Maraheim Agricultural Census Reports, 1910-1945

Maraheim Historical Society Archives

Collection: Maraheim Agricultural Census Reports, 1910-1945

Accession Number: AGH-0005

Date Range: 1910-1945

Creator: Maraheim Agricultural Department

Extent: 3 linear feet (6 archival boxes)

Language: Marish

Repository: Maraheim Historical Society, Department of Agricultural History

Scope and Content

The Maraheim Agricultural Census Reports collection provides a comprehensive record of agricultural activity and land use within the Maraheim region from 1910 to 1945. Compiled by the Maraheim Agricultural Department, these reports document the economic, technological, and environmental changes that shaped local farming practices over this 35-year period. The collection is invaluable for researchers studying the evolution of agriculture in the early 20th century, offering detailed data on crop production, livestock numbers, farm ownership, land use patterns, and the impact of mechanization on local farms.

Arrangement

The collection is organized chronologically into six series:

1. Series I: Agricultural Census Reports (1910-1919)

2. Series II: Agricultural Census Reports (1920-1929)

3. Series III: Agricultural Census Reports (1930-1935)

4. Series IV: Agricultural Census Reports (1936-1940)

5. Series V: Agricultural Census Reports (1941-1945)

6. Series VI: Special Reports and Appendices (1910-1945)

Series Descriptions

Series I: Agricultural Census Reports (1910-1919)

This series includes the earliest agricultural census reports conducted by the Maraheim Agricultural Department. The reports provide baseline data on farm sizes, crop types, livestock counts, and the use of traditional farming methods. This period saw relatively stable farming practices, with a continued reliance on manual labor and animal power. The reports also offer insights into the effects of World War I on local agriculture, particularly in terms of labor shortages and shifts in crop production.

Series II: Agricultural Census Reports (1920-1929)

The 1920s were a decade of transition for Maraheim's agricultural sector, marked by the gradual introduction of mechanized equipment and the early adoption of chemical fertilizers. The reports in this series detail the adoption rates of new technologies, changes in crop yields, and the economic impact of these advancements on local farms. The series also includes data on farm consolidation, as smaller farms were increasingly absorbed by larger, more efficient operations.

Series III: Agricultural Census Reports (1930-1935)

The reports from the early 1930s capture the effects of the Great Depression on Maraheim's agricultural community. This series documents a significant decline in farm income, rising debt levels, and the struggles faced by farmers as crop prices plummeted. The reports also highlight the resilience of the farming community, with some farms diversifying their operations to include dairy and livestock in an attempt to survive the economic downturn.

Series IV: Agricultural Census Reports (1936-1940)

During the late 1930s, agricultural practices in Maraheim underwent further modernization, spurred by advances in machinery and the widespread use of chemical inputs. The reports in this series provide detailed accounts of these changes, including the increasing mechanization of farming operations and the shift towards more intensive crop production. This period also saw the first significant environmental impacts of these new practices, with reports noting soil degradation and changes in water usage.

Series V: Agricultural Census Reports (1941-1945)

The final series in the collection covers the World War II years, a period of heightened agricultural production driven by wartime demands. The reports document the mobilization of the agricultural sector, including the increase in production of key crops and livestock to support the war effort. The series also includes data on labor shortages, the impact of rationing on farm operations, and the further mechanization of agriculture as farms sought to maximize output with reduced labor.

Series VI: Special Reports and Appendices (1910-1945)

This series includes special reports and appendices that provide additional context and analysis of the data collected in the annual censuses. Topics covered include detailed studies on soil health, the economic viability of various crops, and the long-term effects of mechanization and chemical use on farm sustainability. The series also includes comparative analyses of Maraheim’s agricultural trends in relation to national averages, offering a broader perspective on the local impacts of nationwide changes in agriculture.

Access and Use

The Maraheim Agricultural Census Reports are available for research by appointment. Due to the extensive nature of the collection, researchers are encouraged to consult the finding aids provided by the Maraheim Historical Society’s Department of Agricultural History for assistance in navigating the reports. Digital copies of select reports are also available upon request.

Preferred Citation

Maraheim Historical Society, Department of Agricultural History. “Maraheim Agricultural Census Reports, 1910-1945.” AGH-0005.

Processing Note: This collection was processed by the staff of the Maraheim Historical Society’s Department of Agricultural History in 1982-1984. The cataloging and descriptive work were carried out by Archivist Robert Thornton, with contributions from Research Assistant Claire Jensen.

Related Collections:

• Perón Family Papers, 1880-1950 (AGH-0003)

• Oral Histories of Maraheim Residents (OH-0012)

Repository Contact Information:

Maraheim Historical Society Department of Agricultural History 33 7M 26 Derrick Street, Maraheim Phone: (672) 254-6354 Email: archives@maraheimhistoricalsociety.org

This archival document serves as a guide to the comprehensive agricultural census reports of the Maraheim region, ensuring that researchers can access and utilize the valuable data collected over three and a half decades. The information contained within these reports is crucial for understanding the evolution of farming practices and the economic history of the Maraheim community.