MEADIAVILLE

The 1980’s were a tough time for the country as a major recession hit, the worst since the Great Depression. Meadville was hit especially hard during the 80’s recession, as their once booming manufacturing industry pretty much died out due to outsourcing and globalization. In February of 1983, Meadville’s unemployment rate was 12.5%. Two years later, the town’s unemployment rate was still a staggering 10.4%. Soup kitchens began popping up around town, and according to a newspaper article in 1983, were out of foods such as cheese and butter by noon every day. Up to 50 people visited a soup kitchen each day for a hot meal. One person who frequented the soup kitchens commented, “I never thought I’d see it happen. It’s like a time warp--jumping back into the 30’s again.” Why did we choose this year? Why was it special to Meadville? Like many other events on this timeline, this event was another time of economic change for Meadville. This recession hit Meadville harder than most of the country because of the outsourcing of jobs. Globalization played a huge role in the change of Meadville during this time. It was also during this time we saw the new influx of chain restaurants and businesses popping up in Meadville, drawing people away from the local businesses that had been so important for the local economy.