsmouth.

Photogrammar/LC-USF34-042737/Jack Delano

Two sisters stand in their small kitchen in Johnston. With a family of fourteen, there is a lot of work to be done.

Photogrammar/LC-USF34-042746/Jack Delano

Many farmers had to work multiple jobs to survive. This Tiverton resident divided his time between farming and cutting and hauling timber.

Photogrammar/LC-USF34-042723/Jack Delano

Some families struggled to live off their farms in the 1940s. Children were expected to start helping out at a very young age.

Photogrammar/LC-USF34-042695/Jack Delano

When times were tough financially, many families has to make due or do without.

Photogrammar/LC-USF34-042710/Jack Delano

When it was time for a social outing, square dances were popular. These couples were taking as spin around the floor at a dance in Clayville.

Photogrammar/LC-USF34-042767/Jack Delano

Christmas trees stacked up and ready for the season near the freight terminal in Providence.

Photogrammar/LC-USF34-042727/Jack Delano

This gas station in Woonsocket doubled as a Christmas tree lot during the holidays.

Photogrammar/LC-USF34-042680/Jack Delano

Entertainment takes on all sorts of forms as seen in this sign advertising “Turky Bingo”.

Photogrammar/LC-USF33-020783/Jack Delano

The window displays in Providence are very enticing for families as they walk down the streets.

Photogrammar/LC-USF33-020774/Jack Delano

Workers as they rush out of the Brown and Sharpe Manufacturing Company in Providence.

Photogrammar/LC-USF33-020748/Jack Delano

Life in the 1940s is nothing like it is today but you can travel even further back in time with a look at these captures from the early 1900s.