French Connection: A Nostalgic Gift Taking a Glimpse into the Past
Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, but it’s the thought behind them that truly matters. Recently, my granddaughter surprised me with a small card that held a big surprise. While there was no special occasion, she had come across something she knew I would appreciate—an intriguing Kardlet titled 1931 Remember When, A Nostalgic Look Back in Time.
Opening the card, I embarked on a captivating journey into the world of my birth year. From the price of coffee at 33 cents per pound to the Montreal Canadiens winning the Stanley Cup, the Kardlet painted a vivid picture of life in 1931. Its pages were adorned with advertisements, showcasing a man modeling a stylish formal suit priced at $37.50. Surprisingly, the suit’s classic design remains timeless and could easily be worn today without raising an eyebrow. The same goes for Arrow shirts. Furthermore, a brand new house could be purchased for $46,796, while a car would set you back $640. Average rent was a mere $18 per month, and gasoline was only 10 cents per gallon. Eggs cost 16 cents per dozen, hamburger was priced at 11 cents per pound, and 10 pounds of sugar were a steal at 55 cents. Despite these seemingly idyllic prices, the average yearly income was just $1,858. Although these figures were in US dollars, Canada would have had similar prices at that time.
Beyond the realm of daily life, important events were taking place around the world. The Kardlet informed me of Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon Jr.’s historic first Trans-Pacific flight, although I must admit, their names were unfamiliar to me. Meanwhile, the global economic crisis continued to wreak havoc as banks shuttered worldwide. In US national news, Nevada made the bold decision to legalize gambling in a bid to alleviate pressure caused by the Great Depression.
Through a glance at the top 10 tunes of the year, I discovered that Bing Crosby had already made his mark with two songs, while Guy Lombardo and Rudy Valley contributed one each. It was surprising to learn that these three legendary singers had already gained popularity so early on. Personally, I only recognized one song, Dream a Little Dream of Me, but I couldn’t recall the name of the singer behind it.
The Kardlet offers a snapshot of history for every year. I believe anyone would find joy in exploring the one dedicated to their own birth year. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come and what has shaped us throughout the decades.
In conclusion, gifts need not be extravagant to hold deep meaning. My granddaughter’s thoughtful gesture introduced me to a treasure trove of memories through the 1931 Remember When Kardlet. It served as a gateway to understanding the world in which I was born and provided a renewed appreciation for the passage of time.
