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Oil field workers talking at an oil well in Kilgore, Texas. Photograph by Russell Lee, April 1939
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Oil field workers talking at an oil well in Kilgore, Texas. Photograph by Russell Lee, April 1939
OIL WORKERS, 1939.
Oil field workers talking at an oil well in Kilgore, Texas. Photograph by Russell Lee, April 1939
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Media ID 8245257
1939 Denim Dirty Drilling Industry Kilgore Machinery New Deal Oil Well Overalls Petroleum Pipe Russell South West Talking Texas
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This photograph captures a moment frozen in time, showcasing the camaraderie and hard work of oil field workers in Kilgore, Texas. Taken by renowned photographer Russell Lee in April 1939, this image offers a glimpse into the early days of America's booming oil industry. In this snapshot, a group of men clad in denim overalls and hats can be seen engrossed in conversation near an imposing oil well. Their faces bear traces of dirt and sweat, evidence of their tireless efforts to extract petroleum from deep within the earth. The machinery surrounding them stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination. Set against the backdrop of the Southwestern landscape, this photo embodies both the ruggedness and resilience that defined American industry during this era. It serves as a visual reminder of how these workers played an integral role in fueling economic growth while shaping communities like Kilgore. Taken during Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal era, when government programs sought to alleviate unemployment through public works projects such as drilling for oil, this image also carries historical significance. It reflects not only on the individuals captured but also on larger societal changes brought about by industrialization. Russell Lee's masterful composition allows us to witness an intimate moment amidst vast machinery—a glimpse into lives lived at the intersection between man and technology. This print is more than just a photograph; it is a portal into our shared past—an ode to those who labored tirelessly beneath scorching suns for progress
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