Circleville, Ohio in 1938 was trying to recover from the Great Depression when these photographs of downtown street scenes were taken by Ben Shahn.

Permanents were in vogue at the local beauty shop during this time.

Downtown Circleville

 Coney Island hotdogs.

Circleville reminisences: a description of Circleville, Ohio (1825-1840) ; also an account of the 115-year old sister of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry

One Fire Truck

 

Car was taking the place of the horse and wagon in 1938

Main and Court Street – three photographs below

 

 

 

Policeman in a discussion with this man.

 

Hanging around the 5 an 10 cents store

 

 Veterans’ of Foreign Wars and the Second National Bank. This bank opened its doors for business January 1882. The first president was Noah S. Gregg. Henry N. Hedges, Jr. was the first cashier.

 

 

This is the Work Projects building in Circleville in 1938. 

 

SOURCES

1. Library of Congress
2. History of Pickaway County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens

See More Pictures and Stories on Circleville, Ohio 

This action packed novel, Faith and Courage, is inspired by true events that took place in colonial America.