Edwin Rosskam Munich, Germany, 1903-1985

Edwin Rosskam and his wife Louise travelled to Puerto Rico, Polynesia, and all throughout the United States. They worked as photographers and writers for the Farm Security Administration and Standard Oil, among other organizations. Pay Day for Mechanical Crew (1943) was part of a project by Standard Oil of New Jersey, which aimed to show the benefits of oil on American life through the work of commissioned photographs. In this photograph, several men are lined up to receive their pay checks in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, highlighting the fact that Standard Oil has created jobs and income for these men. An unexpected part of the photograph is the promotional poster for the “3rd dance of the season” held for Holmes’ Safety Association Members. Standard Oil was conveying theyt not only create jobs but also provide social activities to foster community.