NIAGARA, Wis. — This may seem like a strange topic to be writing about now in 2022 — a century after this most difficult of decades in our nation’s history. But sometimes, when we think our lives are so very difficult and the times in which we currently live are full of depressing statistics and news broadcasts, it helps to look back and compare our lives to those which our grandparents lived and in which our parents were raised. A look back at the decade between 1929 and 1939 will help us to realize that, while we certainly have our challenges today, they pale in comparison to life back then.

We do not have to listen long to television these days before we are told how bad our lives have become. From news broadcasts to just about every commercial, we hear non-stop reminders of soaring prices, falling stock markets, and looming inflation complete with finger pointing and blame from both Democrats and Republicans. My husband and I continually press the mute button on our television’s remote control if we have any hope of maintaining our sanity or staying in a good mood during this mid-term election year. Wisconsin has been deemed a “battleground state” for both the election of our governor and one of our U.S. Senate seats. So, we have been inundated with non-stop political commercials. They contain only blame, name calling, and biased rhetoric. Consequently, the only purpose they serve is to put a huge amount of revenue in the pockets of the television networks that are airing them.

These commercials are also very damaging to our way of thinking about the times in which we live. To use a phrase I learned from my mother, they would have us believe “we are going to hell in a hand basket.” When we hear such grossly negative misrepresentations of our current period of history, our view is distorted. So, let’s take a glimpse of a truly desperate time in our country’s history for the purpose of comparison to our lives today.

The Great Depression followed the “Roaring Twenties,” which was the period following the end of World War I that had been a time of relative affluence for many middle and working-class families. New innovations allowed for more leisure and the creation of a consumer society. However, the stock market crash of 1929, along with the Dust Bowl out west, ushered in a period of hardship that would profoundly affect all classes of American society. Those lucky enough to remain employed saw their wages cut or their hours reduced to part-time. Even professionals saw their incomes drop as much as 40 percent. The overall unemployment rate at that time peaked at 25.6%.

Back then, a new level of frugality became the norm. The household motto of the day was: “Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.” I can still hear my own grandmother saying, “Waste not, want not.” They grew “kitchen gardens” to save on the cost of food. Some larger communities allowed public land to be converted into “thrift gardens” where residents could grow food. Potlucks emerged as a popular way to share food and became a cheap form of entertainment. Women were given tips on meals to prepare that would stretch food. Casseroles, macaroni and cheese, soups and stews became popular during this time for that reason. People routinely patched worn-out clothing, darned socks, and gave up trips to the movies as they struggled to retain ownership of a home or automobile.

Both my husband and I grew up with parents who had lived through this period of history and had adopted its frugal mindset. I can still see my mother-in-law actually darning socks, and my mother was adept at preparing inexpensive suppers that could feed our family of five. To this day, my siblings and I still enjoy cream tuna on toast. In our early years of marriage when our kids were little, I was thankful to have learned how to stretch a pound of hamburger.

Recreation was still possible, but people adopted much cheaper forms of it. Families back then enjoyed getting together to play cards and board games; both Monopoly and Scrabble became popular during that time. Miniature golf thrived. Radio programs provided another form of cheap entertainment. Families tuned in to hear the news, baseball scores, Hollywood gossip, and shows like “Amos and Andy” and soap operas. FDR used the radio for his “Fireside Chats” to keep Americans informed about current events and the “New Deal” government programs that saved many a family from starvation.

Women entered the work force in increasing numbers. The additional income helped their families keep their heads above water. They often took clerical or service industry jobs that were viewed as “unfit” for men, and, of course, they were paid less. But, nonetheless, it was additional income that the family would not otherwise have had. Many men — over two million of them — took to hitching rides in the box cars of trains to find work so they could provide for their families back home. Camps dubbed “Hoovervilles,” so named after Herbert Hoover who was president at the time, sprang up across the country. As marriages suffered under the strain, family breakdowns were common. Abandonments, dubbed a “poor man’s divorce,” were common as men deserted their families in shame over not being able to provide for them.

So how does the Great Depression, and even more recent periods of history, compare to our economy and lives today? The current unemployment rate is only 3%, and no matter the business or industry, everyone needs more employees. During the Great Depression, as many as 25.6% of workers were unemployed. There has also been a rise in the encouragement of technical education and training programs in trades that will pay the student while he or she is learning. Our current inflation rate is 8.2% compared to 14.8% between the years 1977 to 1981 when interest rates soared to 18% compared to an average interest rate today of about 5%.

How does our standard of living compare to the Great Depression? Recreationally, people are still flying and going on cruises. While a trip to the gas station will cost us more, we can still drive to where we need to go to meet our needs. Food prices are definitely higher, but most of us can still feed our families without needing to plant a vegetable garden. And take-out restaurants continue to thrive along with those services where packaged meals arrive at your doorstep.

When we look at our present-day lifestyles — both the conveniences and the challenges — I think we measure up pretty favorably to other periods of history, especially the Great Depression. No doubt, things could be better. But history shows us that society has had it worse — a lot worse. And why is it important that we realize this? We need to keep an historical perspective in this mid-term election year so we do not vote under a cloud of false panic instilled in us by all of those negative, noisy political ads that would have us believe we are on the brink of disaster unless we vote for their candidate.

So, take a deep breath and a step back to give yourself some distance between you and the latest politician hollering negative accusations through the TV. And then be sure to cast your vote in November having answered the question: are things really as bad as those TV commercials would have me believe?

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

Sunday: Church on TV, 9 a.m.; self-activity packet, 1 p.m.; “Antiques Roadshow,” 6 p.m.

Monday: Morning decorating the dining room for the spooky party.; treats, snacks, games with lots of spooky music, 1:30 p.m.

No additional information for the remainder of the week.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; Halloween reminisce, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 2 p.m.

Monday: Costume prep, 9 to 11 a.m.; room visits, 9 a.m.; costume parade, 1 p.m.; Halloween party with music and treats, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Casino trip, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass video, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

No additional information for the remainder of the week.

Wednesday: Coffee social/costume prep, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; monthly birthday party with Bob, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 pm.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling,10 a.m.; wildlife film,1:30 p.m.; church video, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Costume prep, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; spooky stories, 2 p.m.; spooky movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word game/room visits, 9 a.m.; puzzle time, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica (formerly ManorCare)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.

Sunday: Witch craft, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Witch’s brew, 9 a.m.; skeleton stretches, 10 a.m.; spooky visits, 11 a.m.; costume party, 2 p.m.; take a vote, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; candy corn toss, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church service, 9 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting corner 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Saturday: November craft, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; you be the judge, 10 a.m.; Halloween party, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Hot cocoa and Uno, 10 a.m.; rosary/communion, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Rummy, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: History of football, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at the present time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; Packers vs. Bills, 7:20 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; Phase 10, 2 p.m.

Monday: Movie, 10:30 a.m.; North Central trick-or-treating, 1 p.m.; Halloween treats, 2:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Decorating, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

No additional information for the remainder of the week.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken noodle soup, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, macaroni and cheese and coleslaw.

Thursday: Cracker crumb cod, twice baked potato and salad.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheeseburger, potato wedges and chef choice vegetable.

Tuesday: Cheeseburger, potato wedges and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Chicken breast, baked potato and chef choice vegetable.

Thursday: Baked cod or burger, potatoes and chef choice vegetable.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is open and is once again serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Bratwurst, tater tots and baked beans.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Ground beef goulash and dinner roll.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spooky spaghetti, cauliflower, garlic bread and creepy crawly cranberries.

Tuesday: Cheesy cauliflower soup, tuna salad sandwich and crackers.

Wednesday: Shrimp Alfredo, Italian vegetables and breadstick.

Thursday: Pizza burger, glazed carrots and garlic bread.

Friday: Chicken strips, baked beans and corn.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week is:

Monday: Spinning spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; wood carvers, noon to 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Cards – Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 4 p.m. Card cost is .25 per card, 10 games are played.

Thursday: Cards – Pinochle, noon to 4 p.m.

Friday: Cards – Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Fish or bratwurst, baked potato, peas and coleslaw.

Tuesday: Beef stew, cornbread and salad.

Wednesday: Spaghetti, garlic bread and corn.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Witches brew stew with vegetables, monster biscuits, fruit and Dracula pumpkin bars.

Tuesday: Cook’s choice – entrée, vegetables and fruit.

Wednesday: “Deer camp” pasties, coleslaw, bananas and applesauce cake.

Thursday: Lasagna rollups, broccoli, dark green salad, bread sticks and fruit.

Friday: Taco tater tot casserole with lettuce and tomato, cornbread and fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program for those who are homebound is available.

Contact the center for weekly menus.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m., with salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chef salad, cottage cheese, boiled egg, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Chili, cornbread, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Ravioli, green beans, breadsticks, dessert and milk.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for 60 and older and $7 ages 60 or younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Halloween meals: Pizza party at the center; delivery will be pizza casserole, vegetable, fruit, and dessert.

Tuesday: Tuscan fish, baked potato, coleslaw, rye bread and Mandarin oranges.

Wednesday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic bread and peaches with topping.

Thursday: Baked chicken breast with gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli and pumpkin bar.

Join us for Bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pizza burger, roasted red potatoes and Italian blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Bacon-lettuce-tomato wrap, sweet potato fries and sugar snap peas.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice and stir fry vegetables.

Thursday: Ham, cheesy potatoes and glazed carrots.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Cheese ravioli, meat sauce, garlic bread and chef choice vegetable.

Wednesday: Chili, cornbread, carrots and mixed fruit.

Thursday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and corn.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.