The magnitude and structure of the global total ozone minimum between 1958 and 1962 is similar to that observed between 1979 and 1983. Analysis of the single station data that exhibit the most pronounced minima suggest that the spatial structure of the global minimum is different from the currently observed reduction. Very low north polar values were observed, but there is no indication of anomalously low ozone in Antarctica. The temporal relationship to the sun spot cycle is similar in both time periods. Rather than solar terrestrial interaction, however, a more likely explanation of the early 1960's reduction is normal climatology caused by a persistent period of planetary wave activity. Such a natural explanation may also be appropriate for the current depletion.