There will always be change. (original) (raw)

There is no doubt the Crash of 1929 and the extreme drought of the 1930s contributed to The Great Depression and Dust Bowl. Bad luck just seemed to come in bunches to those who lived in that era. However, closer study reveals the beleaguered people caught up in this strife and disaster were caught up in another monumental change as well, the end of the horsepower era and the beginning of the gasoline-power era. Compare the 1930 census to the 1940 census for proof.

Never before in American history had such a drastic change presented itself. In order to properly farm 160 to 320 acres with horsepower, owners worked with up to three teams and equipment. In addition, from 20 to 40 percent of the acreage had to be dedicated to raising grain and forage for the teams of livestock doing the work. Most of these owners and employees lived on the land where they worked and raised gardens and livestock.

When tractors came on the market, almost overnight the same acreage could be worked by the owner with no land set aside for the upkeep of the horsepower stock. No matter the loyalty or obligations owed, when hard times and drought struck, landowners had no alternative but to change with the times. Thousands of rural workers suddenly found themselves out of work.

This hardship was not caused by the stock market crash of 1929. Few if any of this societal class owned any stock or had any investments to be lost. Bank closings did not affect many, as few had bank accounts. The blowing dust had little real effect on them because few had any investment in failed crops. When they lost their jobs they had no choice but to flee to a better place.

In no way do I belittle these people, as they had been the backbone of American agriculture for ages. They were merely victims of the great change from horses to tractors. If depression and drought had not been present, adding to their woes, a less severe outcome might have occurred.

It is hard to distinguish between the heroes and villains as hard choices were made in this dramatic change in progress. Some argue those who stayed were tougher and more determined than those who left. Others merely shook their heads and said they were too poor to leave even if they wanted.

Whatever category or circumstances the people found themselves in, it was a tough hard time caused by change. Such changes will always be in the future and is the normal way the world seems to work. Be aware and always be ready to change.

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Delbert Trew - August 9, 2011 column
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Delbert Trew is a freelance writer and retired rancher. He can be reached at 806-779-3164, by mail at Box A, Alanreed, TX 79002, or by email at trewblue@centra media.net. For books see delberttrew.com. His column appears weekly.
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