Blog
Take a step into Franklin Counties’ history with our blogs.
Defining Harvest, Explaining Print-Making
<h2>The meaning behind the words</h2> Although the words “reap,” “thresh,” and “harvest” are often used synonymously today, important distinctions define their use in period literature
The “Good Old Days”—Sweet and Sweat
Golden age of threshing Once in a while I’ll spot something on Ebay that has special relevance to my musings on agrarian art, and when
Gleaning’s Early Modern Revival
Through arrangements with the US Department of Agriculture made possible by my friend and fellow historian Alex McGregor of Colfax’s The McGregor Company, I was
Shakespeare, Sickles, and Scythes
Gleaning in Medieval Art A few years ago my longtime Tri-City photographer friend, John Clement, and I found ourselves in the pleasant Hessian village of
Ruth and Boaz, Past and Present
Early Depictions of Gleaners There is much interest these days in “back to the land” efforts to reconnect folks with country life. It is encouraging
Rural Art Exemplars Through Time and Place
The pantheon of eminent national artists and authors There is risk in discussing times and trends in art since masters in any age may not
The Farm Novel
Literature of The Land In the wake of industrialization and associated currents of social change, the farm novel appeared in the eighteenth century as a
The McCormick Reaper
Have you ever seen a McCormick reaper? I couldn’t help but smile at the special childhood memory brought to mind recently when local historian Manton
A Most Beautiful Implement
Have you seen the stone bas-relief roundel in Ritzville? Use of agrarian folksayings, recounting tales of Old and New World seasonal farm labors, and harvest
Agrarianism as Essential Discipline
Aesthetic understanding through agrarian art and literature remains an essential discipline. Many folks will recognize the colorful flowing Great Depression farm art of Thomas Hart
When Bill Murray Met Jules Breton: “Another Chance Every Day”
Bill Murray credits Jules Breton for helping his depression! On a recent train trip through Chicago, I found myself with a couple extra hours between
The Abiding Significance of Agrarian Art
What contributed to the validity of agrarian landscapes in art? On numerous occasions in recent months I’ve been reminded how by the names of notable