Tobacco Plant Collection
In the 1930s and 1940s, tobacco farming was a prominent industry in various parts of the United States
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In the 1930s and 1940s, tobacco farming was a prominent industry in various parts of the United States. The tobacco plant, scientifically known as Nicotiana tabacum or Tabac, played a significant role in these agricultural communities. One captivating image from this era showcases a field of Burley tobacco on Russell Spears' farm near Lexington in 1939. In the background stands a drying and curing barn, symbolizing the meticulous process involved in producing high-quality tobacco. Another photograph captures workers cutting Burley tobacco on the same farm in Kentucky during 1940. These skilled laborers carefully place the harvested leaves onto sticks to wilt before further processing. This practice ensured that each leaf reached its full potential for flavor and aroma. The dedication to cultivating superior crops is evident through an additional picture featuring another field of Burley tobacco on Russell Spears' farm near Lexington during 1940. The lush green plants stand tall against the backdrop of rural Kentucky, showcasing nature's bounty under human care. A different perspective takes us to Puerto Rico in 1942, where we witness locals stringing together bundles of dried tobacco leaves inside a traditional barn located near Barranquitas. This method preserved their quality while preparing them for market distribution. Two intriguing untitled images from between 1935 and 1942 depict both women working with freshly harvested tobacco leaves and close-ups of thriving tobacco plants themselves. These photographs capture moments frozen in time but speak volumes about the importance placed on this crop within these communities. Finally, Dorothea Lange's lens focuses on individual elements like single blossoming flowers found amidst fields of Soofly and Upchurch in North Carolina during 1939. These delicate blooms represent hope for future harvests while highlighting nature's beauty intertwined with man-made cultivation practices.