Description

In Vaughnsville, Ohio and Sugar Creek Township, the 1930's were a time of little commerce, yet most families relied upon the land. Farms in the area still produced vegetables and most families raised hogs, chickens, sheep, goats, ducks and milk cows. The depression years were less difficult in this township where gardens were prolific. A friend, who had a Model A Ford and a full tank of gas, gave a ride to Ft. Wayne, as a wedding gift where Fred Evans and his bride, Mary Anderson Evans were married. Many newly married couples lived with parents for a few years during the depression times, until they could afford a place of their own. Vaughnsville High School graduates were resilient, and even with little money, they soon found themselves busy. Trading took the place of selling. Many talents were discovered in the people of the township, and everyone had a store of saved supplies. The lack of commerce, instigated the ingenuity of inventions that could be made of things others might have thrown away. Those who lived during the depression seemed to find a use for everything, and stored things, rather than throw them away. The thought of buying a Halloween costume was laughable. It was a time to be frugal, but no one seemed to be inhibited by the lack of money. The Welsh heritage of music gave entertainment and families enjoyed evenings of popcorn as they gathered around the radio for their regular shows. One Vaughnsville family combined the two by becomming well-known across the country as the Thomas Brothers, who sang on nation-wide radio, and could be heard by family, friends and neighbors in Sugar Creek Township on Major Bowes Radio shows.