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One of a group of western Oklahoma wheat farmers congregated at crossroads service station, 1938. Creator: Dorothea Lange
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One of a group of western Oklahoma wheat farmers congregated at crossroads service station, 1938. Creator: Dorothea Lange
One of a group of western Oklahoma wheat farmers congregated at crossroads service station. "In 1934 I had four renters, and I didn't make anything. I bought tractors on the money the government give me, and I got shet of my renters. Right about half the people in these little towns used to be renters. They've got their choice--go to California or Work Projects Administration (WPA)"
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Media ID 36207546
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California United States Of America Cigarette Cigarettes Cowboy Hat Employment Farmer Farming Methods Industrialisation Mechanisation Oklahoma United States Of America Stetson Unemployment United States Office Of War Information Dorothea Lange Dorothea Lange Taylor Dorothea Margaretta Nutzhorn Lange Dorothea Lee Russell Nutzhorn Dorothea Margaretta Recession Russell Lee Taylor Dorothea Lange
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph, captured by renowned American photographer Dorothea Lange in 1938, depicts a group of Western Oklahoma wheat farmers gathered at a crossroads service station. The image is a poignant reminder of the struggles and hardships faced by farmers during the Great Depression. Lange, who was known for her documentation of the human condition during this period, had previously rented out her land to four farmers in 1934. However, she made no profit that year and was forced to buy tractors using government assistance. With the implementation of the Farm Security Administration (FSA), many farmers, including those in these small towns, were given the choice between migrating to California or enrolling in the Work Projects Administration (WPA). The photograph encapsulates the stark reality of the era, with the farmers dressed in worn clothing, some with cigarettes in hand, and all donning cowboy hats. The men, a mix of young and old, exude a sense of weariness and determination as they discuss their options. The service station, with its rustic sign and worn pavement, serves as a backdrop to their collective plight. This image is a powerful testament to the economic hardships of the Great Depression and the resilience of the American farmer. It also serves as a reminder of the industrialization and mechanization that was transforming farming methods during this period. Lange's photograph is a significant piece of American heritage art, capturing a moment in history that continues to resonate with audiences today.
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