Growing up and Childcare

Chest infections used to be very common amongst children who lived in the smog-filled slum areas in Sheffield in the 1930s. These areas were later to be replaced by the new estates in northeast Sheffield. Before the Second World War people had to pay to see the doctor and as a result, most families used home-made remedies. It was also customary to stay in bed for a long time with illnesses such as flu and measles which were often fatal. The health of the nation greatly improved with the creation of the National Health Service after the War which provided free medical care.

For children in the 1920s and 1930s, new outfits were bought once a year for Whitsuntide and free milk at school was a key source of nourishment. Toys were largely homemade and children spent hours happily playing outdoors as it was safe to play in the streets and houses were crowded. Sweets were sold in loose jars and you could buy a great variety, even with one penny.

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