I have always been fascinated by the 1930s. Ever since I discovered big band swing in 7th grade I have been enthralled by the Art Deco era. All of it- the history, politics, and economics as well as the lighter side of entertainment, fashion and culture. Seriously studying the 1930s has been my avocation since I was in college. Even as an undergrad music major, I spent far more time with Paul Hindemith and Weimar Germany than I did with many of my friends. As a graduate student, I focused on early 20th Century material culture- the artifacts of technology, transportation and manufacturing from the period. And while I may know a lot of facts, I have always felt that I was missing the experience portion of the equation.
I have always wanted to know what it would have been like to truly live during the 1930s. I would like to do an experiment in which I put aside most of our modern conveniences and live as a Depression-era housewife. Of course, I do have a family and their needs will have to be accounted for, but I will try to do my best to accomplish all of this in as authentic a way as possible.
Perhaps some of you have had similar thoughts. For some reason I haven't talked about it a whole lot on this blog, partly because most of my readers are into the 1950s. And while I like that time period, I have never really felt the pull to live it like I have with the 1930s-early 40s era. I am also aware that there are other people who do this as a lifestyle (some of whom are my good friends) and have been doing so for years. I admire that and I am by no means considering myself an expert on this- I just want to see if I can do it for myself!
So I am announcing the start of this project in which I live as a 1930s housewife for two weeks in August of 2012. The adventure will start with background posts leading up to it at my other blog:
http://the1930sproject.wordpress.com/
Or you can join me facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The1930sproject/
See you later, gator!
I'm excited! The 20s and 30s are more my thing. I will be following along!!
ReplyDeleteplus, for Christmas hubby got me a reproduction book from the 30s of dress cutting and how to make patterns for the dresses of that era!
I have several DVD's on the 1939New York World's Fair you can buy them on a website. Film shot by tourists, amazing to see the clothes and buildings. From the introduction of TV to Dali's surreal building. It will transport you back in time. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI think this will be a fascinating project, and I'll look forward to your posts.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmothers talked about making soap, using a tabletop butter churn, washing clothes with a washboard. When I was a kid, my paternal great-grandmother still refused to have indoor plumbing, except for a hand pump at her sink. My paternal great-grandfather owned an ice house. I fear I'm way too lazy for that kind of life, but it does interest me.
Lapetitemort- What is the title of that book? I'm not much of a sewing machine seamstress, but I can work a needle & thread.
ReplyDeleteJohn- I would love that!
Dana- One of the reasons I want to try this is that I really want to learn how to do those things!
Wow very ambitious! I can't wait to see how it turns out. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI envy your commitment to go totally Thirties for two whole weeks!!! I feel like such a hypocrite now for letting myself be talked into getting a cellphone last summer... Which I'm using right now to make this comment ;)
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