Speaking of Hard Times

James E. Munden Sr. shared about growing up during the Great Depression in a program co-sponsored by the Lewisville Library and the Friends of the Lewisville Library.

An Oral History of the Great Depression

On Tuesday, March 17, 2009 the Lewisville Library and the Friends of the Lewisville Library presented the third in a series of four programs about the Great Depression. This particular program focused on the Oral History of the Great Depression, with several individuals sharing their memories.

The keynote speaker was James E. “Jim” Munden Sr., who has written a book titled The Spring of ’31: A Kid’s View of the Great Depression. The book describes growing up on his family’s tobacco farm near Smithfield, NC during the Great Depression, as well as about his years in the Navy.

Jim’s wife, Jane, attended the program with him, also sharing in an easy-going manner about her own experiences during the Great Depression.

If you’re interested in Jim’s book, here’s a link to The Spring of ’31 on Amazon.com.

I recorded the program and have placed the audio recording of each individual within their respective sections below. First up is the audio of Jim Munden’s presentation. CLICK the link below to hear Jim’s childhood memories of the Great Depression.

James E. Munden Sr.’s Recorded Memories of the Great Depression (MP3, 10 MIN.)

To see MORE PHOTOS of others who shared about the Great Depression, and to hear their RECORDED MEMORIES, please continue to the NEXT SECTION.

Gladys Doub

Gladys Doub (left) shared her memories about life and work during the Great Depression.

I haven’t encountered someone with as much joy as Gladys Doub in quite a while. Gladys, who naturally exudes a contagious warmth and a positive outlook, is 100 years old and will turn 101 in a few days.

As a young adult, Gladys started her first job in 1927, two years before the stock market crashed in 1929. I think you’ll enjoy hearing Gladys share some of her story in her warm, upbeat manner. Simply CLICK the link below to begin listening to this fine lady share her memories of the Great Depression.

Gladys Doub’s Recorded Memories of the Great Depression (MP3, 8 MIN.)

Shirley Atkinson

Shirley Atkinson shared at an Oral History of the Great Depression program held at Lewisville Library.

Shirley Atkinson shared of her family’s roots in Illinois and of their move to Roanoke, Virginia two years before the Great Depression hit. Shirley recounted the difficulties regarding her father’s loss of employment and the changes that brought to the family. Listen to Shirley share briefly about the path her life took during the Great Depression by CLICKING the link below.

Shirley Atkinson’s Recorded Memories of the Great Depression (MP3, 4 MIN.)

Audience Participation

Various members of the audience shared at an Oral History of the Great Depression program held at Lewisville Library.

Several members of the audience shared some of their own memories related to the Great Depression, with many of them recounting stories their parents or grandparents had told them. Shown above are members of the audience listening to James Munden describing one of his experiences during the Great Depression.

To hear the remarks made by various audience members, CLICK the link below.

Group Discussion about the Great Depression (MP3, 5 MIN.)

Forsyth Country Day School Represented

Ed McBride, who teaches AP United States History at Forsyth Country Day School addressed the audience attending the Oral History of the Great Depression program at the Lewisville Library in Lewisville, North Carolina. Mr. McBride was accompanied by two FCDS students. Pictured above to his left is Kaitlyn Kiser, a junior.

Pictured in the foreground of the above photo is Ed McBride, who teaches AP United States History at Forsyth Country Day School. Ed asked the audience about the range of adjustments their families needed to make in order to weather the financial difficulties they faced during the Great Depression.

Two FCDS students were also in attendance. Pictured above, to Ed’s left, is Kaitlyn Kiser, a junior. Seated elsewhere in the auditorium was Lizzie Martin, a senior, who also volunteers to assist the Friends of the Lewisville Library.

Following the meeting, my recorder caught an additional conversation about the Great Depression between James Munden and Ed McBride. Please CLICK the link below to hear the additional information and ideas raised about the Great Depression.

James Munden / Ed McBride (MP3, 3 MIN.)

Depression Era Books to Be Discussed

On Tuesday, March 24, at 7:00 pm, the Friends of the Library Book Club will hold a discussion on the book, Firefly Lane, and Depression era books. For more information, call the library at 703-2940.

More Photos in the Gallery

I took additional photos during the Oral History of the Great Depression program. If you’d like to see them, CLICK on over to Great Depression Oral History photo gallery.