Public Schools during the Great Depression

During the Great Depression, many schools across the United States closed because of a lack of money. Despite the hard times, North Carolina did not neglect the education of its children and youth. Not a single public school in the state shut its doors because of the Depression. Clyde R. Hoey, North Carolina’s governor between 1937 and 1941, called the story of education in the state “a romance.” Hoey felt that, overall, things were much rosier for Tar Heel schools than for schools in many southern states.   
The schools, the districts, and the educators themselves tried many creative ways to reduce costs and keep schools running. Some schools saved money by getting rid of cafeterias and cafeteria workers. This meant that each student had to bring his or her own lunch—which might be only a biscuit or even a slice of cheese. Sandwiches made from “store-bought bread” were rare in many homes. Without a Thermos bottle to keep milk cool, a lot of students had only water from the school well to drink. Many came to school hungry and left even hungrier.
Category:North Carolina History
Category:1930s
Category:1940s