Haptic & Hue Podcast Summary: “America’s Cotton Feed Sacks: And How They Changed The World”

Release Date: June 6, 2024

Introduction: The Humble Cotton Feed Sack

In the episode titled “America’s Cotton Feed Sacks: And How They Changed The World,” host Joe Andrews delves into the profound impact of the seemingly simple cotton feed sack. Andrews shares a personal connection, describing a mid-20th-century feed sack gifted by a listener:

“It's extraordinary to think that this simple piece of fabric, fabric has had such an impact on so many people around the world.” (00:20)

Historical Genesis of Cotton Feed Sacks

The story begins in the mid-1800s, coinciding with Elias Howe’s patented lock stitch sewing machine in 1847. This innovation enabled the production of tightly shut sacks, coinciding with a surge in cotton availability in the United States—largely fueled by slavery. Jamie Schwartz explains:

“...the lock stitch sewing machine... allowed bags to be held tightly shut in a way that they hadn't before.” (04:02)

This period marked the onset of what Schwartz refers to as the "Sack era," a time when cotton feed sacks became ubiquitous.

Cultural Significance and Everyday Use

Lindsay Kuhl McCrae emphasizes the feed sack as a symbol of the American dream, embodying thriftiness and the ability to make do:

“Feet sacks embody an important facet of the American dream, where people lift themselves up by their bootstraps...” (00:58)

Before their introduction, goods were transported in cumbersome wooden barrels and boxes. The lightweight feed sacks revolutionized this process and introduced an unforeseen cultural artifact. Schwartz notes that feed sacks transitioned from mere transportation tools to invaluable household fabrics, especially for those with limited financial means:

“...fabric was something that costs money. And if you were a rural person or a city person and didn't have much money, this was like free fabric.” (04:29)

Marketing to Women and the Explosion of Designs

In the late 1930s, flour millers began printing fashionable patterns on feed sacks. This strategic move targeted women, recognizing their pivotal role in household decision-making. Schwartz highlights this as one of America's first marketing campaigns directed at women:

“This was one of the first marketing campaigns in America directed at women. And it worked.” (06:52)

Over time, more than 18,000 different designs adorned these sacks, transforming them into canvases of creativity and style. Women used these prints to craft everything from dresses to quilts, ensuring no part of the sack was wasted:

“No part of a sack, however trivial, was wasted.” (07:55)

The Feed Sack: Beyond American Borders

While feed sacks are often viewed through an American lens, their influence was truly global. Rose Sinclair sheds light on their significance in the Caribbean, where flour—and by extension, the sacks—are integral to daily life:

“Flour is used for key things... it's the dough for your patties. And so the fabric that then results from it is also a precious piece of fabric.” (01:15)

In the Caribbean, feed sacks were meticulously cleaned and repurposed into garments and other essentials, reflecting a deep-seated cultural craftsmanship.

Exhibition and Research: Unveiling Hidden Narratives

An intriguing aspect of the episode is the discussion of an exhibition at the International Quilt Museum titled “Feed Sacks An American Football Fairy Tale,” co-curated by Sarah Walcott and Jamie Schwartz. This exhibit showcases quilts made from feed sacks, including pieces crafted by the very individuals who harvested the cotton. Highlighting personal stories, Lindsay Kuhl McCrae critiques the often overlooked exploitation behind feed sack production:

“Cotton that was grown for the feed sacks was largely produced by poor people and African Americans in the South. And that sort of facet of the history of feed sacks is largely undiscussed or not discussed at all.” (12:43)

Challenging the Thriftiness Myth

Sarah Walcott expands on the complexities surrounding feed sacks, arguing against the simplistic narrative of American thriftiness and ingenuity. She points out the capitalistic motives behind marketing feed sacks and government encouragement during World War II:

“...these myths are really interesting. I think why we want to believe in them is interesting...” (13:58)

Walcott draws parallels between the promotion of feed sacks and today’s fast fashion, suggesting that the early marketing efforts for feed sacks laid the groundwork for patterns of overconsumption.

Global Humanitarian Impact: Flour Sacks in Belgium

Annelien van Kempen shares a poignant chapter in the history of feed sacks—their critical role in alleviating famine in Belgium during World War I. In response to a blockade that cut off grain imports, the International Commission for Relief facilitated the shipment of American and Canadian flour in cotton feed sacks. Van Kempen explains:

“...manufacturers... marketed the use of cotton sacks and said, well, let's do these cotton sacks, because three reasons we help our own industry, it's handy for the people there.” (32:04)

These flour sacks became symbols of hope and survival, repurposed by Belgians into everyday items like dresses, table runners, and even intricate embroidered artworks as expressions of gratitude.

Personal Narratives: The Tragic Story of Nelly Satharat

The episode beautifully intertwines personal stories with historical facts. One such narrative is that of Nelly Satharat, a young Belgian girl who intricately painted and embroidered her flour sack with scenes of wheat cultivation and milling. Tragically, Nelly and her family fell victim to the Holocaust during World War II. Her granddaughter, unaware of the significance of the flour sack, was later connected to this legacy through research by van Kempen:

“...Nelly was the daughter of a dentist in Liege... she was killed [in Auschwitz], but her daughters Betty and Claudine, amazingly survived.” (36:57)

This story underscores the enduring human connections and the powerful narratives woven into these humble sacks.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Cotton Feed Sacks

Joe Andrews wraps up the episode by reflecting on the multifaceted legacy of cotton feed sacks. From their origins in an era marked by exploitation to their role in global humanitarian aid and cultural craftsmanship, feed sacks are more than just fabric—they are storytellers of human resilience, creativity, and complex socio-economic histories.

“Life is hard, but through it all, she still, like, created this quilt. And it's just so cool. So that's why it's my favorite piece.” (19:35)

The episode serves as a testament to the intricate tapestry of history, culture, and personal narratives embedded within everyday objects.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “It's extraordinary to think that this simple piece of fabric, fabric has had such an impact on so many people around the world.” – Joe Andrews (00:20)
• “Feet sacks embody an important facet of the American dream, where people lift themselves up by their bootstraps...” – Lindsay Kuhl McCrae (00:58)
• “...the lock stitch sewing machine... allowed bags to be held tightly shut in a way that they hadn't before.” – Jamie Schwartz (04:02)
• “This was one of the first marketing campaigns in America directed at women. And it worked.” – Jamie Schwartz (06:52)
• “No part of a sack, however trivial, was wasted.” – Joe Andrews (07:55)
• “Cotton that was grown for the feed sacks was largely produced by poor people and African Americans in the South. And that sort of facet of the history of feed sacks is largely undiscussed or not discussed at all.” – Lindsay Kuhl McCrae (12:43)
• “...these myths are really interesting. I think why we want to believe in them is interesting...” – Sarah Walcott (13:58)
• “...manufacturers... marketed the use of cotton sacks and said, well, let's do these cotton sacks, because three reasons we help our own industry, it's handy for the people there.” – Annelien van Kempen (32:04)
• “Life is hard, but through it all, she still, like, created this quilt. And it's just so cool. So that's why it's my favorite piece.” – Joe Andrews (19:35)

Key Takeaways:

• Historical Significance: The cotton feed sack emerged alongside industrial advancements and played a crucial role in American agricultural and cultural history.
• Cultural Impact: Beyond their practical use, feed sacks became integral to household creativity, particularly among women, fostering a culture of reuse and craftsmanship.
• Global Reach: The influence of feed sacks extended globally, notably aiding Belgium during World War I and embedding themselves into Caribbean cultural practices.
• Complex Narratives: The story of feed sacks intertwines themes of exploitation, philanthropy, resilience, and the enduring human spirit.
• Legacy and Reflection: The episode invites listeners to reflect on how everyday objects carry profound histories and continue to influence contemporary practices like textile reuse and sustainability.

For those interested in exploring more about this intricate tapestry of history and textiles, visit Haptic & Hue’s website to view photographs of the discussed feed sacks, learn about the exhibition, and access additional resources on the legacy of these fabric tales.