If you drive through the countryside in Clearview Township, you’ll probably see a few tobacco kilns still standing. Tobacco was an important industry in this area from the mid 1940s to the early 1970s, although one farm continued to operate into the late 1990s. The soil was ideal for tobacco, but the climate was not. Later spring frosts and earlier fall frosts shortened the growing season, compared with tobacco growing areas further south along the shores of Lake Erie.

This particular kiln is probably twice as long as those you’re likely to see. But the red or green tar paper cover and wooden ‘window’ covers are a common feature. The tobacco hung on rafters above propane burners that cured the leaves, brought green from the fields. I can remember the hiss of the burners with their blue flames, and helping pick up leaves that had fallen onto the sandy floor.

From 365 Days of Photos 2010

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