Last of the Scoopers

Grain Scoopers were once chosen from the lowest of the low to unload grain ships in Buffalo Harbor. For 150 years the tasks remained the same - dirty, dangerous and demanding - but in time, scooping became a job of respect. Many of the scoopers were fourth generation but their labor was no longer needed. In 2003 we documented the last grain scoop and the end of an era on the Great Lakes. This project, Last of the Scoopers (working title), documents the loss of jobs, demolition of factories, and the collapse of a neighborhood filed with vacant grain elevators and silos.

  • Currently in Development