Painting Description

This non-traditional farm wagon tells much about the changes within this traditional Mennonite group. Until the 1970’s, mixed farming with a variety of field crops was the normal Mennonite practice. However, as production shifted more and more to corn because of price, the equipment needed to handle that crop had to change. In one of the most conservative Mennonite factions, the David B. Martin group, wagon beds were lowered, which made it easier to place corn sheaves on the wagon. Most of these wagons, but not all, use car tires instead of the old fashioned wooden or steel wheels. This innovation in farm equipment is a small example of the glacial pace of change that takes place in a society that never seems to alter its way of life.

This image is available for Licensing. Contact Cynthia [email protected] for inquiries.