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Diploma Awarded by the People's Agricultural Society of West Jersey, between 1857 and 1867

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This print from the 1850s shows a number of agricultural products and machines under the banner of liberty and prosperity.
Courtesy of Library of Congress, Queen, James F., "Diploma awarded by the People's Agricultural Society of West Jersey," between 1857 and 1867

Description 

This print shows a bird's-eye view of fairgrounds with a steamboat on the river in the foreground. The image includes seven vignettes showing livestock, agricultural machinery, and, at top center, two female figures representing "Liberty and Prosperity." Also shown on the sides are examples of agricultural produce.

Transcript of the Diploma Awarded by the People's Agricultural Society of West Jersey

Source-Dependent Questions

  • How does the artist of this certificate connect the ideas of liberty and prosperity with innovations in agriculture?
  • Based on this document, how do you know that the Swedesboro Fair is not just a one-time event. Cite two pieces of evidence. What can you infer about the importance of the Agriculture Society of West Jersey to the at-large community?
  • What adjectives would you use to describe the scene depicted? How does the whole diploma reflect the idea that agriculture and growth are connected?

Citation Information 

Queen, James F., "Diploma awarded by the People's Agricultural Society of West Jersey," between 1857 and 1867. Courtesy of Library of Congress