Living Happily...in the Great Depression & Beyond

By Esther MacNeill Friend

A book with lots to think about for anyone feeling pinched by hard times. The author grew up during the Great Depression and here describes a life that pulsed with love and fun and freedom in spite of a life that had to cope with many "lacks." There are no "Charleston" dancers here -- but mention is made of the equally exotic lady who made her living by coming to a woman's home to custom-fit her for a corset. Descriptions of the clothing of the 1920's and 30's are eye-openers. Similarly, accounts of Sunday drives in the Model-T Ford quite soberly include descriptions of Father patching an inner tube when one of the tires went flat. Lack of money for eating in restaurants along the way was always compensated for by bringing picnic lunches of crabmeat salad sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, pickles and fruit along with other goodies such as Mother's chocolate cake and her homemade lemonade (sealed in mason jars and wrapped in newspaper to keep the jars cool). The book makes the point that none of the kids in town considered themselves poor. By inference, the reader reaches the conclusion that children can be happy even during a time of economic downturn. This is a book not only for parents of young families, but also for their elders who may, as they read, find themselves remembering things that "haven't come to mind for ages."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1500150339
• ISBN13: 9781500150334
• Release Date: May 2014
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.6" x 6.0"