The Diary of Arnold Morris Samuelson is a fascinating book written during the Great Depression. It offers a unique insight into the daily struggles of an ordinary American during one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history. Arnold Morris Samuelson was born in 1902 in Nebraska. He grew up on a farm and later worked as a laborer in various industries. During the Great Depression, he kept a diary in which he recorded his thoughts and experiences, offering a window into the daily life of an ordinary American during this tumultuous time.
The Diary of Arnold Morris Samuelson was published in 1965, nearly thirty years after the events it describes. The book was edited by Arthur A. Hansen, a historian who discovered Samuelson’s diary while researching the Great Depression. Hansen recognized the value of the diary as a historical document and worked to bring it to a wider audience.
The diary begins in January of 1932 and ends in August of 1933. Over the course of these nineteen months, Samuelson records his struggles to find work, feed his family, and keep a roof over their heads. He writes about the desperation he feels as he watches his savings dwindle and his prospects for employment diminish. He also reflects on the political and social conditions that have led to the depression, offering his own opinions on the causes and potential solutions.
One of the most striking things about the diary is Samuelson’s frankness and honesty. He does not sugarcoat the challenges he faces, nor does he try to present himself as a hero. Instead, he offers a raw and unvarnished account of his daily life, including his frustrations, anxieties, and occasional moments of hope.
The diary also provides a window into the larger social and political conditions of the time. Samuelson writes about the Hoovervilles – shantytowns that sprung up across the country as people were evicted from their homes. He describes the long lines at soup kitchens and the desperation of those who have lost everything. He also reflects on the political debates of the time, including the New Deal policies of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
What makes The Diary of Arnold Morris Samuelson such a valuable historical document is its authenticity. Samuelson was not a famous person or a political leader. He was an ordinary man trying to make his way through a difficult time. His diary offers a glimpse into the experiences of millions of Americans who lived through the Great Depression, and serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of those who weathered that storm.
