The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Truckpatch

Most Afro-Americans in the south during the 1930's had great
self pride. However, they had to eat. For this particular
family there were 16 people under one two-room roof shack. Okra
was always left in the ice box; it was a substitute for meat.
Neighbors would come by to bring different items grown from their
truckpatch, but would always say that they had too much and
didn't want it to go to waste. Foods such as sweet potatoes,
pinto beans and rice were brought. Everything was usually cooked
together in one pot and would last for up to three weeks. The
pinto beans were saved mostly because they were good for at least
three more swellings.

Where learned: HOME ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Truckpatch = Small garden