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Interpreting the Evidence

Truck Farm Wagon, 1916

Student View

About this Activity

  • Documents in this Activity:
  • Historical Eras:

    Turn of the Century and WWI (1890 - 1930)

  • Thinking Skill:

    Historical Comprehension

  • Grade Level:

    Lower Elementary
    Upper Elementary
    Middle School
    High School

  • Topics:

    Agriculture
    Industry
    Labor

  • Primary Source Types:

    Photograph

  • Creator:

    NYS Archives Partnership Trust Education Team

  1. Load Truck Farm Wagon, 1916 in Main Image Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Document Description
Men loading potatoes and cabbages onto a wagon at a truck farm near the town of Jamaica, Long Island, New York, 1916

Historical Context
A truck farm was a farm that produced vegetables to be sold at the market.  Crops grown on truck farms included tomatoes, melons, onions, strawberries, citrus fruit, potatoes, and green vegetables.

Compelling Question
How does geography impact local economies?

Check for Understanding
Describe the scene in the photograph and explain the process by which farmers were able to sell their produce.

Historical Challenges
How did the term "truck farming" originate? (Hint: Some sources disagree.)

Interdisciplinary Connections
Science: Investigate the nutritional benefits of the types of foods offered by truck farms.

English Language Arts: You are the owner of a truck farm. Create a poster that would persuade people to buy items from your truck farm.

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