国立アメリカ歴史博物館のインスタグラム(amhistorymuseum) - 12月22日 01時26分

During the Great Depression, the Pinero family refashioned a paper bag into a Christmas card—and created a holiday message that still resonates today: "Oh, well_in spite of it all_here's a Merry Christmas. . ."

1933 was a difficult year for many Americans. Unemployment reached 25%, domestic production slumped, and the New Deal programs designed to boost the economy had not yet begun to achieve the helpful effects that would come later in the decade. As the holidays approached, the Pinero family tried to make the best of the situation from their home in Chicago. In addition to the line drawings that graced their card's cover, the family added a short poem that commented on their reduced circumstances with a bit of wit and humor:

"In days gone by when we were broke
We hated to reveal it.
In fact our pride demanded that
We struggle to conceal it.
But now at last we’re right in style
And need not fear confession.
We shrug and smile and say 'Oh, well
It’s merely this depression.'
And so this card which once we'd scorn
Now seems within all reason.
It’s cheap—and yet it brings to you
Best wishes of the season!"

On December 19, 1933, the family mailed their handmade card to friends in Massachusetts using a one-and-a-half-cent stamp. The couple that received it decided to save it; their son later donated the card to our museum.

Objects like the Pinero family's card gives us a glimpse into what it was like to live through a challenging period in U.S. history—not unlike today. Earlier this month, we launched Stories of 2020, a digital storytelling initiative that gathers public responses to the multiple crises unfolding across the nation. The initiative an opportunity for you to add your perspective to a digital time capsule of inclusive, wide-ranging, personal records chronicling this moment in history.

Follow the link in our bio today to visit the Stories of 2020 project's website. We hope you’ll consider sharing one of your memories from this year with us: s.si.edu/stories-of-2020

#History #AmericanHistory#ChicagoHistory #PostalHistory #HolidayHistory #HolidayCard #Christmas #ChristmasCard #2020 #GreatDepression

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