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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

San Jose was hit hard by the economic collapse of the 1930s. Many businesses failed, workers lost their jobs, and families became poor. Social messiahs offered alluring panaceas promising relief and recovery when the political response to the depression was often confused and ineffective.

The non-contracted workers went on the offensive. Farmers and farm owners engaged in yet another round of total engagement. Thousands of investors and depositors lost everything when businesses and banks throughout the state closed their doors in the 1930s. The number of building permits in 1933 was one-ninth of what it had been eight years earlier. Many landowners lost their farms and their homes. By 1932, unemployment in California reached 28 percent, and one in five Californians was on public assistance.

#1 Civic Auditorium, San Jose, located at West San Carlos Street near Market Street, 1937

Civic Auditorium, San Jose, located at West San Carlos Street near Market Street, 1937

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#2 San Jose Railroads Car #75 traveling eastbound on The Alameda near Newhall Street in San Jose, 1937

San Jose Railroads Car #75 traveling eastbound on The Alameda near Newhall Street in San Jose, 1937

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#3 Post Office San Jose, 1930s

Post Office San Jose, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#4 Rosicrucian Museum, San Jose, California, 1935

Rosicrucian Museum, San Jose, California, 1935

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#5 Demolition of the Wells Fargo Building, 1937

Demolition of the Wells Fargo Building, 1937

Demolition of the Wells Fargo Building. First and San Fernando Streets, San Jose, California. Early 1973. Formerly the Garden City Bank, first skyscraper in San Jose.

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#6 Hotel Sainte Claire, San Carlos and Market Streets, San Jose, 1930s

Hotel Sainte Claire, San Carlos and Market Streets, San Jose, 1930s

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#7 San Jose Civic Auditorium, 1930s

San Jose Civic Auditorium, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#8 View of Front and Gardens of Mystery House, Winchester Park, San Jose, 1930s

View of Front and Gardens of Mystery House, Winchester Park, San Jose, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#9 View of houses behind Municipal Rose Garden, San Jose, 1937

View of houses behind Municipal Rose Garden, San Jose, 1937

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#10 House, 802 North 4th, San Jose, 1930s

House, 802 North 4th, San Jose, 1930s

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#11 Women Golfers at San Jose Country Club, 1935

Women Golfers at San Jose Country Club, 1935

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#12 Civic Auditorium under construction, 1934

Civic Auditorium under construction, 1934

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#13 Municipal Rose Garden, San Jose, 1930s

Municipal Rose Garden, San Jose, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#14 St. Josephs Church, San Jose, 1930s

St. Josephs Church, San Jose, 1930s

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#15 Talisman Rose, Rose Garden, 1937

Talisman Rose, Rose Garden, 1937

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#16 Fallon House, Italian Restaurant, San Jose, 1930s

Fallon House, Italian Restaurant, San Jose, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#17 San Jose Merchants Association float, 1930

San Jose Merchants Association float, 1930

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#18 Mitynice Donut Demonstration, 1935

Mitynice Donut Demonstration, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#19 Pumping gas from a barrel, San Jose, 1930

Pumping gas from a barrel, San Jose, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#20 San Jose Water Works, 1934

San Jose Water Works, 1934

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#21 Pine tree in front of residence, dusted with snow, snowstorm in San Jose, 1932

Pine tree in front of residence, dusted with snow, snowstorm in San Jose, 1932

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#22 Miniature Golf Course, near 1040 The Alameda, San Jose, 1935

Miniature Golf Course, near 1040 The Alameda, San Jose, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#23 Automobile on Highway 101 south of San Jose, 1931

Automobile on Highway 101 south of San Jose, 1931

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#24 Santa Clara County Hospital, 1930

Santa Clara County Hospital, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#25 The Buller home at 23 Scharff Ave, San Jose, 1939

The Buller home at 23 Scharff Ave, San Jose, 1939

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#26 Southern Pacific Railway Station – San Jose, 1936

Southern Pacific Railway Station - San Jose, 1936

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#27 Looking west on Santa Clara Street from 2nd Street, San Jose, 1930

Looking west on Santa Clara Street from 2nd Street, San Jose, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#28 Chamber of Commerce, San Jose, 1939

Chamber of Commerce, San Jose, 1939

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#29 Compton Blvd. and Tamarind St., Compton, 1933

Compton Blvd. and Tamarind St., Compton, 1933

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#30 Southern Pacific Train Engine #501, 1936

Southern Pacific Train Engine #501, 1936

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#31 Red Star Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Co. delivery vehicle, 1938

Red Star Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Co. delivery vehicle, 1938

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#32 St. Joseph’s Church, 1935

St. Joseph's Church, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#33 Hotel Sainte Claire Lobby, San Jose, 1937

Hotel Sainte Claire Lobby, San Jose, 1937

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#34 View of the Santa Clara County Courthouse fire from a local office window, 1931

View of the Santa Clara County Courthouse fire from a local office window, 1931

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#35 M.R. Trace School children at Rose Garden, San Jose, 1937

M.R. Trace School children at Rose Garden, San Jose, 1937

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#36 Sainte Claire Hotel, San Jose, 1930s

Sainte Claire Hotel, San Jose, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#37 The San Jose Railroads #75 traveling east bound on The Alameda, 1937

The San Jose Railroads #75 traveling east bound on The Alameda, 1937

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#38 Hotel Sainte Claire Lobby, 1937

Hotel Sainte Claire Lobby, 1937

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#39 Pool and roses at Rose Garden, San Jose, 1937

Pool and roses at Rose Garden, San Jose, 1937

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#40 King Road trolley, San Jose, 1938

King Road trolley, San Jose, 1938

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#41 Cannery was located at 361 North Fourth Street, San Jose, 1930s

Cannery was located at 361 North Fourth Street, San Jose, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#42 Santa Clara County Hospital and nursing school, 1930

Santa Clara County Hospital and nursing school, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#43 San Francisco building across the water, 1939

San Francisco building across the water, 1939

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#44 Hale Brothers store on First and San Carlos streets, 1930

Hale Brothers store on First and San Carlos streets, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#45 Post Office, San Jose, 1933

Post Office, San Jose, 1933

Adjoining the Post Office is the new County Court House and Hall of Records.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#46 Bemis and Moe Super Station, San Jose, 1930

Bemis and Moe Super Station, San Jose, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#47 South First Street, San Jose, 1930s

South First Street, San Jose, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#48 San Jose Railroads car No.2, 1938

San Jose Railroads car No.2, 1938

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#49 First Street and Santa Clara Street, San Jose, 1937

First Street and Santa Clara Street, San Jose, 1937

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#50 Temple of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, San Jose, 1930s

Temple of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, San Jose, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#51 Close up of the Municipal Rose Garden fountain, created and paid for by the Rotary Club of San Jose in the 1930s

Close up of the Municipal Rose Garden fountain, created and paid for by the Rotary Club of San Jose in the 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#52 Grower’s Market at 7th and Taylor Streets, 1937

Grower's Market at 7th and Taylor Streets, 1937

Series of four photographs from the Grower's Wholesale Market located near the corner of East Taylor Street and North Seventh Street, San Jose. The Mobilgas sign is visible in the bottom right of the first image; the service station was located right next to the market. San Jose Berry & Produce can be seen in the last image.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#53 Downtown San Jose, First Street, 1930

Downtown San Jose, First Street, 1930

Bustling street activity; many cars parked and driving down First Street; a man on a bicycle crossing the street in foreground.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#54 Japanese family in front of their house, 1930

Japanese family in front of their house, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#55 Nickell’s Transfer and Storage, 1935

Nickell's Transfer and Storage, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#56 Group of school children on steps, 1930

Group of school children on steps, 1930

Black-and-white photograph of a group of school children standing on the porch and steps of their school.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#57 Robert F. Benson Studebaker, San Jose, 1933

Robert F. Benson Studebaker, San Jose, 1933

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#58 Tower of the Sun, 1939

Tower of the Sun, 1939

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#59 The Court of Pacifica, 1939

The Court of Pacifica, 1939

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#60 Marsh Station interior, 1933

Marsh Station interior, 1933

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#61 Group of workers picking apricots, 1930s

Group of workers picking apricots, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#62 Marsh Station, Palo Alto, 1930

Marsh Station, Palo Alto, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#63 Economy Cleaners located on the north west corner of Second and Santa Clara Streets about 1935.

Economy Cleaners located on the north west corner of Second and Santa Clara Streets about 1935.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#64 Vehicle towing older car as young boy looks on from the curb, 1932

Vehicle towing older car as young boy looks on from the curb, 1932

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#65 Seal Rocks, San Jose, 1938

Seal Rocks, San Jose, 1938

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#66 Load of mattresses for L. Hart & Son, 1930

Load of mattresses for L. Hart & Son, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#67 The Firestone Auto Supply and Service Station, 1935

The Firestone Auto Supply and Service Station, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#68 Front of the Peralta Adobe, May 1993

Front of the Peralta Adobe, May 1993

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#69 Robert F. Benson Auto Agency, Palo Alto, 1933

Robert F. Benson Auto Agency, Palo Alto, 1933

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#70 Marsh Station interior, 1932

Marsh Station interior, 1932

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#71 Hester Grammar School, 1930s

Hester Grammar School, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#72 E.H. Renzel warehouse loading dock in 1930

E.H. Renzel warehouse loading dock in 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#73 Sainte Claire Hotel, 1935

Sainte Claire Hotel, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#74 Flood conditions near Agnew, California, 1931

Flood conditions near Agnew, California, 1931

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#75 Start of bicycle race, 1933

Start of bicycle race, 1933

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#76 Standard Oil Products Service Station, 1935

Standard Oil Products Service Station, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#77 Courthouse Fire, 1931

Courthouse Fire, 1931

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#78 San Jose, Moffett Field, Airship mooring mast, 1933

San Jose, Moffett Field, Airship mooring mast, 1933

The airship mooring mast at Moffett Field. The mooring mast would secure the airship when it was not in flight. Once secure, the moored airship could be guided into its hangar.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#79 Central California Traction Company car, 1937

Central California Traction Company car, 1937

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#80 Permanente Corporation Cement Facility, 1939

Permanente Corporation Cement Facility, 1939

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#81 Bicycle race track, 1933

Bicycle race track, 1933

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#82 Dairy cattle in field next to dairy buildings near Bayshore Highway, 1930s

Dairy cattle in field next to dairy buildings near Bayshore Highway, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#83 University of Santa Clara, 1930

University of Santa Clara, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#84 Santa Clara County Courthouse Fire, 1931

Santa Clara County Courthouse Fire, 1931

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#85 Hotel De Anza, 1934

Hotel De Anza, 1934

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#86 Food Machinery Corporation, 1930s

Food Machinery Corporation, 1930s

Food Machinery Corporation plant on Julian Street. Manufacturing area for pressure cookers for canneries.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#87 Children harvesting prunes, 1930

Children harvesting prunes, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#88 Field workers in fruit drying yard, 1935

Field workers in fruit drying yard, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#89 Spartan Stadium, San Jose State University, 1933

Spartan Stadium, San Jose State University, 1933

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#90 San Jose State College, 1935

San Jose State College, 1935

Students mingle on the quadrangle among the lawns and trees of San Jose State College. On the left is Tower Hall. To the right of Tower Hall is Morris Dailey Auditorium. The tower, auditorium and colonnaded arcade were built of reinforced concrete in 1910. The arcade has since been demolished but the tower and auditorium still survive.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#91 Old Post Office building under construction, 1932

Old Post Office building under construction, 1932

Post Office building under construction on St. James Park, with automobiles parked in front, and Hotel St. James in the background. The street railroad lines can be seen in the middle of the street. The old Post Office building was a Works Progress Administration project designed by Ralph Wyckoff, and this image was likely taken by him.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#92 Three men with horses, in the woods, holding rifles, 1937

Three men with horses, in the woods, holding rifles, 1937

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#93 Corner of North First Street and St. John Street, 1932

Corner of North First Street and St. John Street, 1932

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#94 Roosevelt Tennis Courts, San Jose, California. People playing on one of three tennis courts, 1935

Roosevelt Tennis Courts, San Jose, California. People playing on one of three tennis courts, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#95 Three men with horses, in the woods, holding rifles, 1937

Three men with horses, in the woods, holding rifles, 1937

Three men standing in front of horses, in the woods, holding rifles. This photo is the same composition as photo 1981-1-2-43, but the man on the left is replaced with a different man.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#96 San Jose Post Office Building, 1935

San Jose Post Office Building, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#97 San Jose Building and Loan Association, 1935

San Jose Building and Loan Association, 1935

Exterior view of San Jose Building and Loan Association at 81 West Santa Clara Street. Several cars are parked along the street. Also visible is Ellert's Clock Shop, which was next door to the San Jose Building and Loan. Cars are parked in front of the building.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#98 Norris’ Silk House window displays, 1936

Norris' Silk House window displays, 1936

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#99 Berryessa trolley No. 126, 1938

Berryessa trolley No. 126, 1938

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#100 Red Star Laundry, located at 360 Park Avenue, San Jose, 1939

Red Star Laundry, located at 360 Park Avenue, San Jose, 1939

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#101 Hale Brothers department store, 1930

Hale Brothers department store, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#102 San Jose, Bank of America Building, 1930

San Jose, Bank of America Building, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#103 Santa Clara County Courthouse fire, 1931

Santa Clara County Courthouse fire, 1931

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#104 Santa Clara County Courthouse fire, 1931

Santa Clara County Courthouse fire, 1931

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#105 Nun and Students from Notre Dame High School Outdoors, 1932

Nun and Students from Notre Dame High School Outdoors, 1932

One of the nuns that taught at Notre Dame High School standing with a group of young women on a dirt path. The group is turned looking down that path at the camera. They are next to a stone column and are surrounded by trees.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#106 The Knox Block, 1935

The Knox Block, 1935

The Knox Block, also known as the Beans Block, at First and Santa Clara Streets. United Cigar Store, San Jose Liquor Store, Victory theatre in background later location of the Penny's Store Building, Now Lincoln Law School.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#107 Ground-breaking ceremony for Civic Auditorium, 1934

Ground-breaking ceremony for Civic Auditorium, 1934

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#108 Birney Streetcar North bound on Second Street crossing Santa Clara Street, 1938

Birney Streetcar North bound on Second Street crossing Santa Clara Street, 1938

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#109 Schurra’s Candies, 1935

Schurra's Candies, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#110 1940 South First Street, San Jose, 1935

1940 South First Street, San Jose, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#111 San Jose, Beach Building, 1930

San Jose, Beach Building, 1930

Businesses of the northeast corner of Second Street and Santa Clara Street include Economy Cleaners, Haig's Jewelry Store, Harold H. Shanley Insurance, Gordon Hatters and Artana Drugs. Most of these establishments were housed on the lower level of the Beach Building. Cars are parked on the streets. The Beach Building was built in 1889 by Tyler Beach and was remodeled in 1913.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#112 San Jose, Burrell Building, 1930

San Jose, Burrell Building, 1930

Exterior view of the Burrell Building which housed several businesses, including The Standard Furniture Company, The Hoover Company, and Burrell Beauty Shop. The building stood at 234 South First Street.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#113 Sainte Clare building from First and San Carlos Streets at Christmas time, 1930s

Sainte Clare building from First and San Carlos Streets at Christmas time, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#114 Porter Building, 1930

Porter Building, 1930

The Porter Building stands at the northeast corner of Second and Santa Clara Streets. Several pedestrians are crossing the street while two streetcars meet at the intersection. The Porter Building was demolished in the 1960s and the Pacific Telephone building constructed in its place.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#115 Vertin Building, 1935

Vertin Building, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#116 Girls Pose on See-Saw, 1932

Girls Pose on See-Saw, 1932

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#117 Moffett at Air Base, 1931

Moffett at Air Base, 1931

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#118 American Legion Red Devils Band on parade.1932

American Legion Red Devils Band on parade.1932

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#119 YWCA Building, 1935

YWCA Building, 1935

The YWCA building stands at the corner of Second and Santa Clara Streets. Automobiles are parked at the front and side of the building. A palm is visible on the far right. The original building on the left was designed by Julia Morgan and opened in 1916.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#120 Exterior view of the restored ruins of an Administrative Building of the San Jose Mission, 1937

Exterior view of the restored ruins of an Administrative Building of the San Jose Mission, 1937

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#121 Robert F. Benson’s multiple-use building, 1936

Robert F. Benson's multiple-use building, 1936

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#122 Adobe of the Alvisos of Rancho Milpitas in San Jose, 1937

Adobe of the Alvisos of Rancho Milpitas in San Jose, 1937

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#123 Bank of Italy Building, 1932

Bank of Italy Building, 1932

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#124 Casa Flores adobe, South Pasadena, 1936

Casa Flores adobe, South Pasadena, 1936

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#125 Mission San Bernardino Asistencia, 1939

Mission San Bernardino Asistencia, 1939

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#126 Ng Shing Gung Building, Heinlenville, 1932

Ng Shing Gung Building, Heinlenville, 1932

The Ng Shing Gung building was used as a multi-purpose community place for worship, community meeting room, Chinese school, and hostel for visitors without family in Heinlenville. This image is part of the Heinlenville Chinatown Exhibit and shows the temple with guardian effigies during Da Jui, "Feast of the Hungry Ghosts." The huge figures made of paper mache were burned at the last evening of the festival to satisfy the spirits. A reconstruction of the original Ng Shing Gung now houses the Chinese American Historical Museum at History Park.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#127 Beatty’s American Theatre, 1930

Beatty's American Theatre, 1930

Show opening at Beatty's American Theatre on First Street. San José was a regular stop on the theater circuit, featuring such personalities as Lionel Barrymore and Sarah Bernhardt.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#128 Chiechi family in front of house on Northrup Street, 1936

Chiechi family in front of house on Northrup Street, 1936

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#129 Post Office on North First Street, 1935

Post Office on North First Street, 1935

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#130 Civic Auditorium under construction, 1935

Civic Auditorium under construction, 1935

View of the San José Civic Auditorium under construction. Built between 1934-1936, the structure cost $500,000 and was opened to the public on July 14, 1936.

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#131 Rosicrucian Press Employees, 1930

Rosicrucian Press Employees, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#132 Ground-breaking ceremony for Civic Auditorium, 1934

Ground-breaking ceremony for Civic Auditorium, 1934

The Civic Auditorium was built on land that was originally part of the Pueblo Plaza, donated by Mr. and Mrs. T. S. Montgomery

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#133 Looking for Work in the Pea Fields, San Jose, 1939

Looking for Work in the Pea Fields, San Jose, 1939

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#134 Lick Observatory in California, 1930

Lick Observatory in California, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#135 Watching a solar eclipse in Camptonville, 1930

Watching a solar eclipse in Camptonville, 1930

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#136 Winchester Mystery House, 1930s

Winchester Mystery House, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#137 Senator William G. McAdoo on a Horse and Holding up His Hat, 1930s

Senator William G. McAdoo on a Horse and Holding up His Hat, 1930s

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#138 A View Down San Jose Avenue, 1925

A View Down San Jose Avenue, 1925

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1930s San Jose: What San Jose looked like During the Great Depression

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#139 First St. San Jose, looking north from San Carlos Street, 1930s

First St. San Jose, looking north from San Carlos Street, 1930s

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#140 McAdams speaking at dedication of Cahill Station, San Jose, 1935

McAdams speaking at dedication of Cahill Station, San Jose, 1935

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#141 The fountain in San Jose’s Municipal Rose Garden was created and paid for by the Rotary Club of San Jose in the 1930s.

The fountain in San Jose's Municipal Rose Garden was created and paid for by the Rotary Club of San Jose in the 1930s.

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  1. I know I used to wade in the pool, it was not a fountain. It had a beautiful mosiac like tile bottom and sides with fish tiles. It didn’t have fencing and kids would wade in it with parents or nannies sitting on the surrounding benches. Sometime in the early 60’s I guess someone decided to fill it in with dirt and plant roses in it. In the late 60’s or early 70’s someone then decided to dig out the dirt and roses and finish the bottom like a regular pool surface, then they installed the cement fountain and put the fencing around it..

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#142 San Jose Arena (HP Pavilion) under construction at West Santa Clara and Montgomery Streets, San Jose, 1930s

San Jose Arena (HP Pavilion) under construction at West Santa Clara and Montgomery Streets, San Jose, 1930s

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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