Everyday Moments: Life in Britton, South Dakota (silent, 1938-39)

This footage from the Ivan Besse collection, filmed in Britton, South Dakota, during 1938-1939, provides a rich glimpse into small-town life. It features a mix of scenes, including people on the streets, shy store clerks, and window washers employing daring techniques. Highlights include a Memorial Day ceremony, schoolchildren at recess, a lively football game, and a dramatic bonfire. The footage also captures unique moments such as a barn being moved with a tractor and a corn husking competition. Other scenes depict daily activities like car repairs, window painting, and people heading to a well-dressed movie outing. The film’s low-angle shots and candid portrayals of community life make it a fascinating historical record.

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