Online Exhibit: From Field to Market

In the early 1900s, Isle of Wight County grew a variety of crops which were exported to cities like Norfolk. The produce continued on to larger ports such as Baltimore or Philadelphia. Hired workers picked and packed the crop for a wage or a percentage of the profit. The following are a series of photos taken at the Rocks on the James River near Fort Boykin. The series follows one day of a wage worker.

Workers arrive to the field with their lunch pail and supplies in baskets. (2721-89A)

Men and women work turning up the potatoes. (2721-89B)

  The potatoes and barrels in the field. (2721-89C)

Using a handled basket, the potatoes are transported to a barrel. (2721-89D) 

Potato Barrels (2721-89E)

Using burlap, the potatoes are covered and sealed into the barrel. (2721-89F)

The barrels are loaded on to small carts to be taken to the wharf. (2721-89G)

The barrels are being transferred to the dock. (2721-89)

A young boy moves the barrels from the cart to the dock. (2721-89I)

Two boats arrive to take the barrels of potatoes. (2721-89J)

These two bateaus are Chesapeake Bay work boats. Their flat bottoms allow them to carry heavy, bulky cargo. (2721-89K)

Using a hoist, they lower each barrel onto the boats. (2721-89M)

The Maude Helen fully loaded and ready for the trip down the James River to Norfolk. (2721-89P)

Setting sail for Norfolk. (2721-89O)