A Day Gone By

A Day Gone By captures a fading yet unforgettable chapter of Southern farm life — the process of curing tobacco in an old log barn, framed with memories of work, friendship, and the rhythms of the past.

At the heart of the scene stands a log barn, once common throughout the Southeast, now a rare sight in the modern landscape. The barn’s wraparound shelter bustles with activity: farmhands carefully string green tobacco leaves onto sticks for curing, while inside the barn, a worker hangs the sticks up high to dry. Outside the barn, a stovepipe hints at the slow wood-fired curing process that gave the tobacco its golden color and rich aroma.

In the foreground, Lucy the mule faithfully pulls a drag loaded with freshly harvested tobacco from the fields behind the barn. Off to the side, a little boy leans affectionately against his loyal dog, capturing a quiet moment of childhood contentment amidst the labor. Just beyond them, two more “youngins” find their own joy in the day — one reclining under a tree, another sneaking up with a bottle of water in playful mischief.

Under the shelter, sitting on a crate with arms folded, is Mr. Lee Jones — a longtime farmhand and beloved family friend. He was more than just a helper; he was like family. “You’re the workingest little fellow I’ve ever seen,” he once told Mickey Hobbs at just 9 years old — words that stayed with him through the years and now live on in this scene.

Originally crafted as a wood burning directly onto wood, A Day Gone By was later brought to life with subtle color, adding depth and warmth to an already timeless image. This piece honors not just the labor of a season, but the bonds formed through shared work, loyalty, and laughter.

Specs:
Medium: Wood burning enhanced with color
Category: Historical Rural Life Art
Style: Realism with expressive storytelling