Last updated: April 5, 2021
Place
Sign- Catch the Mules
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm
Designation:
National Historical Park
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Catch the Mules
Here, at the barn, the day started early. During the…season all the workers arose each morning at 4:00 a.m…, wakened by the ringing of a large farm bell. We would go to the barn and catch the mules by lantern light, put the plow stocks, seed, and fertilizer, and other supplies on the wagons, and drive out to the field where we be working that day…and wait for it to be light enough to cultivate…Jimmy Carter, 1975 Why Not the Best?
(oval photo at bottom left of sign)
This 1930s photo of a Georgia barn shows a large bell like the one Jack Clark rang here one hour before daybreak. Although this is not the Carter barn, similar scenes took place here. Before World War II, mules – not a gasoline-driven tractor- provided the “horsepower” need to farm in south Georgia.
(picture on right side of panel)
Jimmy Carter here in 1970. Notice the tractor. During the span of one lifetime, machines had taken the place of mules. The nearby pumphouse and buggy shed also stored tools, harness, and equipment.
Here, at the barn, the day started early. During the…season all the workers arose each morning at 4:00 a.m…, wakened by the ringing of a large farm bell. We would go to the barn and catch the mules by lantern light, put the plow stocks, seed, and fertilizer, and other supplies on the wagons, and drive out to the field where we be working that day…and wait for it to be light enough to cultivate…Jimmy Carter, 1975 Why Not the Best?
(oval photo at bottom left of sign)
This 1930s photo of a Georgia barn shows a large bell like the one Jack Clark rang here one hour before daybreak. Although this is not the Carter barn, similar scenes took place here. Before World War II, mules – not a gasoline-driven tractor- provided the “horsepower” need to farm in south Georgia.
(picture on right side of panel)
Jimmy Carter here in 1970. Notice the tractor. During the span of one lifetime, machines had taken the place of mules. The nearby pumphouse and buggy shed also stored tools, harness, and equipment.