1930. It started as breadlines and evolved into relief measures to provide food for families. Magazines and pamphlets included recipes for making meals with leftovers and 'unloved' food. Men, women,and children were starving. A Square Meal: a Culinary History of the Great Depression, by Jane Ziegelman & Andrew Coe is an interesting (if sometimes depressing and frustrating) read. Bonus money for WWI veterans had been promised in 1945, but they were hoping to get it sooner. A march to Washington D.C. (with military discipline, no riots, etc.) was planned, but their plea went unanswered, and then all bonuses were tabled indefinitely.(And the president had the Army 'escort' the vets out of DC) (which turned into the Army burning what little shelter they had). Government officials, worried that citizens were 'getting used' to relief monies and foods wanted to cut back so as to "encourage" them to look for work, but there was no work. Children (those who could make it) were fainting at school, but 'statistics showed that there was no hunger'. As I said, depressing and frustrating. Well researched and well written.

Here's a delightful find! Seems Clara, at 93, had a Facebook page, blog and a show on YouTube featuring her life during the Depression and the recipes her mother used to feed the family. They are simple and filling, and Clara used them all her life. Clara's Kitchen: Wisdom, Memories, and Recipes from the Great Depression, by Clara Cannucciari with her grandson Christopher Cannucciari, was an inspiring read.

There are many books out about the Depression but this is the first I've read that explains what it was like to be a minority (or a woman) (or both) during that time. One of the series Perspectives, A Multicultural Portrait of the Depression was an interesting read. We are not always a noble species. Fortunately, some of the programs started then did include African-Americans, women, and so on. (Other titles include a multicultural look at America's Music, World War I and Immigration).

When Our Mothers Went to War: an Illustrated History of Women In World War II, by Margaret Regis. It's a first hand look at what it was like to be a nurse, or pilot, or ammunitions maker, or wife at home with the kids and a Victory Garden. Well written, great pictures, it's almost a one sit read! Partner it with Women Who Wrote the War (February 23, 2016 post) and On Silver Wings (November 12, 2016) for more on these brave women (lots of overlapping names makes for a very complete picture).

Reading Hermit With Dog