Historic Hood River
Berrypickers
11-17-2016
Notes
This image is a good companion to yesterday’s image. This family is picking berries at the Henry Coe home near 9th and Sherman, circa 1900. It almost looks like there is some music playing.
The History Museum of Hood River County
Bringing the Rich History of Hood River County to Life
L.E.
What a great photo!
Photo #29 shown way back 2011, has always been one of my favorites.
https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org?showimage=29
Buzz
My hat is off to anybody who could dance in a strawberry patch.
Arthur
It’s really remarkable to see such a candid photo from this era. I wonder if they knew the photographer was releasing the shutter. Maybe a minute before they were all lined up formally scowling for the standard group portrait of the era–> "Say ‘cheese’. OK, thanks. CLICK"
Charlott
I see so much in this particular photo.
Shows that they were dressed much like the white women of that particular time frame. Children dressed much like other little boys and girls.
They seem just to be taking a break from the horrible task of picking strawberries. Believe me, I know, been there and done that when I was first sent out at a very early age. It can be such a hot, sticky task. Bees absolutely adore you.
I assume that the children were also picking berries. They were taught to work and work hard at a very young age.
I notice the "carriers" haven’t changed much over the passing years.
Wouldn’t it be interesting to know what they were making per pound or carrier, which ever way they were paid? I doubt if it was very much. Seems like it was about 5 cents a pound when I first went out and there was a bonus if you remained all season…..
L.E.
Since Thanksgiving is next week, here is an article from the Hood River News about the Coe Family Thanksgiving. No strawberries on the menu.
http://www.hoodrivernews.com/news/2015/nov/18/they-cooked-swan-called-it-turkey/
L.E.
This link to page of the April 23, 1903 HR Glacier is full of strawberry information.
They are blooming in the lower valley, D.E. Miller has invented a strawberry planter, blankets and comforters for sale for strawberry pickers, crates being manufactured in the old Armory.
http://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn97071110/1903-04-23/ed-1/seq-7/