Almost a century ago, global economies were in upheaval: Beaverton in the Great Depression

The Great Depression that began in 1929 and ended in 1939 threw 15 million out of work in the United States, wiped out bank accounts, increased homelessness by 200%, and created soup kitchens and bread lines. President Franklin Roosevelt’s Fireside Chat radio broadcast on Labor Day in 1936 heard a message that emphasized determination to link economic and political freedom and give hope to national recovery. This article takes us back to September of that year.

Two hometown weekly newspapers were printed. H.H. Jeffries published the Beaverton Enterprise from the Enterprise Building at Short Street and Tualatin Valley Highway. Subscription was $1.00 a year. ($24 in 2026.) J.H. Hulett owned the Beaverton Review (“The Only Newspaper Devoted Exclusively to the Interests of Eastern Washington County”) also offering a $1.00 annual subscription.

Labor Day was dedicated to better times for everyone. The public was invited to enjoy the Harvest Festival at St. Mary’s of the Valley. Dinner, refreshments, auto races, and vendor booths offering an opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts were among the attractions. The Oregon State Fair’s Diamond Jubilee opened and expected to set attendance records.

Mayor A.E. Wilson and four-member city council were estimating the 1937 municipal budget. Voters were urged to register by October 3 for the November 3 general election. Oregon Governor Charles Martin proclaimed September 17 as a day to commemorate the 149th anniversary of the adoption of the United States Constitution at the Constitutional Convention. The Washington County Taxpayers League proclaimed that “county taxes were too high! We know the remedy!”

A national columnist posed the question, “What’s the matter with taking your own picture once in a while?” He suggested purchasing a self-timer that fits most cameras and attached to a button on the end of the cable release that operated the shutter (that may have been the first idea for selfies!).

In crime and safety news, an itinerant photographer was reported in Portland and other communities for professing to open a studio, photographing children in their homes, collecting deposits, and leaving town without delivering the photos. An Enterprise editorial pleaded with motorists to slow down, especially as darkness came earlier. Pedestrians were reminded to walk facing traffic.

Income uncertainty challenged everyday life, spending on durable and non-durable goods declined. Advertising focused on thrift and patriotism, although a Portland dealership offered a 1936 Hudson Motor Company Terraplane DL coupe with 3,000 miles for $735 ($17,659 in 2026.) Beaverton Electric opened a refrigeration service department, a nod to the appliance’s becoming more common in American homes despite hardships; about 30% of homes still used ice boxes in 1936. Among businesses were McCready Lumber Company, Beaverton Cabinet Shop, Beaverton Barber, Studio Barber Shop, undertaker W.E. Pegg, Dr. A.E. Wilson, and Alexander’s Super-Service Station, and Beaverton Swap and Shop. Missing from the local papers were grocery store ads.

Five new teachers greeted students in the newly painted and varnished high school and grade school. 300 children were enrolled in Beaverton Grade School, which included 7th and 8th graders. The high school’s 10-game football schedule included Vernonia, Banks, and Scappoose.

After a decade of political, financial, and social catastrophes, the U.S had emerged from the worst economic crisis in its history by 1939. Americans were looking forward to recovery, stability, and unity.

By Ann Koppy, local historian.