“Roosevelt Herbin children” c. 1935

“Roosevelt Herbin children” c. 1935

Source: PhC.9.2.7.1 - NC State Archives.
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In the late 1930s Greensboro photographer Charles A. Farrell made many trips to Onlsow County and the surrounding area to document the flourishing fishing industry and coastal life found there.

This photograph, now housed at the State Archives of North Carolina, honestly and succinctly depict an enclave of industrious, self-reliant people living and working in an equally beautiful and frequently inhospitable environment.

Born in Yadkin County in 1893 to itinerant photographer Andrew J. Farrell, he later graduated from Wake Forest University and went to work at his father’s photography studio.

Setting off on his own after his service in WWI, Farrell landed a position at Eastman Kodak as a technical representative, later moving to Greensboro and opening up his own studio and art supply store called The Art Shop.

He operated the business with his wife Ann and had planned a book showcasing his images of coastal North Carolina.

Unfortunately, Farrell experienced health problems in the years following that prevented the publication of the book.

Archives of NC has little of his own words to accompany the photographs, but his work clearly shows interest and regard for the Black fishermen and cannery workers.

He documented impartially while avoiding caricature and sentimentality. In so doing, he did a great service to the community and future historians by accurately recording the lives and landscapes that would have, at that time, been easily been overlooked.

This photograph is from Farrell’s time visiting fishing camps and coastal villages.

His original captions are provided in quotes.

The Charles Farrell Photograph Collection is available to view in its entirety on the State Archives Flickr page here: https://www.flickr.com/.../north.../albums/72157607491996712