
This photo of a homesteader’s garden in Pie Town, New Mexico, September 1940, was taken by Russell Lee, a photographer of the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information. It was part of a 2006 Library of Congress exhibition of early color images taken between 1939 and 1943, “Bound for Glory: America in Color.” Thanks to links by Studio G and The Denver Post.
Click this link to see a larger version or to buy a print. Click here to see another view of the same homesteader’s garden.
Fascinating photos.
I’m trying to see what she is growing — definitely petunias, maybe roses or small dahlias? Is that an ornamental white-flowered nicotiana or just regular tobacco? I wonder if any of these dugout houses are still standing?
And a basic green roof. Potted plants growing in a tiny glasshouse (behind the window).
Thanks for linking back to the Denver Post. The Rosie the riveter photo is great. It’s also interesting to see how seldom people faced the camera back then.
I hadn’t noticed that, but you’re right.
Cindy, thanks for bringing back memories! I spent a year at the Library of Congress Prints & Photographs section, working a on a fantastic catalogue from photographer Frances Benjamin Johnston’s estate. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/fbj/
I also work on FSA catalogues and they are faboulous heritage. Johnson’s work on architecture and gardens inspired me somehow, about taking gardeing photography.
Fantastic post, thanks!
What a wonderful job! I’ll have to look at Johnson’s work.
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