From Dwayne Ibsen and Louella Torrence
The following is taken from the short history of the NCA by C. Arthur Landes, past president of the NCA and owner of Landes Costumes, Indianapolis, IN.
With the depression of the Thirties came bad times for the Association. Many firms were forced to close, and those who were able to weather the storm had to curtail their expenses. The Association, being new, suffered as a result. Interest dropped off due to many of the members not being able to pay dues or attend conventions. A meeting scheduled for New York City in the summer of 1932 was cancelled due to expected poor attendance. With the cancellation of that meeting the organization seemed to fall apart. However, some of the old timers, seeing the need for immediate action, called a business convention in Chicago late in 1932. The By-Laws were revised and a complete reorganization put into effect. New interest was created and the 1933 World's Fair meeting was a success. It took until 1936 for the rebirth to really take hold, due to the re election of Major Harrelson, who injected much enthusiasm back into the organization.