Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Automobile |
Source |
Grundy County Heritage Museum |
Iowa History Era Tag |
Prosperity to the Depression (1897-1939) |
Chronological Tag |
The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945) |
Catalog Number |
2018.071.019 |
Credit line |
Grundy County Heritage Museum |
Description |
This photograph shows cars parked in a field during the 1931 National Corn Husking Competition held in Grundy County, IA. Around 35,000 people attended. It was hosted on Clyde Wilhelm’s farm. This contest relied heavily on local organizations and farmers for assistance. 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 contests are still around today, they are not as mainstream as they were before World War II (heritagedocumentaries.org). For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions. |
Notes |
In 1931, the National Corn Husking Contest was held in Grundy County, Iowa. Orville Welch won as Theodore Balko (2nd) and Lee Carey (3rd) placed behind him. Around 35,000 people attended. It was hosted on Clyde Wilhelm’s farm. This competition relied heavily on local organizations and farmers for assistance. Companies throughout the Midwest would also advertise their farming products as the competitions went on. Women participated in these competitions as well, but were not publicised by Wallaces’ Farmer due to gender issues going on at that time. Even though this was the case, women contests still occurred. These contests included the same "rules and regulations as men". The only difference was Wallace believed that 80 minutes would be too much for women, so he shortened the contests to 30 minutes long (lib.dr.iastate.edu). |
Additional Research & Sources |
Summary Resource and Additional Information for Object: Resource and Additional Information: Click Here Resource and Additional Information: Click Here This object can be related to the following standards: 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 Iowan competitors in the corn husking competitions influenced the contests throughout the midwest. |
Primary/Secondary Source |
Significant - Local |
County Tag |
Grundy |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Agriculture Arts & Culture Business & Industry Destinations/Attractions Farmers/Farm Life Transportation Automobiles Corn husking Corn Contests |
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. |
