Hey there, fellow book lovers! Join me on an extraordinary adventure as we journey back to the world of the 1930s. Lately, I’ve been knee-deep in research, uncovering fascinating details about daily life in that era. Inspired by my feisty grandmother and set against the captivating backdrop of Washington State, I can’t wait to share the intriguing realities and quirky anecdotes that will transport you straight into the heart of the Great Depression. Get ready to immerse yourself in the good the bad and the ugly of a by gone era that’s as relatable as it is captivating!

Ever wondered what life was like before smartphones and modern conveniences? As an independent author, I’ve made it my mission to dig deep into the time capsule of the 1930s and weave a tale that captures the essence of an extraordinary decade. But, I’m not just here to write a great novel—I’m also weaving a tale of survival and revival and getting inspired by the stories of days gone by.

The 1930s had its own unique charm. From the crackling tunes of gramophones to the timeless elegance of vintage fashion, there’s something about that era that still resonates with me today. Through my grandmother’s journals and extensive photo collection, I’ve discovered delightful everyday facts that will transport you back in time. Amidst the trials and tribulations of a challenging era, our resilient ancestors discovered the ability to not only survive but also find happiness in the simplest of moments. They faced adversity head-on, relying on their unwavering spirit and resourcefulness to overcome the obstacles that came their way.

This journey got me searching my own soul and inspired me to reflect on the things I would miss the most, if I suddenly found myself living in the 1930s. The following list includes the ten things I think I would have a hard time living without.

1. Antibiotics: The discovery and development of antibiotics in the 1940s, was really a game-changer. Simple things like a chest cold or surface wound could be life threatening if not taken care of properly.
2. The Pill: Invented in the 1960s, the contraceptive pill provided women with greater control over their reproductive choices. Its introduction allowed women to plan their families, pursue careers, and enjoy more freedom in shaping their lives. No pill meant more kiddos to live on, but it also meant more laundry to wash and mouths to feed.
3. A/C: The introduction of air conditioning systems in the 1930s and their widespread adoption in the following decades brought relief from sweltering summer heat. I would have missed the comfort and convenience of a cool indoor environment, especially during hot weather or while performing household chores.
4. Television: The advent of television in the 1940s brought entertainment and news directly into people’s homes. In the 1930s, our news and entertainment would have come from the radio, or wireless as they were often called.
5. Microwave oven: Introduced in the late 1940s, I would definitely miss the convenience of quickly prepare meals or warmed up leftovers. How much time did folks spend preparing meals for their families?
6. Refrigerators – The mid-20th century brought us home refrigerators. Can you imagine a life without these badass appliances? You would have been stuck in a never-ending quest against spoilage and trying to keep ice in your “ice box,” which were essentially a wooden or metal cabinet with an insulated compartment. No electrical cooling involved! Nope, to keep things cool, a block of ice was placed in the top compartment. That meant keeping a close eye on your ice supply, making sure it didn’t melt away into oblivion. So, people would rely on good ol’ ice delivery or venture out to an ice house to restock their frozen stash. How did people have time for anything else?
7. Another modern day convenience I’ve come accustomed to using is Amazon Prime. Imagine a life without its magnificent convenience. Back in the day, people relied on the Sears catalog, a clunky and sluggish shopping experience compared to our modern digital realm. No instant clicks or speedy deliveries; just the slow process of flipping through its outdated pages, circling items with an antiquated pen, and enduring the painstaking wait for your selections to arrive by snail mail.
8. Washing machines: spending hours manually washing clothes by hand and then hanging them up and waiting for them to dry? No thanks. Laundry is one of my least favorite tasks, but I really have it easy compared to our great-grandmothers.
9. GPS: Navigating through life’s uncertainties, our grandparents relied on an internal compass and unwavering determination to chart their course in difficult times. I remember the days of trying to find a place through verbal directions or paper maps, and I also remember spending a lot of time lost, trying to make my way to a particular destination.
10. If I magically found myself back in the 1930s, I think the thing I’d miss the most would be the rights and freedoms women and minorities have today. I know things are far from perfect, but can you even imagine: No voting, no owning property, no bank accounts without your hubs permission, or not at all? Living like that would be like starring in a never-ending black-and-white movie, where leading ladies and anyone who wasn’t a white male would be stuck playing second fiddle, or worse. No thank you. I’m pretty grateful for the opportunities we have today. Let’s keep blazing those trails, breaking barriers, and never take our hard-earned rights for granted!