The 1930's were a time for serious reflection after the stock market crash of 1929 that began in America and spread to other parts of the world. After the carefree 20's, it was a period of responsiblity, maturity, and thrifti- ness. Many had to adjust to reduced pay, but the farmers and laborers of the lower class were especially deva-stated by dwindling wages and lack of work.

Their despair and destitution was unknown to the public until pictures by Dorothea Lange and other photo-graphers in the Farm Security Admin-istration were published. The Grapes of Wrath, a novel by John Steinbeck, brought attention to the plight of the displaced Okies who lost their farm during the Dust Bowl and migrated west to California.

President Roosevelt is remembered with great honor for bringing calm to a grieving nation, restoring confidence in the bank system, and reigniting optimism in the American people.

Many of the public works projects built during his administration to put men back to work are iconic strutures today like Hoover Dam, the Golden Gate Bridge, Red Rocks Park and Ampitheatre, and thousands of trails and scenic overlooks we enjoy today.

While some women worked in secretarial, nursing, teaching, domestic, and food service positions, most steadfastly were the anchor in the home and provided nurturing comfort and support to their husband and children. This was reflected in women's dress which was sophisticated, elegant, and decorated with small-scale feminine details. A woman's hat was her most prized accessory and it was tilted above the right eye in a coyishly charming manner.

Vionnet's bias cut was all the rage. It was apparent in the long, calf-length skirts of the period as well as the low-back, body-conscious evening gowns which were stunningly svelte. Schiaparelli embraced the Surrealist artists and incorporated quirky details into her designs. She influenced a new direction in fashion when she introduced sharply tailored jackets with shoulder pads.

WWII began in Europe just as the decade was ending. The U.S. would not enter for two more years. They were enjoying a much improved economy and were out and about playing miniature golf, dancing to Swing jazz, and going to the theater to see their favorite movies stars. It was a Golden Age for Hollywood with spectacular Busby Berkeley musicals, racy pre-Code films, the era of Mae West and Jean Harlow, and the fairytale romance of Carole Lombard and Clark Gable. Hollywood and the silver screen played a big role in helping people escape to an imaginary world of wealth, glamour, and luxury.