Farmers adopted innovative techniques, including irrigation, grafting, and pest management, to enhance productivity. Citrus cultivation diversified income sources, attracted labor, and strengthened LaGrange’s economic resilience.
Social Life and Cultural Traditions
Community life in LaGrange revolved around family, church, school, and agricultural events. Social gatherings, fairs, and harvest celebrations fostered cohesion and shared cultural identity.
Music, folk stories, and crafts reflected a blend of European-American, African American, and indigenous influences. These cultural practices reinforced local identity and preserved historical memory across generations.
The Great Depression and Community Resilience
During the Great Depression, LaGrange, like many rural communities, faced economic hardship. Agricultural prices fell, unemployment rose, and trade slowed.
Residents adapted through subsistence farming, bartering, and community cooperation. Federal programs, including the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration, provided employment and improved infrastructure, laying the foundation for future growth. shutdown123