This black and white photo from the J.G. Hutton Collection shows an advancing sandbank burying Russian Thistle in front of an abandoned farmhouse. The typewritten caption below the photo reads "Serial No. 33-127: - SW corner of SW1/4 Sec. 30-112-63. Lenna M. Jefferson Farm. Wolsey Area. Sand "drowning out" and killing Russian Thistle which grew up after spring blow had covered that part of the farm to a depth of one or more feet deep. The sand came in from the barren blowing area to the south (Geister place) and is again burying the farm; this time to a depth of about 4 feet in this place. The bank has already advanced about 100 feet from the fence and when this picture was taken (windy day) it could be seen to be advancing rapidly. Farm building abandoned. (9/19/35)."
The exhibit Drowning in Dirt: Joseph Hutton and the Dust Bowl is opening at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum on Feb. 27, 2023. Come visit the Museum and learn more about Professor Hutton鈥檚 work, the 1930s Dust Bowl and its effects on South Dakota.