Dear Friends,

Like it or not, double dip or not, a long term depression is upon us. The Brits may well need what they are asking for, as may you.

Dear Jim,

I read the following accounts and could not help ponder how we may be headed there very soon and how people made due. The news sounds a lot like things now, especially the bank failures and layoffs!

Best,
CIGA Big T

"I Remember . . ." – Reminiscences of the Great Depression

"I remember…"
(Reminiscences of the Great Depression)

Everyone has a story to tell about the past.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, some Michiganians bartered and traded for food, clothes, shelter and services. Sharing and "making do" became a way of life. People who lived during the Depression have interesting stories to share about how they coped with hard times.

The following reminiscences were published in Michigan History Magazine, January-February, 1982 (Vol. 66, No. 1). The last reminiscence is from an oral history of Richard Waskin.

Marie Beyne Gillis Tubbs Remembers Her Father’s Music

The business of my father (Theodore J. Beyne) was at a standstill. Since his hobby was playing the violin in the newly formed Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, he had time to search within himself for things to do. He began to compose beautiful music–three symphonies, quartettes, violin, piano and cello concertos and other piano music.

My first memory of hearing his music played was at the beginning of the Depression at the band shell at the city’s John Ball Park. His orchestral arrangement of Hoagy Carmichael’s "Star Dust" was performed by the WPA orchestra, which had been formed to provide employment for out-of-work musicians. How clearly I remember, out of the depths of dark feelings springing from closed banks and no work, the wonderful sensation that comes from something more than "bread alone." And I remember his pleased reaction (he was overwhelmed) at the audience’s appreciation shown with lots of applause. "Depression go hang for the moment."

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