Chrisman Collection

Harry E. Chrisman, former Liberal author and historian, donated a large collection of his writings, photographs, and other items to Liberal Memorial Library for the purpose of research. This database searches the contents of the Chrisman Collection.

P206-D2b

Call No: P206-D2b

Description: seeding watermelons

Date of origin:

Type: Print

Size: 5 x 7 1/8

Condition: Very Good

Content:

[front] Taken about the of 1896 or 1897; F.M. Steele. Artist. Liberal, Kansas. [has red x’s and marks on photo] [back] Make 7″ x 3 1/4″ [2 ink stamps of:] Harry E. Chrisman 10245 W. 14th Ave. Denver, Colo. 80215; Return photo to; [1 stamp of:] Harry E. Chrisman Lane D Apt. 74 Bluebonnet Courts Liberal, Kansas [note 1]Copy M-2 In this above scene of a watermelon seed harvest, taken by F.M. Steele, photographer, in 1897, is shown watermelons on the Norton Hockett farm, near Liberal, Kansas, undergoing processing to obtain the seeds. The seeds were sold to the Ferry Seed Co., (now Ferry-Morse Seed Co). Hundreds of acres of the good, new sod lands were devoted to the raising of watermelons, principally for the seeds. Eventually a machine for crushing the melons was devised, and the pulp thrown into a large pit to “sour.” This cleaned the pulp from the seeds which were then dried and sacked for the market. [paragraph underlined] Use above Copy in book. [Note 2 ][paragraph is crossed out] SEEDING WATERMELONS —- Circa 1896-97 on Norton Hockett farm, near Liberal, Kansas. Photo by F.M. Steele, Liberal. Man on knees at left: Shannon Bowman. Norton Hockett, owner of melons. Andrew “, owner’s son. Buggy with 3 girls: Ethel Hockett (Will Bowman’s future wife). Bell Bowman (Asa Hockett’s future wife) Bell Hanner (Tom Smith’s future wife) Mr. Dillon Gideon Hockett Sitting or kneeling: Will Bowman Standing by barrel: John R. Cook Lumber wagon and horses: Johnny Wright and Asa Hockett. Carrying melon: Fred Bowman and John Crothers Seeding melons: Ancel Hampelton and Elvin Carr. Front Melon marked “60 Pounds” Do not[underlined] use this copy in book.

Provenance:

Miscellaneous Info.:

Picture is of various people seeding watermelons. There are 3 girls in a buggy and a wagon with 2 horse team.
Photo has tape on top back and right side back. There is a tear on left back.

Other Info.:

Related to:

Subject: Ancel Hampelton, Asa Hockett, Bell Bowman, Bell Hanner, Elvin Carr, Ethel Hockett, F.M. Steele, Ferry Seed Co., Ferry-Morse Seed Co., Fred Bowman, John Crothers, John R. Cook, Johnny Wright, Liberal Kansas, Norton Hockett farm, Photographer, Watermelon seed harvest, Will Bowman,