Eleven-Cent Cotton, Forty-Cent Meat

The first part of the 20^th century was actually considered the Golden Age of American farming. War-torn Europe was unable to feed itself, and US farms raced to fill the void, expanding along the way. When World War 1 ended in 1918, so did the drastic need for American produce. The over-abundance of crops and a stagnant market led to inflation, and situations like Eleven-Cent Cotton and Forty-Cent Meat. Here’s Vernon Dalhart from 1929.

There’s a funny story behind Dalhart’s name. To hear it, go to soundbeat.org and type “Vernon” or “Dalhart” in the search bar.