Where your grandparents poor as children?

Question

In old pic's my grandmother and her sister wore no shoes and were wearing pixie cuts, and old white homemade dress'.
They lived in VA and only got oranges and nuts for Xmas, sometimes a new Church dress and a homemade ragdoll.
That's why they were so watchful with their money, I love to hear the old Stories, they were children in the 1920's.

Answer 1

My grandparents grew up in Depression-era Chicago, so they were poor, too, but since everyone else was, too, they did not think of it that way.

Answer 2

I was poor as a child :D just like my parents and their parents. I grew up in the middle of the woods and I was a really happy kid. I remember eating my first orange when I was about 8-9 years old. I played in the sandbox or river when it was warm and in the snow when it was cold.
My family lived in a 3 room house until I was 5. The only source of heat was a woodstove which was also used for cooking.
I think growing up that way I was lucky. I really have a respect for money, and I know how to spend responsibly now that I live on my own. My parents always did the best the could with what we had and now that I'm older I really respect them for it.
it wasn't just the 20's that had poor kids and personally I think it's a shame that some kids grow up with parents with lots of money that spoil them. I've met too many people my age (21) who don't know how to take care of themselves or their money.

Answer 3

Kids nowadays get to much and they don't appreciate things, like we did long ago. For a sled, we used a big piece of cardboard to slide down a hill in the snow. We would be playing outside in the winter a lot, building snow forts. Never owned a pair of ice skates, had to borrow a friends. We were thankful to get a pair of cotton stockings and a writing tablet and a pencil from a relative for Christmas. Never got anything else on any other holiday! We used to play ball & jacks quite a bit, they didn't cost much, neither did marbles! Kick the can was another fun game, along with treasure hunt, hopscotch & jumprope! I was born in the year 1930. And we grew up making our own fun! there were 6 in my family.

Answer 4

My grandparents were pretty poor and they lived through very harsh conditions. But life was much simpler back then. Basically, if you had shelter, food and one Sunday dress with a pair of shoes, you were ok. Life expectancy was a lot shorter then as well. I applaud our pioneers who have lived through these times because they did not have the comforts that we all enjoy today. It"s too bad that most people are living a rat race and take everything they have for granted. I think that most rich people and their kids have no concept of a hard day's work and they do not appreciate the little things like those of us who came from families who struggled. My parents also struggled, but somehow they managed and believe me, they instilled a good work ethic in me and I do appreciate everything I have. I feel very lucky.

Answer 5

my grandparents came over in 1945 with no money 3 sick kids and no place to live but the streets for 3 years. They managed and now are very happy and 94 and 97 years old

Answer 6

My grandparents were born in the late 1880's. They had 12 children - they were extremely poor.

Answer 7

I don't know about my grandma, but my grandpa was born in 1908, he's dead now, though. I think they were poor. I haven't seen any pictures of them when they were little (sadly) but I imagine he was cause my grandpa was very hardworking. I guess he valued money very much too.
I've seen pictures of my great-grandfather, though. He looked like in his 20's and he didn't look poor at all. It's interesting to see old pictures!

Answer 8

Yes my grandparents were and the had 2 sons and a daughter.. But after my mom and her brothers got older they were put in Catholic Schools..

Answer 9

Yes they were somewhat poor farmers. But they kept a beautiful immaculate if modest house. And the amazing thing is they didn't go gang banging and stealing and then blaming their being poor for their behavior. I love it when people blame their rat-like behavior on poverty.

Answer 10

Um yes, it was the 30's then. Great Depression.