Depression Era Christmas Tree

Our final tree is from the Depression Era (1930s). One would expect a "grim" looking tree with jobs and money scare, but as you can see, it wasn't. Surprising what human imagination can conjure up out of common items, isn't it?

As electricity became available to many Mississippians in the 1930s, electric lights were added to Christmas decorations. Families continued to use a combination of handmade and commercial ornaments. Since money was scarce, one family chose to wrap up "messages" addressed to loved ones as gifts. Other decorations included paper chains and glass balls. Toys under this tree include Popeye (ca. 1935), an airplane model of Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis (ca. 1930-1940), and Tootsie Toy trucks (ca. 1933).

I hope that you have enjoyed these Christmas trees. From all of us here at Col Campbell's Barracks, here's wishing you:

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND
A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!