A few years before banking policies, overproduction, and stock market corruption, Luella Rodgers’ house experienced a natural disaster as it was blown away by a large tornado in Jackson, Missouri. Her home was destroyed, but luckily for her family, next door lived her grandparents who were unharmed. 

“We were an extended family,” she said. 

Rodgers recalls being in junior high school during the Depression. She was active in school activities and events, particularly drama. 

Her family was well off as long as someone had a job. “My father changed his job three times,” Rodgers said as she clarified he was promoted.

The family lived in a pleasant factory town. “We enjoyed each other’s company.” In the evenings, she would play outside under the street lamp with friends such as run sheep run and Annie over. Sports such as badminton and croquet were popular, but, she said, “There were no girl sports, (just) pep squad.” 

In her family they would have what is called “Dish Night.” She explained every Wednesday they would give away dishes to get people to come to their farm. “It was work for work, not for money.” Rodgers explained that bartering was quite common.

She enjoyed lots of entertainment growing up, including the movie theater. Events were held at her nearby theater almost every day of the week. She remembers the beginning of sound in motion pictures. At first, the people didn’t speak. There would just be sounds, like a steam train. 

Rodgers also recalled on the radio. “We’d mostly get our news and soaps from there.” She gave a chuckle and explained the reason for the name soap operas. “Because it was always brought to you by soap boxes. I bet you didn’t know that.”

Proudly wearing her St. Patrick’s attire, Rodgers happily boasts, “We were the fortunate ones.”