Clothing of oil drilling workers drying on a steam pipe in Kilgore, Texas. Photograph by Russell Lee, April 1939

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Clothing of oil drilling workers drying on a steam pipe in Kilgore, Texas. Photograph by Russell Lee, April 1939

WORK CLOTHES, 1939.
Clothing of oil drilling workers drying on a steam pipe in Kilgore, Texas. Photograph by Russell Lee, April 1939

Granger holds millions of images spanning more than 25,000 years of world history, from before the Stone Age to the dawn of the Space Age

Media ID 8245267

1939 Coverall Denim Drilling Drying Great Depression Industry Machinery New Deal Oil Well Overalls Pants Pipe Rural Russell South West Steam Steam Power Texas

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken by Russell Lee in April 1939, transports us back to the heart of Kilgore, Texas during a pivotal era in American history. The image showcases the rugged clothing worn by oil drilling workers as they dry their garments on a steam pipe. These work clothes tell a story of resilience and hard labor that defined this rural community. In an age where machinery and steam power were transforming industries across the nation, this snapshot captures the essence of early 20th-century America. The denim overalls and pants hanging from the steam pipe symbolize both the physical demands of drilling for oil and the economic struggles faced during the Great Depression. Lee's lens beautifully captures not only these drying garments but also provides a glimpse into life in rural Texas at that time. The photo serves as a testament to how individuals persevered through challenging circumstances while working tirelessly to fuel an industry that would shape our nation's future. As we gaze upon this powerful image, we are reminded of the impact of government initiatives like Roosevelt's New Deal and programs such as FSA (Farm Security Administration). This photograph is more than just a depiction of work clothes; it encapsulates an entire era marked by determination, resourcefulness, and hope for better days ahead.

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