Chapter Three: Dead Time Summary and Analysis

Another milestone the convoy of jalopies reached was Tehachapi Grade in the Tehachapi Mountains, which led directly to the San Joaquin Valley. Once the Okies made it through this pass, they felt their problems were all behind them and that the future held out great promise. Looking down upon the valley, they could see green farmland and orchards as far as the eye could see. Many families headed to the towns of Delano and Bakersfield, where they had gotten word that grape pickers were needed. In Wasco and Shafter, farmhands were needed to harvest potatoes, and in Arvin and Lamont, help was needed on cotton and vegetable farms. The families began to see alarming signs that their dreams may turn into nightmares. Posted in these towns were signs that announced there were no jobs available...