September, 18, 2020
Tobacco Boom |
Tobacco leaves are being harvested and we have finished our latest online exhibit Evolution of Agriculture. It is only fitting that our first Musings from Main be about tobacco farming in the area. This inaugural Musing is taken specifically from the Tobacco Boom section of our exhibit Evolution of Agriculture.
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Image above shows early twentieth century tobacco harvesting with a rack of hanging tobacco leaves in the foreground, with farm workers, including a woman, and more tobacco leaves and tobacco shed in the background. Image: Hildred Raymond Photo Collection, R1993.24.280 |
1901-1921 The Tobacco Boom |
In the first two decades of the twentieth century, tobacco growing expanded, giving rise to large- and medium-sized farms. Tobacco production in Connecticut reached its height in 1921, when 44 million pounds were harvested, compared with 10 million pounds in 1890. The boom can be attributed to the widespread popularity of cigars, relatively stable prices, introduction of Shade Grown tobacco and changes in production, and favorable government policy. During this time, major corporations, such as the American Sumatra Corp., the Hartman Tobacco Co., and the Consolidated Cigar Corp., were active in South Windsor, as were smaller and independent operations, Ahern Bros., the Burnham Co., Robert Daly, the Farnham Tobacco Corp., John W. Helm, McGrath Bros., Samuel Rice, J. E. Shepard, and the Troy Bros. Find out more ››
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More highlights from the Tobacco Boom section of Evolution of Agriculture |
