Farm Press Reform and Rural Change 1895-1920

This project contributes to our understanding of rural Midwesterners and farm newspapers at the turn of the century. While cultural historians have mainly focused on readers in town and cities it examines Midwestern farmers. It also contributes to the new rural history by exploring the ideas of Hal Barron and others that country people selectively adapted the advice given to them by reformers. Finally it furthers our understanding of American farm newspapers themselves and offers suggestions on how to use them as sources.