PASTIMES OF THE 1920's
With the end of World War 1, The Great Migration began, in which African Americans moved from the south to the north. This movement spread the talent of many unknown singers, artists, dancers, writers, musicians, and poets, because they felt free to express themselves, due to a new focus on leisure and recreational activities. The inventions of vacuum cleaners, washing machines, irons, refrigerators, and store-bought food saved women time and energy. New fads swept across the nation, keeping everyone busy with their newfound time. One of the most popular new fads was the dance marathon, with new steps, such as the Charleston. The first Miss America Pageant was held in 1921. Also mah-jongg, the crossword puzzle, the Book of the Month Club, Times, and the Reader’s Digest were all new trends discovered during the Harlem Renaissance.