Mention the word "Depression," and people immediately conjure up negative images: soup kitchens, unemployment lines, bankruptcies, and groveling misery. Oh, it was that, all right, but it may come as a surprise to learn that many people living through this admittedly rough period made it through, not only by surviving, but surviving remarkably well under the circumstances. These stalwarts were somehow able to see beyond the oppressiveness of their present, keeping future expectations alive. They were unwilling to remain forever shackled to a debilitating past, or defeated by the dismal nature of the Depression Era. Instead, these optimists found ways to make these years as normal for themselves and their children as possible, and many found it exciting. Hardy folks, they managed to draw strength from a source buried deep within their souls, hearts and minds; and from this rich spiritual supply their needs were met. This inner strength compensated them, in large part, for their unfairly-dealt hand, even restoring a goodly measure of humor where there was little. It's my hope that every visitor coming along on this time adventure will learn something about the wonderful and interesting people who traveled this road, how they lived, what they did for fun, and the many times they were forced to learn the masterful art of coping, often bringing them to view the glass as Half Full. From them, this generation has inherited a world of opportunity. These bright and exciting prospects are their heritage; a legacy of hard-won benefits bequeathed by those of my generation and the many generations who came before. This, then, is the story of a few of our gentle, spirited, loving, hard working, ancestors, and their struggle to carve out a new life in a continually changing world. Because of their struggle, they have provided a legacy for future generations; underwritten by the dogged determination of some others who picked up the obligation where their forefathers left off.
