Back in those days most folks were really poor and had very little. Wages were low and benefits non exsistant and there were no social safety nets. You either made it on your own depended on family or starved. Medical Science was primitive. Yes, folks dressed better and acted more civil towards each other than now and were generally better educated (with less years of education than now) and smarter-street smarts that is.

Don't be enamored with Hollywood treatment. It was a tough time.