On October 29, 1929, the stock market crashed, leaving millions in debt. This event marked the beginning of something known as the Great Depression. Because this event took place almost 100 years ago, it is hard to find primary sources, and instead, we are forced to turn to the history books. However, I know a first-hand witness of this tragedy. Leona Hracho was born on March 15th, 1922, and is still thriving to this day. At the ripe age of 103, Leona still has vivid memories of what it was like for her family not only during the Great Depression but also during World War II.
During World War II, the US underwent a time of rationing. The term rationing refers to limiting the amount of supplies and goods that civilians can get at a time. The purpose of this was so that we had enough supplies to support the soldiers that were fighting in World War II. When I brought up the use of a ration coupon book to Leona, she told me that she had just found an old one a few years ago and ended up throwing it away because she had no use for it anymore. She remembered that the only way she could buy gas was through this coupon book. For every good or necessity that Americans needed during this time, they had to have a coupon for it; otherwise, they could not get it. Another thing that Leona remembers about World War II was that her husband was fighting in Germany while she was at home.
For those who wonder how someone of Leon’s age could still be thriving at her old age, she responded that she does a lot of coloring and puzzles to pass the time, and she keeps her mind sharp and stays active.
