Tarboro Cotton Press, Edgecombe County, NC 20th Century
Beautifully restored. Printed on archival paper for modern walls.
Archival print promise
- Museum-quality paper: rich color, fine detail, and a premium feel.
- Hand restored reproduction: repaired and improved for modern walls.
- Packed for safe delivery: unframed prints ship in sturdy tubes; framed prints ship in padded boxes.
This vintage photograph from the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South features a mule-driven cotton press, a machine nearly extinct today. Taken in Tarboro, Edgecombe County, North Carolina, this image showcases the machinery integral to the cotton industry. The cotton press captures an essential part of the agricultural history of the region, reflecting the labor-intensive processes that defined Southern agriculture before the advent of modern mechanization.
The captured scene dates back to the early 20th century and highlights the significance of cotton production to the local economy. This specific cotton press was relocated to a park in Raleigh, North Carolina, ensuring its preservation as a historical artifact. Such structures were critical to the cotton trade, representing the hard work and dedication of the communities involved in this vital industry.
Frances Benjamin Johnston, a prominent photographer, documented this significant aspect of Southern life. Her work contributes to our understanding of the cultural and economic landscape of the era.
KNOWOLs historic images connect the rich stories and imagery of our past. A statement in any room, each is printed on museum-quality paper using a restored version of the original.
The Details
About This Print
🌲 Gallery-Quality Materials: Archival matte paper and optional solid, sustainably sourced Ayous wood frame.
✨ Shatterproof Protection: Crystal-clear Acrylite shield blocks glare and resists damage.
🛠️ Ready to Hang: Arrives at your door fully assembled and ready for the wall.
📦 Fast & Safe Shipping: Securely packaged to ensure flawless delivery.
Materials & Craftsmanship
The Unframed Print
Carefully restored from the original artwork and reproduced using gallery-quality, fade-resistant inks. Printed on heavyweight, museum-grade archival paper, this is the ideal choice if you prefer to use your own custom frame. KNOWOL reproductions are beautifully restored works of art.
The Framed Upgrade
Crafted from solid Ayous wood sourced from renewable forests, a sustainable, exotic timber that is lightweight and incredibly warp-resistant. Featuring a sleek 0.75″ profile in your choice of finish. Protected by premium Acrylite. Unlike cheap, heavy glass, our Acrylite is shatterproof, exceptionally clear, and lightweight, ensuring your vintage map is protected for decades to come. All framing components are ethically sourced from Japan and the US. Framed prints arrive fully assembled with hanging hardware included. No frame shop, no assembly, no second trips.
Shipping & Delivery
Free U.S. Shipping: All orders ship 100% free within the United States.
Unframed Prints: Carefully rolled and shipped in a heavy-duty, crush-resistant mailing tube.
Framed Prints: Shipped in custom-built protective packaging engineered specifically to keep the frame corners and Acrylite cover in flawless condition during transit.
Turnaround Time: Most orders ship within 3–5 business days and arrive at your door within 7–10 business.
Returns & Quality Guarantee
Because every piece is custom-printed and framed to order exactly to your specifications, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges for a change of mind or sizing issues. However, we stand 100% behind our craftsmanship. If your art arrives damaged in transit or has a visible defect, email us a photo within 30 days and we will immediately expedite a flawless replacement. Quality guaranteed: the KNOWOL standard.