Based on official reports, newspapers, the memories of citizens, and historical studies, a description of Gary, Indiana during the Great Depression shows how many people in Gary were affected by the Depression. Gary began to grow rapidly beginning in 1906 with the organization of two steel companies. Black, European, and Mexican immigrants came to Gary to get jobs in the steel mills. A brief introduction about the effects of the Great Depression on the national economy precedes the specifics of Gary in the Depression. An illustration provides an example of the cycle of an economic depression. Gary responded through private relief agencies, business and industry, the Red Cross, and other work relief. The Mexican workers were among the first to be fired when mill production dropped. Anger and resentment built and a real movement began in Gary in 1932 to remove all Mexican immigrants to Mexico for repatriation. A timeline gives some historical context through use of local, state, and national events in the early years. Musical excerpts add another part of the cultural picture. A crossword puzzle using the Great Depression as a theme precedes selected resources for student reading, general sources, and special interest. (CK)