The Great Depression in Sevier County (synopsis of an interview of Crystal Bell)

The Great Depression in Sevier County

Based on an interview of Crystal Bell
by Tiffany Black on December 15, 1996

Crystal Bell reminisces on her memories of the depression recalling prices, entertainment, and mainly just getting by.

I was born in the small town of Richfield in 1913. We had a large family and my dad ran a pool hall, and we had enough to eat, but it was slim pickings sometimes. We were all going to school and trying to dress five or six kids to go to school. I tell you it really took a lot, but then we didn't have a lot either. We were real lucky if we had more than two dresses, but then my sisters and I were about the same size so we could change, ya know, swap dresses. And I know one night we were over to Glenwood to a dance and one of the ladies sitting on the sidelines said I wish those Butler girls would wear their own clothes so we could tell who belonged to what.

When I graduated in 1932—that was just right during the depression— Mother and Dad really had to dig deep to try and get enough money together so I could have a new dress for graduation.

We were used to having just like everyone else. We were used to having a lot of about anything we wanted, but then we finally found out that things weren't available to us like they used to be.

Well, like I say, one thing about it, we were all in the same boat as everyone; we weren't the only family that was cut down and had to cut down on things because the whole world was like that. And so you just learned to live with it.

I remember that both banks closed when the depression started and that made it so much worse for the people in town because they couldn't get to their money. And it was just rough all the way through it. I can remember when bib overalls were a $1.99 a pair, and you could buy a good pair of work shoes for $2.98. And then your bread was five cents a loaf. You could buy two pounds of hamburger for 35 cents. Your gasoline was 25 cents a gallon, and down at the Blue Bell it was 19 cents a gallon.

The Depression taught me to appreciate the things that we have. I think anyone benefits from having to go without things. Then when you get something, why you really appreciate it and you really learn how to spend your money. Just a little advice to younger generations; I would say they better start saving as soon as they get married so they'll have something to fall back on if there ever comes a depression. Savings is one of the best things you can do, save a little bit out of your pay check each month, so you always have a nest egg.

One thing I know is that I'm sure glad it's over.

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