65 198
90
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(CORN AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE)
Archive with more than 135 photographs relating to the cultivation of corn and the Gardner Seed
Co. (Rochester, NewYork), including varieties known as Hybrid Red, Cornell No. 11, Hybrid 29-
5, Double Cross, Lancaster Subcrop, Big Crop, Golden Glow, Early Wonder, and more, comprising
(largely) amateur photographs that depict cornfields and harvesting of this sweet and versatile grain.
Albumen and silver prints, sizes range from 2
1
/
4
x3
1
/
4
to 8x10 inches (5.7x8.3 to 20.3x25.4 cm.), and
the reverse, enclosed in 45 envelopes with detailed typewritten caption information (the date, family
name, location of the farm, and the particular type of corn grown), each with between one and 4
small-format photographs, some with the original negative, as well as letters and printed matter.
1880s-1950s
[2,000/3,000]
A unique gathering that depicts farming as an important American vocation and source of social identity.The
photographs focus on the Gardner Seed Co., a purveyor to local farmers throughout the United States. Many
of the snapshots show farmers and family members, who apparently submitted pictures to the company showing
the success of their crops.