Dancing     Many people in the 1930's began dancing new styles of dances called "swing dancing".  Dances called the Charleston, the Big Apple, Jitterbug, and the Lindy Hop developed and Americans across the United States were learning the Steps.  One of the most famous was the Lindy Hop.  Just as people thought that this dance could not get any better, a dancer named Frankie “Musclehead” Manning created the first airsteps in 1935, which made the Lindy Hop that much more popular.    The Jitterbug was another popular swing dance in the 30's.  It originated by white people imitating black people trying to do the Lindy Hop.  Swing was one of the many forms of entertainment people did in the 1930's.
 

Theatre & Movies       The 1930’s was considered “The Golden Age of Hollywood”.  This time period was remembered greatly for its sound.  Some people even considered the 1930’s to be the most memorable era of all.  There were a wide variety of films that were made that had elegance and skill within its performance.  There were five major corporate style studios that were very popular in the 1930’s: Twentieth Century Fox, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Paramount, Warner Bros., and RKO.  There were two other minor studios that followed close behind: Columbia, and Universal.  MGM was a company that had many stars within it: Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, William Powell, Norma Shearer, Jean Harlow, Robert Montgomery, and Spencer Tracy.  The Movies at this time were meant to be an escape for the people from the Depression.  The films tried to provide a realistic attitude and a cynicism toward the Depression.
 

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Radio    During the Depression many families looked to the radio for entertainment.  This was one of the newest technologies available during the 1930's.  Families would huddle around oversized radio boxes to hear the news or their favorite talk show.  Some of the most common stories besides the news was, Clayton Moore's  The Lone Ranger, the boxing match between Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling, FDR's Fireside Chats,  Father Charles Coughlin, Louise Armstrong, and for the first time music was played.  Some artists that appeared on the radio during the 30's was George and Ira Gershwin, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.  Their intriguing songs and voices entertained millions of people in the 30's.  One of the most entertaining and popular radio story teller was Orson Welles.  His work includes: The Shadow, The Great McCoy, March of Time, Sherlock Holmes, and the famous War of the Worlds.  War of the Worlds was created in 1938.  It was one of Orson Welle's most famous works.  He used a new technique to make the listeners believe Aliens were actually invading.

Fashion       Womens Fashion of the 30's
A more feminine look replaced the former hard look of the 20's.  At the beginning of the decade the old style of the "flapper" dramatically changed.  Hemlines became longer, and necklines were lowered.   Sheer nylons emerged in the 30's and dramatically modernized women's fashion.  Another style trend that was created was the zipper.  This new Fashion accessories created many new trendy outfits.  Women were looking towards accessorizing their outfits with hats, scarves, shoes, purses, and jewelry.  To promote these new styles, garment industries used movie star endorsements to capture the interests of the female movie-goers.
 

        Mens Fashion of the 30's
Decreasing budgets caused by the Depression, created a new more inexpensive way to make clothing.  The typical male suit was made to create a broad shoulder, and full chest.  This unfortunately used a large amount of material.  Garment industries, in order to save money, used shoulder pads, and tapered sleeves to give the desired look.  The popular style with men was the double-breasted suit (much like modern day business suits).  To make it even more individual a whole new scheme of colors were introduced.  Now suits could be found in navies, and grays.  Another new technique was using a patterned material.  These variegated patterns enhanced the quality of the suit at an inexpensive cost.  Men's Fashion  like women's fashion, garment industries used celebrities like Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable, and Fred Astaire to promote the new clothing lines.

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Holidays

The Holidays were a time when families got together.  Many families at Christmas had a very hard time getting their children and loved ones gifts, due to the shortage of money.  The gifts that were given, were of practical value and of necessity, not luxury.  One of the most popular presents was fruit.  If anything else was given, it usually was an article of clothing the person needed.  Shoes, scarves, hats, gloves, and coats were some items given to children for the cold winter season.  Very seldom did a child get a toy.  Many Holiday dinners consisted of roasted chicken, homemade bread, a huge variety of vegetables, and homemade pies for dessert.  Decorations for the holidays were limited to the families financial standing.  Many families made handmade crafts to decorate with.  At Christmas time, paper ornaments were made and popcorn garland was hung.  The presents were wrapped and decorated with tissue papers, and some wrapping paper.  Importantly though, the Holidays were a time for the family to get together and have fun.  Majority of people didn't let the depression worry them.  They had fun no matter how their lives were.
 

Sporting Events       Sports were played during the Depression for fun and entertainment.  Soccer, football, basketball, swimming, and baseball were the favorites for most people.  Community kids would come together and spend evenings playing games until dark.  Much like today, society enjoyed sports.  The Cincinnati Reds were a big hit.  People would listen to their games on the radio, and some loyal fans would go see their games.
 

Church Life          Church was a common activity between all families.  Majority of the nation attended church regularly as a form of insight, belief, faith, security, and entertainment.  Many families could organize events within their affiliated churches to create some fun.

Small festivals, picnics, trips, Sunday school, church plays, and cemetery decorating  were some of the many church activities many Americans participated in.  Church was not only a spiritual gathering, but a social gathering as well.  Men and women could meet at a church to talk, and be with other people.
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Family Life
Families needed to stick together in the hard times of the 30's. The Depression affected every family in different ways.  Majority of the population had to struggle with working, attending school, and socializing all at the same time.  Many families found new and inexpensive ways to entertain themselves.  Playing cards was one of the many ways families enjoyed their time with each other.  Euchre, Bridge, and Poker seem to be the most popular with many families in the 30's. Dancing was a popular trend that arrived with the new swing dance styles.  People especially teens were learning the new dances called the Lindy Hop, and the Jitterbug to pass the time.  The Cincinnati area was a great place to be during the Depression.  Many inexpensive forms of entertainment were all around.  Coney Island, was a past time favorite, along with going to the zoo, and boating in the Ohio River.

 Many families filled their days with just lounging around in the Ohio River swimming, picnicking, and having a good time.  Horse back riding became a popular sport during the 30's.  Many people would ride horses to escape the pressures of the depression.

The radio was one of the biggest forms of entertainment around.  Families would gather together to listen to lo the sports announcers broadcasting the Reds games.   On the radio people could hear the new and upcoming singers of the time, dance, and hear some news.   Many families made listening to the radio Family time.  Families stuck together during the Depression, because that was all they had left.  Many families suffered through the depression, but they could always find some way of entertaining themselves. 
 
 

Dating     During the Depression not much dating occurred.  Many “couples” postponed their relationships until their lives were more stable.  People did not have extra money to go out and go on dates.  Occasionally people would go out, but the most inexpensive way was the best.   “Our idea of a good date, was going out on the town in Cincinnati, getting some ice-cream, and having a good time" (Albert and Helena Nanni).   The movies were another very inexpensive way to go out on a date.    MGM studios was the star-studded studios of the 30's.  Many popular Movies today were released during the 30's.  Gone With the Wind, Wizard of Oz, and some big hits came from Disney, like Robin Hood.
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