The 1950s Drought: A Time of Hardship and Resilience
The 1950s are often remembered for their association with rock ‘n roll music, iconic cars, and family values. However, for those living off the land in Texas, it was a time of tremendous hardship and struggle due to a severe drought that lasted almost 80 months, from October 1950 through May 1957. This prolonged period of aridity left a lasting impact on the state and its residents, forever changing the cultural landscape.
Patty Ruth Fuller Driskill, a resident of Encinal at the time, vividly recalls the harsh conditions of the drought. She remembers the scorching heat and dryness at night, forcing her family to sleep on wet cots beneath the trees to find some relief. Dust storms accompanied the drought, turning the sky orange and forcing families to take measures to protect their belongings from the relentless dust.
The intensity of the drought was unprecedented, with Texas receiving up to 50 percent less rainfall than usual and soaring temperatures. Ranchers and farmers were hit hard by water shortages and the high cost of feed, leading to a significant decline in crop yields and the shrinking of farms and ranches across the state. Many young people left rural areas for employment in other industries, seeking a more stable livelihood.
The impact of the drought was felt far and wide, with families making difficult decisions to survive. Bobby Kramer and his friends from Knippa embarked on a 2,000-mile journey to Oregon to work on farms and support their families back home. Louis Dicke, a descendant of Knippa’s founder, witnessed the challenges of farming during the drought, eventually selling off most of their livestock due to the harsh conditions.
Glynis Nelson Peterson’s family experienced the devastating effects of the drought on the Schwartz ranch, where cattle tanks dried up, and livestock had to be sold off due to the lack of water. Wildlife, such as javelina and deer, became accustomed to the sound of burning prickly pear, a desperate measure taken by ranchers to feed their animals during the drought.
Despite the hardships, some families persevered and found ways to adapt to the challenging conditions. Tom DuBose recalls his father’s efforts to dig deeper wells and conserve water, while Estelle Armistead remembers her father’s anxiety as he tried to make a living as a farmer during the drought.
The drought finally ended in April 1957, bringing much-needed relief with 10 inches of rain and continued rainfall over the following months. The devastating impact of the 1950s drought led to significant changes in water conservation efforts, including the creation of the Texas Water Development Board and the construction of new reservoirs across the state.
While Texas has faced other droughts in the years since, the 1950s drought remains the “drought of record,” serving as a benchmark for comparison and a reminder of the resilience and perseverance of those who endured its hardships. The legacy of the 1950s drought continues to shape the state’s approach to water conservation and resource management, ensuring that future generations are better prepared to face similar challenges.