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What was my great-great grandfather's life like in 1913?

Life Expectancy: In 1913, the average life expectancy for men in the developed world was around 50 years old, much lower than today's standards.

Your great-great grandfather may have faced higher risks of premature death from infectious diseases, accidents, or lack of modern medical care.

Household Chores: Without modern appliances, your great-great grandfather and his family would have had to perform arduous household tasks manually, such as hand-washing clothes, scrubbing floors, and hauling water from a well or pump.

Modes of Transportation: Automobiles were still a rarity in 1913, so your great-great grandfather likely relied on horse-drawn carriages, trains, or his own two feet to get around.

The first Model T Ford had just been introduced a few years earlier.

Communication: Long-distance communication was limited to telegrams, letters, and landline telephones, which were still relatively new and expensive technologies.

Your great-great grandfather may have had to wait weeks or even months to receive news from distant family or friends.

Electricity and Lighting: Many rural and even some urban areas did not have reliable access to electricity in 1913.

Your great-great grandfather's home may have been lit by kerosene lamps or gas lighting, which were less efficient and more hazardous than modern electric lighting.

Medical Advancements: Modern medical treatments, such as antibiotics, anesthesia, and x-rays, were still decades away from widespread use.

Your great-great grandfather may have relied on traditional remedies or limited medical interventions for health issues.

Gender Roles: In the early 20th century, gender norms were more rigid, with women often expected to focus on domestic tasks and caregiving, while men were the primary breadwinners.

Your great-great grandfather's family dynamics may have reflected these societal expectations.

Entertainment: Without television, computers, or smartphones, your great-great grandfather's entertainment options were more limited.

He may have enjoyed activities like reading, playing musical instruments, attending local theaters or vaudeville shows, or participating in community events.

Education: Formal education, especially for girls, was not as universally accessible as it is today.

Your great-great grandfather's educational experiences may have been influenced by factors like socioeconomic status, geographic location, and cultural norms.

Wartime Experiences: With World War I looming, your great-great grandfather may have been affected by the growing tensions and military mobilization, either directly or indirectly through the economic and social impacts on his community.

Technological Advancements: Though 1913 was still a time of relatively slow technological progress compared to today, your great-great grandfather may have witnessed the early stages of innovations like the first successful powered flight by the Wright brothers in 1903 or the introduction of the first plastic, Bakelite, in 1907.

Social Movements: In the early 20th century, various social and political movements, such as women's suffrage, labor unions, and civil rights efforts, were gaining momentum.

Your great-great grandfather's perspectives and experiences may have been shaped by these evolving societal changes.

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