More than Money: Being “Rich” During the Depression

Life magazine declared Sedalia, MO, the city second-hardest hit by the Great Depression in the entire United States. At the same time, community members such as Harry Waldman declared themselves “rich” with assets far more valuable than money. In 1930s attire, Dr. Becky Imhauser portrays Waldman’s wife. She describes how Waldman raised money for charity by “arresting” civic leaders at the beginning of the Great Depression—and how those same civic leaders pooled money to preserve Waldman’s assets when he went bankrupt the next year. Waldman is just one example of Depression resiliency, which continues to encourage contemporary audiences.

This event is presented by Dr. Becky Imhauser through the Missouri Speakers Bureau Program. Becky is an author, speaker, and conference leader. She has been named Missouri’s Best Local Author for the past five consecutive years based her 21 published books. With a doctorate degree in education, Becky designs historic presentations that appeal to a variety of learning styles. She specializes in costumed first-person portrayals, including projected photos and displays of artifacts and ephemera.