The image depicts a historical moment from 1942, showing individuals working on an industrialized farm in Stockton, California. The workers are processing potato seeds under the supervision of Dorothea Lange, as indicated by her signature and mention that she took the photo for Per NRA (National Farm Resettlement Administration). These were people who had Japanese ancestry before they were evacuated prior to World War II. The individuals are wearing hats or headscarves while working on a potato processing task. Some appear focused on their work with potatoes, which have been arranged in piles and prepared for sorting. The setting suggests an organized agricultural operation that relies heavily on manual labor during this period of American history. The photograph captures the essence of wartime internment camps where individuals of Japanese ancestry were required to perform tasks such as potato seed cutting before being evacuated from their homes. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the historical injustices faced by people of Japanese descent in America and illustrates how everyday activities like working on an industrial farm became part of their experiences during this tumultuous period. Additional information about the photograph can be found at its source, including details regarding the original file's use for US War relocation authority purposes.
https://mastodon.ozioso.online/system/media_attachments/files/113/827/456/526/399/987/original/207ba6181685a50a.jpeg