Both of my parents graduated from high school in 1933 - depression era.
Since mother made homemade bread and homemade beans, having a cold bean sandwich was a special treat. We would scoop the beans so that the liquid remained in the bowl. Place the beans on top of the bread and smash them down with a fork. Top with mustard or catsup and another slice of homemade bread.
My version today would include drained beans on whole wheat bread, top with thick slice of sweet onion and eat as an open face sandwich. Please excuse me. I'm drooling.............