Henderson County Historical Society

In honor of the farmers, past and present, of Henderson County, the Artifacts of the Week for the next three weeks will feature a 3 ft x 9 ft mural painted by the late Marjory Barber, Media, titled “Farming.”  The mural beautifully, and seamlessly, depicts the progression of farming through the years and is an immediate eye catcher, in the farmhouse room, at the Henderson County Museum.

The mural was painted by Barber in 1968 for Jim White of Media, co-owner of White & White Grain Company.  In September 2015, the mural was donated in loving memory of Jim White by the Barber Family.

The far left of the mural portrays the way Native Americans farmed the land by hand for over 1,000 years.  Primarily cultivated by women, corn was often grown using the “Three Sisters” method, in which corn, beans and squash were planted together.  The corn acted as a natural trellis for beans, while squash provided ground cover, reducing weeds and maintaining moisture.

Fun Fact:  Marjory Barber was born, in 1923, at her grandfather’s home in Media and lived in Media most of her life.  She was a professional artist and well known in the area.  Many of the drawings and paintings of historic places in Henderson County are her works of art.