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"Hop Picking: A Glimpse into the Past" Step back in time to 1938, where the picturesque Maplescombe Farm in Farningham, Kent was abuzz with activity. Hop pickers of all ages gathered under the warm September sun in East Peckham, their hands diligently plucking hop cones from towering vines. The scene was not without its precautions; women hop pickers in Beltring, Kent carried gas masks over their shoulders as a reminder of looming uncertainties. Among these hardworking individuals were notable figures like Jack London and Bert, immersing themselves in this laborious yet rewarding tradition. After a long day's work, local men joined hop pickers at a cozy country pub in Kent, raising glasses to celebrate their collective efforts. The idyllic countryside surrounding Ethe Kent showcased oast houses nestled amidst blossoming cherry trees—a sight that surely brought tranquility after hours spent toiling away. However, not all experiences were as serene; families seeking seasonal employment found solace within rough wooden barracks near Grants Pass, Josephine County. Dorothea Lange captured these humble lodgings and also documented a sign marking U. S. 99—an essential service station for weary travelers passing through. Yet despite the challenges faced by those involved in hop picking across different regions and eras, there remained an undeniable sense of community and celebration. Colored engravings depicted vibrant Harvest Home festivities held amidst the bountiful hop fields—joyous occasions where gratitude overflowed for nature's abundance. Even transportation played a role in this annual pilgrimage; lithographs portrayed seasonal hop pickers embarking on trains from London to Kent—a journey filled with anticipation and camaraderie. As we delve further into history's tapestry of traditions surrounding hops cultivation, Thomas Stothard's artwork "The Hop Gatherers" offers insight into timeless scenes depicting people united by their shared purpose—the gathering of this precious crop.