Rural Electrification in Ohio: A Trilogy of Change

This collection of films, commissioned by the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, showcases the transformative impact of rural electrification in Ohio through the lens of the Parkinson family. Directed by renowned filmmakers Pare Lorentz and Joris Ivens, these documentaries highlight the shift from labor-intensive farming to modern, electricity-powered methods:

Power and the Land (1940): This landmark documentary focuses on the Parkinson family, illustrating their life before and after receiving an REA loan to electrify their farm. Initially, their daily life involves traditional, back-breaking labor, with tasks like fetching water from an outdoor pump and using horse-drawn equipment. The film then transitions to show how electricity transforms their farm, bringing conveniences like electric lighting, pumps, and machinery, significantly reducing manual labor and improving living standards. This documentary was pivotal in raising public awareness about the dire need for rural electrification across America.
Bip Goes to Town (1941): Following "Power and the Land," this short film continues the story of the Parkinsons, particularly focusing on the youngest family member, Bip, and his journey into town. It emphasizes how electricity not only changes farming practices but also connects rural families to broader societal advancements, enhancing their quality of life through access to modern amenities.
Worst of Farm Disasters (1941): This short complements the series by exploring the challenges and risks of farming without modern conveniences, contrasting these with the safety and efficiency brought by electricity, thus underlining the broader implications of rural electrification beyond mere convenience.

Together, these films serve as a historical record of how electrification was not just about light bulbs but about bringing about a fundamental change in rural American life, education, health, and economic opportunities.