Croy The Rainmakers: Study Notes

Overview of "The Rainmakers" by Homer Croy

A pictorial comment reflecting on the role and significance of rainmakers in rural America, particularly during times of drought in the corn belt. The narrative explores childhood memories, perceptions of rainmaking, and the evolution of belief in this practice, alongside personal reflections and anecdotes related to historical rainmakers.

The Plight of Farmers

  • Farmers face various natural hazards that threaten corn crops, including:

    • Drought

    • Hail

    • Wind

    • Cutworm

    • European Corn Borer

  • Conditions during drought:

    • Corn appears sickly and grayish-white.

    • Leaves curl up, and silk withers.

    • Farmers experience distress as they observe the effects of heat.

Childhood Experience with Rainmaking

  • The narrator recalls a childhood trip to witness a rainmaker with their father.

  • Initial thoughts:

    • A sense of excitement and wonder at the spectacle of rainmaking.

    • Encountering the dusty road and the desperate state of corn crops.

  • Public perception: Some people believed firmly in rainmakers, while others scoffed.

  • Local papers reported on rainmakers and their successes, creating a mythos around them.

  • Sense of community: all townspeople participated in the event, creating an atmosphere similar to a county fair.

Rainmaker Economics

  • Diverse pricing structures among rainmakers:

    • Flat fee (e.g., $500) regardless of outcome.

    • Charges based on acreage or distance from rainmaker's activity.

  • Common principle: "No rain, no pay"

    • Farmers felt compelled to hire rainmakers to save their crops; potential for farmers to pay upon success.

Rainmaker's Arrival in Town

  • Description of farmers and townspeople gathering around the rainmaker's car, viewed as a source of hope.

  • The rainmaker:

    • Mediocre stature, unexpected appearance contrasted with expectations.

    • Conducting experiments from a converted boxcar.

  • Public anticipation as gas is emitted from the car, based on the belief that this gas would induce rain by attracting moisture.

Hopes and Disappointments

  • Initial excitement when a cloud is spotted, quickly followed by disappointment as it disappears.

  • Reflection on public faith and skepticism during the wait for rain.

  • Farmers must balance hope with daily chores and responsibilities despite uncertainty.

Rain as a Metaphorical Relief

  • Relief experienced when rain finally falls, leading to joy and gratitude.

  • Family dynamics are explored as they react to the rain's arrival, with emphasis on communal sentiment.

Historical Context of Rainmaking

  • Exploration of historical figures in rainmaking.

    • "Melbourne, The Rainmaker":

    • Origin unclear; claimed to be from Australia.

    • Developed a reputation for successful rainmaking at county fairs.

    • Utilized elaborate setups and charged a flat rate for promised rainfall.

    • C. B. Jewell:

    • Worked with Rock Island Railroad to provide rainmakers.

    • Gained popularity due to consistent results and absence of horse racing-related distractions.

Rise and Fall of Belief in Rainmaking

  • Transition in public perception of rainmakers due to:

    • Increasing efficiency of meteorological forecasting.

    • Drought periods becoming less severe, leading to diminished need for rainmakers.

  • Current approaches emphasize retaining rainfall rather than inducing it.

  • Reflection on how beliefs shifted away from mysticism towards scientific understanding of weather.

Anecdotal Failures in Rainmaking

  • Accounts of rainmaker failures leading to public discontent and ridicule.

    • Rival rainmakers competing for business leading to humor and chaos in local communities.

Conclusion

  • Final reflections on how the reliance on rainmakers has faded over time with a shift toward meteorological science.

  • Nostalgia for belief in rainmaking as part of childhood innocence and community lore.

  • Acknowledgment of changing agricultural practices, including terrace farming and water retention techniques, influenced by modern understanding of weather patterns.

Additional Notes

  • The significance of weather broadcasts on farming communities, illustrating the continuous importance of weather predictions in agriculture today.

  • Reported incidents of humor and absurdity related to desperate farmers attempting to cope with drought conditions, showcasing the intersection of hope and skepticism in rural culture.