Thursday Thirteen: How Far Would Your Money Go?

Everything is so expensive nowadays! I spent $200 at the grocery store last week and had to go back for a few things I forgot. I saw a purse I liked at a local department store, but I refuse to pay $375 for it. (Okay, maybe I’m cheap, but …) My husband gave me a purse for Mother’s Day so I did get a new one, but I assure you he didn’t pay an outrageous price for it. I know because he left the price tag on it.

I expect they complained about the price of things back in the 1940’s too, but from our point of view they have nothing to complain about. Check out these prices.

1. In 1940 a new house cost $3,920.00 and by 1949 was $7,450.00.

2. In 1940 a gallon of gas was 11 cents and by 1949 was 17 cents.

3. In 1940 the average income per year was $1,725.00 and by 1949 was $2,950.00.

4. In 1940 the average cost of new car was $850.00 and by 1949 was $1,420.00

5. In 1946 in New Jersey you could buy a maple high chair for $7.98.

6. Ground beef sold for 55 cents per pound in Pennsylvania in 1948.

7. In California in 1944 Campbells Tomato Soup cost 25 cents for 3 cans.

8. One Pennsylvania store sold sliced bacon for 59 cents per pound.

9. In New York you could buy ladies sandals for $6.95 in 1948. Try that today.

10. Need a manicure? Ladies manicure cost $1.00 in 1945 California.

11. Get a Record Player / Radio Combination for $59.00 in Ohio in 1946.

12. Sealey Mattresses cost $38.00.

13. Nylon Hose went for a whopping 20 cents.

The pictures are interesting. One of them is a 1940's ad for shoes, the other other is my granddaughter trying on new shoes. To me, the new shoes look as if they'd be right at home in the 1940's, but you may not think so.

Mary Ann, you're the winner of last Thursday's contest. I'll email you your prize later today.

Remember my new novel Return Engagement is now available at http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com