This photo reminds me of a time when life was hard. The scene is from around 1930.




The term “forty acres and a mule” comes to mind. The term probably comes from the post-civil war program where General Sherman issued an order to give 40 acres to former slaves. The mule was not part of the order, but the general reportedly told troops to loan mules to the new land owners. However, the program did not survive very long.

Even though the term originated from the war, many families, both black and white, survived on “40 acres and a mule”. Today it is difficult to imagine how that was possible. Some families were “sharecroppers” - farmed another’s property for a share of production.

In this typical scene, the man has a somber expression. He could be contemplating how he is going to accomplish all the tasks facing him. He must provide food, shelter and clothing for his family - and feed the mule. Time, weather, and sickness offer obstacles. However he probably has extended family and neighbors for some support. He is likely younger than he appears.

I was taken by how he was relating to the mule. That mule was probably his most valuable asset, and he not only depended on it, he cared for it. They were a pair with a unique relationship.

The planter indicates that it was spring. They had survived a winter, and now it was time to start another cycle and face the uncertainty of farming. Planting this field was not the only task he faced. He had to “put in” a garden and care for the chickens, the cow, the hogs - and the mule.

Location: Leake County Mississippi

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