“Unbelievable Ingenuity: 13 Astonishing Survival Tactics That Thrived During the Great Depression!”
This attitude not only saved money but also cultivated a culture of resourcefulness that helped people stay afloat during such difficult times.
7. Riding the Rails
As jobs dried up in one area, many men, and even some women, took to âriding the rails,â aka hopping onto freight trains in search of work in other towns. It was far from a glamorous life, but for many, it was the only option left.
Hobos, as they were often called, formed informal communities along the railroads and developed their own systems of communication, warning others of where they might find work or danger.
8. Sewing Circles
Communities came together in sewing circles, where groups of women would gather to sew, repair clothes, and make items like quilts and blankets. It wasnât just about mending clothes, sewing circles provided emotional support and camaraderie.
These gatherings often became social lifelines, offering women a way to share skills, resources, and a little bit of joy during otherwise bleak times.
9. Homemade Cleaning Solutions
Instead of buying cleaning products, people made their own from simple ingredients. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice became the go-to cleaning agents for scrubbing floors, washing windows, and even polishing furniture.
These homemade solutions worked just as well as store-bought products but cost a fraction of the price, a perfect example of how creativity saved money during tough times.
