What were you doing in 1940? I personally couldn’t tell you – because I wasn’t born yet. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up some amazing photos that will make you feel like you were alive back then. Just in case you were wondering what Northern California looked like and what people were up to, here’s your chance! We think life looked pretty cool back then. What say you?
- People went to Sunday School.
photogrammar/dorothea lange Yep, folks went to Sunday school back then, too. This group of gals is going in San Francisco. Pretty neat to see their lives in black and white just come to life.
- People went to the post office.
photogrammer/dorothea lange The post office was up and running then, too. Neither rain nor snow nor darkness of night…or something like that. This is in Auburn.
- They had check-ups.
photogrammar/ No matter how much time passes there’s always the concern a parent has for the health of their child. This was no different way back when.
- Coming to Northern California.
photogrammar This family is loaded up and leaving Oklahoma. Their destination is The Golden State. And where else would they be headed but Northern California? Great choice, people. We think you’ll love it here.
- They worked hard.
http://photogrammar.yale.edu/records/index.php?record=fsa1998002073/PPhotogrammar/russell lee This gentleman is walking the catwalk on the Shasta Dam. Thousands of men and women worked hard to make this one of the most amazing engineering structures in California. We’re grateful!
- They improvised to make things work.
photogrammar/russell lee This farmer is untangling a mess of wire. He’s trying to work out the knots to attach a few much needed items on his tractor.
- They enjoyed horses.
photogrammar/russell lee Entertainment came in the form of horse shows. This shot was taken at Summit High School in Shasta county.
- The local bar was called a tavern.
photogrammar/ russell lee Way back when, if you wanted a frothy mug and a cold one at that, the local tavern is where you were headed. But don’t stay too long or the townsfolk would start to talk.
- …we all need a break sometime.
photogrammar/russell lee This ol’ outhouse was the bathroom extraordinaire of its day. Who wouldn’t want this luxurious getaway with your very own door?
- The local real estate office.
photogrammar Come one, come all. Get your property here. This real estate office was in Oakland, California. It was one of the finest in the land we’d say.
- Look at the grocery store. Wow!
photogrammar/russell lee This grocery store was in Placer County. No doubt folks came from all around to get those things they couldn’t grow on their farm.
- Dancing was a thing.
photogrammar/russell lee No matter what the generation, people love to dance. And dance they sure did. They were probably doing the jitterbug. How sweet this photo is!
So, this is what life looked like in 1940. It’s amazing how some things have changed but others have stayed the same. Which image would you climb into and hang out awhile if you could? Share on Facebook and let us know!
photogrammar/dorothea lange
Yep, folks went to Sunday school back then, too. This group of gals is going in San Francisco. Pretty neat to see their lives in black and white just come to life.
photogrammer/dorothea lange
The post office was up and running then, too. Neither rain nor snow nor darkness of night…or something like that. This is in Auburn.
photogrammar/
No matter how much time passes there’s always the concern a parent has for the health of their child. This was no different way back when.
photogrammar
This family is loaded up and leaving Oklahoma. Their destination is The Golden State. And where else would they be headed but Northern California? Great choice, people. We think you’ll love it here.
http://photogrammar.yale.edu/records/index.php?record=fsa1998002073/PPhotogrammar/russell lee
This gentleman is walking the catwalk on the Shasta Dam. Thousands of men and women worked hard to make this one of the most amazing engineering structures in California. We’re grateful!
photogrammar/russell lee
This farmer is untangling a mess of wire. He’s trying to work out the knots to attach a few much needed items on his tractor.
Entertainment came in the form of horse shows. This shot was taken at Summit High School in Shasta county.
photogrammar/ russell lee
Way back when, if you wanted a frothy mug and a cold one at that, the local tavern is where you were headed. But don’t stay too long or the townsfolk would start to talk.
This ol’ outhouse was the bathroom extraordinaire of its day. Who wouldn’t want this luxurious getaway with your very own door?
Come one, come all. Get your property here. This real estate office was in Oakland, California. It was one of the finest in the land we’d say.
This grocery store was in Placer County. No doubt folks came from all around to get those things they couldn’t grow on their farm.
No matter what the generation, people love to dance. And dance they sure did. They were probably doing the jitterbug. How sweet this photo is!
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