Monday, October 15, 2012

Photograph: Spreading Hemp in Kentucky


I found the above picture of African American workers spreading out hemp in a Kentucky field for the crop to dew rot. Once cut and shocked, hemp was spread on the ground to collect dew which naturally rotted the stalk. The stalks were finally collected together and broken to get the fibers inside.

This image was taken in 1896 for a report on hemp and jute culture in the United States by the federal government.

Image courtesy the Filson Historical Society.
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2 comments:

  1. cjreed76@hotmail.comMay 15, 2013 at 3:10 PM

    Do I need permission to use this photo in a library display?

    Thanks,
    Jeanne Reed

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tim TalbottMay 15, 2013 at 6:16 PM

    Jeanne,
    You would probably need to check with the Filson Historical Society. However, most repositories allow use with credit for educational efforts.

    ReplyDelete