The Cost of a Date - Post Depression Years

by Rene Torres

L to R:  Conrad Lozano, Amelia Parra and Frank Maldonado.

Toward the end of the “Depression,” Brownsville Rev. William Harry Moore ventured into Brownville High School and the Junior College to find out more about the modern youth. 

The First Methodist pastor prepared a list of questions in conducting in a “say it all” survey he titled “How much is it going to Cost?”

1949 Brooks Walgreen Fountain

The following questions and replies of the students were revealed in a Sunday publication of the Brownsville Herald, the questions and some of the answers follow:

1949 Palmetto yearbook ads

What does it cost for a young man to take a girl out for an evening?

1949 Palmetto yearbook ads

The boys said, an average date should cost $2.92.  The girls, who do not pay the bills, explained, that a date should cost $1.45.  They were all in agreement that the amount of money is not the determining factor.

1957 Palmetto yearbook ad

“Girls can always sit up stairs (at the Capitol theater) without losing dignity,” one said.  “Most girls prefer going up stairs,” another added.  What the girls met by not losing their dignity if they sat in the balcony was open for interpretation. 

1928 Capitol Theater (courtesy of Jose Cazares)

Does a boy need to spend money on a girl to hold her friendship?

 “Most girls are supposed to be flattered when they rate an occasional ‘coke’.”  “Money is not everything in life.” “No girl wants to have every date in the parlor.”  “Depends what kind of a girl she is.”

1955 St Josephs Joe Hernandez Calderoni and Miguel Q Sandoval

The girls all responded that it wasn’t necessary to spend money to hold a friendship.  Some boys felt that it was necessary to use money as way to make friends with girls…they were in the minority however. 

1957 The Glass Kitchen hamburger stand

Are boys spending more money than is necessary?

“There are a few, but they usually spend their money on liquor.”  “Not Valley boys at any rate.”  The girls in the majority said “no.”  Most girls felt that the boys know what they can spend, and stay within their limits.

c1955

What proportion of a week’s income should be spent on amusement? 

Ten to 100 percent among high school students, but the college set, the amount at about 25 per cent.  One girl said, “If I were married, I’d rather stay home more than I do now.”

Have you ever tried budgeting your expenditures?

They all seem to agree that a budget was the best method to control spending, but few were willing to try it.  Those who tried had a hard time sticking to it.   (“They were just like their parents,” the Rev. Moore said).

1940s (Gloria Ramirez collection)

1949

Should a girl marry a boy who does not have insurance or saving account?

“No, a girl should study the future before she marries.  After all, they can’t live on ‘love’ alone.”  One girl declared, “Some don’t care, all they want is to marry, of course, I don’t care.”  “If she loves him…yes.”   “It all depends on the kind of girl (rich or poor).  A poor girl should play it safe.”

The high school girls did not seem to think that a bank account and insurance were essential, but their old sisters of the Jr. College differed with them. 

Has the girl the right to know all about a boy‘s finances before she marries him?

“Certainly, After all, she will share it.”  “Yes, a girl should at least know if you can support her.”  “She is crazy if she does not know about his finances.”

There was more agreement on this question among the boys and girls than on any other.  They all said, that a girl should know three things about a boy.  The girls revealed that they did not expect a young man to make a great deal of money.  They were perfectly willing to start life on a small income, but they felt they should have full information, so they could live accordingly. 

What portion of young person’s income should be spent on charities, benevolences, etc.?  

“If you can afford it…we should certainly help the unfortunate.”  “All he can spare.”  The majority agreed that ten percent of one’s income should spend on charities.

Are debts justifiable?  If so, which ones?

“All debts should be paid before marrying.”  “They should be paid by both.”  “To get a job, but not to eat candy.”   “Yes,” buying on the installment plan is a good way to handle your debt.”  “Yes” was the general answer if the debt is for education, hospitalization or the necessities of life. 

Should the boy’s ability to spend money be the only test of friendship?

“No, No, No.”  “I think that question is silly, a definite no.”  “No, for a couple can enjoy each other occasionally without spending money.”   “We want homes, children and security.  Let the boys save their money for that.”  “No, there is more than one way to skin a cat.”  “No, but girls are funny creatures, they’ll think the boy is a tightwad.