Richmond during the Great Depression

Recession, reshmecession.

If you want to see what Richmond was like when the going really got tough, swing by the Valentine Richmond History Center Thursday night for the opening reception of their latest exhibit, “Waste Not Want Not.”

The exhibit chronicles Richmond’s response to the Great Depression through photographs, original documents and objects.

And, yes, this Thursday is the 80th anniversary of the Oct. 29 stock market crash that sent the country spiraling into a decade-long depression.  The opening reception is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature era-inspired music, food and beverages.

Lesley Bruno, director of public relations and marketing, said the exhibit is not just about doom and gloom.

“It’s about business coming together and starting partnerships and trade co-ops,” said Bruno. “Richmonders came up with some pretty innovative things.”

Bruno said part of the exhibit looks at a number of local businesses that got their start in the ’30s, including Ukrop’s. The exhibit also examines the impact of New Deal spending in Richmond, which, for example, helped open the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.