In this untitled photograph taken by Dorothea Lange in August 1939,

In this untitled photograph taken by Dorothea Lange in August 1939,

In this untitled photograph taken by Dorothea Lange in August 1939, we see a moment on the Myers farm near Outlook, Washington, possibly involving the farmer’s eldest sons. The image shows a pair of plow horses being used in the fields, with one of the boys seemingly engaged in controlling the horses or a piece of farming equipment. The device that might resemble a car shifter is likely a piece of equipment used to adjust or control the plow, helping to guide the horses as they work the land.

Lange’s photograph captures the essence of farm life during the Great Depression, a time when many families relied heavily on manual labor and animal power for agricultural work. The plow and horses were essential tools for cultivating the land, with young boys often learning the responsibilities of farming at a young age. The interaction between the boy and the horses showcases the integral role of both animals and family in sustaining the farm’s operations.

This image, part of Lange’s broader documentation of rural America, offers a powerful look at the hard work and challenges faced by farmers during the 1930s. Despite the hardships, the photograph also reflects a sense of pride and connection to the land, as well as the passing down of knowledge and skills from one generation to the next. Through her lens, Lange captures a moment of quiet determination that defined the lives of many families in the American countryside.