Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Source |
Grundy County Heritage Museum |
Iowa History Era Tag |
Prosperity to the Depression (1897-1939) |
Chronological Tag |
The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930) |
Catalog Number |
2018.071.021 |
Credit line |
Grundy County Heritage Museum |
Description |
This object contains three photographs all relating to the 1926 and 1927 Corn Husking Contests. The men pictured in the first and second of the three photographs are members of the 1926 Corn Husking Committee. From left to right, W.T Diehl, J.S. Price, and Ben Grimmius. Ben Grimmius is also the man in the third photograph. In 1927, Ben Grimmius was first in the county contest and fifth in the state contest. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions. |
Additional Research & Sources |
During the 1920s and 1930s, men, women, and children would gather around to watch experienced farmers show their skill and speed in hand picking corn. Men corn husk for 80 minutes without stopping, women would go for 30 minutes. Henry A. Wallace helped found this competition. Men and Women from all over the midwest would take part in these competitions. In order to go to the national contest, competitors would have to win local and state competitions. It attracted crowds as large as 100,000. It was an escape from the Great Depression. These competitors became local stars. Although corn husking competitions are still around today, they are not as mainstream as they were before World War II (heritagedocumentaries.org). Summary Resource and Additional Information for Object: Resource and Additional Information: Click Here Resource and Additional Information: Click Here Standard SS.3.28 Cultural Contributions: A lesson could be created on the sporting culture, specifically the corn husking competitions, during the Great Depression. Standard SS-US.9-12.2 Iowans Influence on US History: A lesson could be created on how winners from the state contests went on to the national level to represent Iowa. Remember, these competitors were famous and liked by many Iowans. |
Primary/Secondary Source |
Significant - State/National |
County Tag |
Grundy |
People |
Grimmius, Ben Diehl, W. T. Price, J.S. |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Arts & Culture Business & Industry Corn husking Corn Contests Entertainment Farm life Farmers Farmers/Farm Life Farming |
Legal Status |
Ownership of this resource is held by the Grundy County Heritage Museum and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
