The Great Depression marked an era of substantial financial and emotional difficulties for Americans, both individually and as a broader society. Following the crash of the stock market in 1929, the Depression had worldwide impacts that left millions in dire circumstances through the late 1930s. Detroit was not immune to the challenges of this era, but life didn’t stop entirely when the markets crashed. Here are nine fascinating photos that show what it was like to experience the Great Depression in Detroit.
1. Snapped in 1930, this photo shows a Detroit fire truck that crashed en route to a fire.
The driver of the vehicle was killed, while two accompanying firefighters sustained significant injuries in the collision. While many Detroiters were out of jobs during the Depression era, this capture shows that emergency services remained a necessity in the city.
2. A simple but beautiful glimpse of the Detroit skyline in 1929.
This photo depicts Maja Anderson Wirde, a textile artist from Denmark, completing a piece during a visit to Detroit in 1930. We would be thrilled to see her finished work.
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4. Farmers and rural residents were hit especially hard by the economic and social challenges that accompanied the Depression.
This photo, taken in 1930, shows a family standing outside their farm in Ann Arbor. The fatigue of farm life undoubtedly took an extra toll during difficult financial times.
Snapped during the summer months just prior to the crash of the stock market, this photo features a group of Detroiters enjoying swimming lessons offered by the Young Men’s Hebrew Association.
6. This image was snapped more recently, but it offers insight into a must-visit spot for those who are fascinated by the history of Detroit: an exhibit at Lansing’s Michigan History Museum detailing the realities of Depression life in the region.
This photo shows the 1930 Wolverines football team -- they ended the season with a record of 8-0-1. We can only imagine that trips to Ann Arbor kept many Detroit residents distracted from the realities of life during the era.
8. While the Great Depression affected residents from many social and economic brackets, it’s impossible to deny that class played a role in how Detroiters were affected by the aftermath of the stock market crash.
For those affiliated with the Chrysler and DeSoto auto companies, holidays remained festive during the Depression -- as evidenced by this shot from their 1934 company Christmas party.
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9. Captured in 1929, this photo shows Bucky Harris of the Detroit Tigers and Walter “Big Train” Johnson, then affiliated with the Washington Senators.
Sports remained a source of comfort, fun, and excitement for Detroit residents during the Great Depression. In 1929, the Tigers finished 6th in the American League.
Have you seen any family photos from the Great Depression? What do you know about the Great Depression in Detroit and its broader effects throughout Michigan? We’re always eager to hear from you, so share your thoughts by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another historical era you’d like to learn more about by filling out our nomination form here.
Looking to explore even more history? You’ll want to check out these photos from the 1940s in Detroit.
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