Agricultural Labourer Collection
In the early 1940s, Puerto Rico was a hub of agricultural labor, with sugar cane being one of its primary crops
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In the early 1940s, Puerto Rico was a hub of agricultural labor, with sugar cane being one of its primary crops. Jack Delano, an American photographer and composer, captured the essence of this industry through his lens. One photograph shows a crane towering over a central gathering place for sugar cane in San Sebastian vicinity. This image symbolizes the immense scale and importance of this crop to the local economy. Another photo depicts sugar cane workers in Rio Piedras taking a well-deserved rest during their laborious tasks. The exhaustion on their faces tells stories of hard work under the scorching sun. Delano's photographs also showcase moments of camaraderie among these agricultural laborers. In one snapshot, they gather together at noon hour to rejuvenate themselves before continuing their work. These moments of respite are essential for maintaining productivity and morale. The images further highlight individuals working diligently amidst vast fields filled with sugar cane plants. A man is seen surrounded by tall stalks during harvest time near Rio Piedras. His presence represents countless others who toiled day after day to ensure a successful yield. Delano also documented members of sugar cooperatives in Puerto Rico, showcasing both borrowers and participants within these organizations. Their involvement demonstrates collective efforts towards sustainable farming practices and economic stability within the community. While primarily focused on sugar cane cultivation, Delano's photography extends beyond just that crop alone. He captures FSA farmers working tirelessly in various fields around Rio Piedras - highlighting their dedication across different agricultural sectors. Furthermore, he sheds light on other aspects such as tomato sorting and packing at Yauco Cooperative Tomato Growers Association – emphasizing diversity within Puerto Rico's agriculture industry. Not limited to Puerto Rico alone, Delano ventured into Georgia where he photographed cotton choppers heading home after an afternoon's worth of hard work in Greene County – illustrating how agricultural labor transcends geographical boundaries. Lastly, Delano showcases rice and papaya, a sugar worker's lunch on a plantation in Guanica.