Season 1, Episode 17

Have you ever driven through the countryside and seen large steel or concrete structures in the distance?  Alas, they are probably not castles.  Although some people do refer to these the "castles of the prairies".  They are likely grain storage elevators.
These facilities play a critical role in the cereal grain supply chain, although most people are not aware of their functions. 

Today's guest is William J. Brown, who is the author of "American Colossus".  This is the first book written about the history of grain elevators (at least what I have been able to find), and it tells an intriguing story that parallels that of the development of modern America.  More about his books can be found on his book publishing site Colossus Books, or at Amazon.

Most of the published literature does not discuss the history of grain elevators themselves, rather their operations and efficiencies.  If you are interested in learning more about the design and operation of grain elevators, search the resources available at the Grain Elevator and Processing Society, the Cereals and Grains Association, and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.  They have many publications and articles that you will find informative and useful.  History, however, is not widely available, which is why today's interview is so fascinating!

Our music is Inspiring Cinematic Asia by Lexin Music, which is available at Pixabay.