The history of Iowa is fascinating. While most Iowans now live in cities, there’s no denying the rural roots to our great farming state. Take a look at how Iowa’s cities and farm towns looked back in the 1940s, when everyone was still recovering from the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.
Back in the early 1940s, there was a big difference between city life and farm life. Des Moines was vibrant and busy thanks to economic recovery efforts.
Photogrammar / John Vachon
In Dubuque, residents still recovering from the Depression maintained shantytowns and kept just a few chickens for meat and eggs. The “wealthiest” shantytown residents had a cow, or some goats as well.
Photogrammar / John Vachon
In town, men lined up every evening to pick up a meal for themselves, or for their families. Churches and government programs helped people get back on their feet after a decade of economic struggle.
Photogrammar / John Vachon
The Farm Security Administration lent money to farmers, allowing them to continue working their land. This borrower in Story, Iowa, was able to keep her family fed thanks to the program.
Photogrammar
Not all was gloomy! The 1940s began to pull Iowa out of economic strife. Farmers tested hybrid seeds, which were hardier and offered higher yields.
Photogrammar / John Vachon
Many Iowans had to find work doing various odd jobs during the depression, and turned these jobs into new opportunity. Here, two men show off their skills painting signs in Ames.
Photogrammar / John Vachon
Education remained important to Iowa during the early 1940s. Here, you’ll see two girls walking home from class in the town of Newton.
Photogrammar / John Vachon
This photo of Iowa City newsboy shows just how much our cities have changed. Could you even imagine this scene today?
Photogrammar / Arthur Rothstein
Thanks to an improving economy and the New Deal, Iowans were optimistic in the 40s! This dance hall in Marshalltown was always busy on a Saturday night.
Photogrammar / Arthur Rothstein
Dubuque is a city that’s older than the state of Iowa itself, and it was a popular residential city and tourist town as far back as anyone can remember.
Photogrammar / John Vachon
Pictured below is one of the oldest residential streets in the state! Dubuque is still full of historic architecture today.
Photogrammar / John Vachon
Iowa has always been a wonderful, vibrant state, and when you look back in time it is amazing to see how the Hawkeye State has evolved.
Photogrammar / Arthur Rothstein
How cool is it to look back in time? Luckily, there are so many preserved photographs of the Hawkeye State. Read There’s Something Special About These 14 Iowa Farms From The Past to see more of Iowa’s history.
Photogrammar / John Vachon
Photogrammar
Photogrammar / Arthur Rothstein
Photogrammar / Arthur Rothstein
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