The government had spent large sums of money to help the common man during the Great Depression era, but unlike the millions of dollars spent to feed the people in the food lines, it was now making the country a better place to live. People were able to hold their heads high and with a smile on their face. Thousands upon thousands of dirt roads became graveled. Farmers began using soil conservation practices. Electricity was slowly becoming a vital part of the American homes and industries.

There are so many things that happened during this era it would take several volumes of books to list all the hardships and all the gains that were made. Many people, however, believe the one thing that marked an end to the Great Depression was World War II.

— written by Wilbur Bush, Gallatin, MO (2003)