Model A Fords during the Depression.

Nice find. Everything looked so dirty and the cars all beat up, no smiles back then either. It's amazing to know and see what our cars went through and how many still survived.
 
I find it very interesting that in so many of the old pictures the cars look as bad when only a few years old as the celebrated "Barn Finds" do today when they are brought out. Was it that the paint didn't last, were the "A's" such a poor man's car that little respect and care was given. Was it the depression that created a kind of "depressed" attitude with the owners that little mattered so why wash the car or fix a dent. Or, am I just reading to much into old pictures? Anyway, thanks for the great pictures.
 
My suspicion is that the condition of the roads meant that any car being driven was going to be covered in dust or mud. People did not have spare money to wash, wax, buff, and pamper their cars like we do today. As long as it was drivable, it was OK. For most everyday American during the depression, Survival was about all that mattered. There was not any money available for any non-essential spending.
 
Great Pictures, it is true that if they were running then they were golden. Mine is never going to be a show car and I follow that rule of keep it running first so I love these dirty look'n A's. Thanks again.
 
I've seen a LOT of images of that pickup with the "flying lady" radiator cap ornament and the aftermarket horn. I think that they were taken in 1939, and focus on the migration of "Okie" Elmer Thomas and family. There's a real professional photojournalist feel to the images, so I suspect a New Deal connection. Does anyone know the full story?
 
John,

That one and 2 others came from the Library of Congress site, the rest are some I had found over the years. You may be right on the name of the photographer, but it didn't list a name when I looked at the site.
 
Thanks, Luke. I have two or three other images of that vehicle with the family and dog. I've always enjoyed spotting "A's" in period images. Thanks for posting.
 
Nice pictures. It does show the times in the 30's and 40's very well. I remember going with my dad and taking a 3 gallon can of cream down to the train station to send it to the place that purchased it from us.

By the way is the guy in the third picture with the white toped hat working his cell phone or taking a pinch of snuff???
 
Thank you

I love this Pics .....and Films

The one to drive the pickup is a real midget.
I sadly wouldnt fit into that car (nor be able to
put my knees under that steering wheel)


To be honest - i never drove mine like that....
http://vintagefordfacts.blogspot.com/2010/12/1928-model-fords-on-test-track.html

My backbone wouldnt survive that and modern cars wouldnt likewise.
(btw - The Camera-man has got a big heart )


Best regards Christoph
This is my Softy-Version on gravel roads
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUFlDnA752c
 
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