Tenant Farmer Collection (#4)
In the late Middle Ages, tenant farmers were peasants who paid rent for the land they cultivated
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In the late Middle Ages, tenant farmers were peasants who paid rent for the land they cultivated. Their struggles and resilience can be seen through powerful images captured by renowned photographers like Dorothea Lange and Jack Delano. One such image depicts a rail fence with a poor barbed wire fence in the foreground, set against the backdrop of Person County, North Carolina in 1939. This photograph serves as a stark reminder of the difficult conditions faced by tenant farmers during this time. Another photograph taken by Jack Delano showcases tenant farmers chopping cotton on rented land near White Plains, Greene County, Georgia in 1941. The determination etched on their faces reflects their unwavering commitment to making ends meet despite challenging circumstances. Delano's lens also captures scenes from Puerto Rico in 1941 or 1942 where FSA borrowers are depicted working tirelessly in sugar-cane fields or tending to their gardens. These individuals may have been part of the Tenant Purchase program, striving towards owning their own homes and lands. The struggle for stability is further emphasized through another image showing an FSA emergency migratory labor camp in Calipatria, Imperial Valley in 1939. This camp served as temporary shelter for migrant workers seeking employment opportunities amidst economic hardships. Even Western Washington was not immune to these challenges as evidenced by a photograph taken northeast of Elma in Grays Harbor County during the same year. It highlights how tenant farmers across different regions faced similar difficulties and relied on sheer perseverance to survive. These captivating photographs serve as visual records that depict both hardship and hope within the lives of tenant farmers throughout history. They remind us of our shared humanity and inspire us to appreciate those who have labored tirelessly before us while reminding us that progress must continue towards creating more equitable systems for all.