Czech Texan Immigrants’ primary occupations were that of farmers in the late 19thand early 20th centuries. Farmers experienced the Great Depression in a unique way. As the price of crops fell so heavily, farmers were going bankrupt, and some were even forced to abandon their farms as they could no longer afford to harvest their crops. Despite this, farmers who kept their land were able to produce food to sustain themselves and their families. Canning became a popular and essential method to preserve food during the Great Depression. Husbands were responsible for picking their cash crop (often cotton) and had their older children working on the farm and tending to the farm animals. Wives would often include their younger children in helping cook and can food. Husbands had the responsibility to go into the closest town and conduct business, selling cotton, produce, and other canned goods. This animation explores the day-in-the-life of spouses as farmers handling the upkeep of their farm and canning.
Navigate to other pages below to learn more!
Click one of the buttons below to learn more about the Czech exhibit at the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures.

You may also like

Back to Top