What hapeended to those people who moved to California in, say 1935 ?
I found this article that touches on that topic. Here’s an excerpt:
As World War II wore on, the state of the economy, both in California and across the nation, improved dramatically as the defense industry geared up to meet the needs of the war effort. Many of the migrants went off to fight in the war. Those who were left behind took advantage of the job opportunities that had become available in West Coast shipyards and defense plants. As a result of this more stable lifestyle, numerous Dust Bowl refugees put down new roots in California soil, where their descendants reside to this day.
I definitely recommend reading “The Grapes of Wrath” for a full understanding of the experience. Steinbeck spent a lot of time with migrant workers, and with this novel tried to tell their side of the story.
Another great novel that seems appropriate these days is “The Great Gatsby”. Whenever I see some 30-something real estate tycoon driving his Bentley I am always reminded of the Jay Gatsby character…
