09/29/2011
Independent Scholars Evenings : " When Farmers Were Heros: The Era of National Corn Husking Contests " September 29th. 2011
2nd Floor of the Moline Commercial Club
1530 Fifth Avenue. Moline. Illinois.
When Farmers Were Heroes:
the Era of National Corn Husking Contests.
In October 1940, 125,000 people attended the national corn husking contest on a farm just north of Davenport. From the early 1920s through 1941, local, state, and national corn husking contests were prominent on the national scene. National contests were
broadcast live on nation-wide network radio, providing "ear-to-ear" coverage. In 1936, Time magazine declared corn husking "...the fastest growing sporting spectacle in the world." Contest winners became idolized heroes who were sought after by national
media for interviews and paid to endorse products.
This documentary tells the story of how and why these contests became so popular, especially during the Great Depression. It includes original film of 1930s contests and interviews with some of the participants.
By
Curt and Elizabeth Roseman:
will review and lead a discussion on the video documentary
Curtis Roseman is Professor Emeritus of Geography at the University of Southern California and Elizabeth Roseman is an Independent Scholar. Both have researched and written on geography and history topics, including the Grand Excursion of 1854, and both have helped organize the Quad Cities Henry Farnam Dinner, an annual celebration of local and regional history.
7.00 p.m.
second floor of
The Moline Club
1530 Fifth Ave. Moline.
309-762-8547 for the Moline Club
309-762-9202 for The Institute.
light refreshments, wine and beverages are served.
The event is free and open to the public.
doors open at 6.30
Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by
The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. a 501(c)3 at state and federal level since 1996.
When Farmers Were Heroes was produced by Heritage Documentaries, Inc. A trailer for the film can be viewed at:
http://www.heritagedocumentaries.org/WhenFarmersWereHeroes.html
In 2009 Heritage Documentaries completed the production of this 27-minute video documentary. We received substantial support for the project from RCH/Innovative Technology Partners, the Riverboat Development Authority, Pioneer Hi-bred International, the CHS Foundation...