From the beginning of the twentieth century to the late 1930’s, American’s experienced a growing sense of community. Although there were many challenges, the development of community was a clear characteristic of this time period. In this paper I will examine the implications of “community” in the industrial work experience, the development of cities, and consumer culture and media.
Times were hard and there didn’t appear to be an end in sight. Many men were working twelve hour days, with hard labor and stress. For this reason alone, there wasn’t much time to do anything but work. By the time the parents got home from work, they rested for a moment, and went to bed to rest for the next work day.
“They all slept in one room regardless of sex. The house is devoid of furniture, and the entire concern is as wrenched as they could have imagined. Father is shiftless and doesn’t keep place for any length of time. Wife is without ambition or industry.” (Hollitz p.31)
Families were earning the same amount, or in some cases less than their total income. This made it extremely hard to have any recreation with others in their community. Not only were the parents working, but their children were as well. This was one of the biggest problems I came across when studying the 1990’s. How are children supposed to develop friendships and a sense of community when their in a coal mines or factory all day long?
“Working in the coal breakers is exceedingly hard and dangerous. Crouched over in the chutes, the boys sit hour after hour, picking out the pieces of slate and other refuse as it rushes past the washers.” (Henretta p.532)
There is a major problem when families are forced to make their kids work to earn an income for their family. At this point in time recreation was out of the question. Depression was inevitable, and people were becoming too tired to do anything but work, eat, and sleep. The workers decided that something needed to be done to change...