Tobacco Farm.
One of the most important times for farmers in North Carolina was the annual tobacco
harvest. Picking and curing the flue-cured tobacco involved all members of the farm
family. After the leaves were stripped from the plants, they were tied onto racks for
curing. The racks were placed in barns, which have oil heaters inside. The heat dried the
leaves and turned them a golden color. (hence the nickname "bright leaf"). For
the family tending the fire, the curing process was a twenty-four hour vigil for several
days. After the curing, the leaves were packed into bundles for transport to market.
Tobacco markets or auctions are still held in small towns in southeastern North Carolina
during the month of August.
A family in front of their house, who are preparing the tobacco for
curing.