Odds are you weren’t here in the 1930s, but our oldest readers may remember all the sights and sounds from this decade, even the music. Kansas in the 1930s was very eventful and these stunning still shots from around the state in various years really show us what life was like back then. Sit back and enjoy these 10 candid photos of 1930 Kansas.

1. Kansas in the 1930s

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Works Progress Administration set up an arts and crafts display. However, it seems that a woman is working for people to watch.

2. Track & Field - April 10, 1931

International Newsreel Photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
This Kansas man, Jim Bausch, won a decathlon at a National AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Meet.

3. Topeka, Kansas - September 14, 1932

National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In late 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Kansas for a campaign speech and also remarked on the home of Governor Woodring. What a great shot!

4. Kansas University - 1933

Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
A man named Glenn Cunningham who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics worked his hardest to get there.

5. Kansas - 1934

National Library of Australia from Canberra, Australia, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons
This man in a tall stetson hat looked very fashionable on this Kansas street corner. What do you think? A sign on the pole advertises a "free fair" and auto race on September 11th and 13th. Behind him is "Albertland mensear" and a "Karmelkorn shop." It's almost like we're right there with him.

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6. Rolla, Kansas May 6, 1935

National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A huge dust storm snuffed out all of the light in Rolla, Kansas in 1935. This photo was sent along with a message that said, "Dear Mr. Roosevelt, Darkness came when it hit us. Picture taken from water tower one hundred feet high. Yours Truly, Chas. P. Williams."

7. Topeka, Kansas - 1936

National Archives at College Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In this photo, they're putting together mattresses for a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project.

8. Missouri-Kansas-Texas Locomotive - 1937

SMU Central University Libraries, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons
Though this doesn't show much scenery, these old trains aren't often seen anymore. Although, you may see a few of them at various museums around the state and country.

9. Galena, Kansas - 1938

Arthur Rothstein, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
These women were part of the Farm Labor Union in 1938, which was unit " Galena 2b."

10. Kansas City, Kansas - 1939

Jack Delano, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In 1939, this color photo was probably one of the first to be taken in Kansas and it's still striking. Here, you can see they are servicing engines at these coal and sand chutes.

If you love seeing Kansas’ history in various decades, don’t miss out on these photos from the 1960s.

If you love to explore the Sunflower State like I do, how about embarking on a road trip? Check out our list featuring several of our favorite road trip ideas in Kansas. You can also check out our ultimate road trip packing list and some of our favorite car-friendly snacks.

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Kansas In The 1930s

Courtnie Erickson | March 22, 2024

What are some fun facts about Kansas?

Kansas has a fascinating history. While the above pictures of Kansas in the 30s are just a teeny tiny glimpse into the Sunflower State, there is so much more to learn and explore. The following are just a few fun facts about Kansas.

  • Helium was discovered at the University of Kansas in 1905.
  • Kansas is home to the longest grain elevator in the world. It is the DeBruce Grain Elevator in Wichita and it is an impressive 2,600 feet long!
  • Smith County, Kansas is the Geographical Center of the Contiguous 48 States.
  • Kansas leads the country in wheat production. The state typically harvests between 280-460 million bushels of wheat per year.

 

What are some of the best things to do in Kansas?

While you could certainly sit with a history book and learn all about Kansas and its many stories, I find there is nothing like getting out and exploring the state firsthand. There are countless things to do around the Sunflower State for solo adventures, couple getaways, or even family day trips. Some of our favorite things to do in Kansas include:

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