Inspired by the iconic “Migrant Mother” photograph by Dorothea Lange during the Great Depression, Patrick Breen (left), Kyle Bruggeman, Bruce Thorson and Clay Lomneth traveled across Nebraska last summer taking photos and recording the stories of people they met along the way. Their journey began June 3, 2009, at the N.P. Dodge Park at the Missouri River in Omaha, Neb. The photos and stories can be found at http://unlphotojournalism.blogspot.com/

“I’m ornery and cantankerous,” Mary Howard, 83, hollered out, but always followed any comment like that with a either a big grin or a loud laugh. Howard, who had a stroke two years ago and lost the use of her left arm and leg, has owned and operated Howard’s Grocery for 43 years. (photo by BRUCE THORSON)

Rev. Bill Stovall (left) had been at work a month. The poorest county in America, the county’s population totals 712. (photo by BRUCE THORSON)

Darrell Kraupie, owner of Kraupies Real Estate and Auctioneers in Bridgeport, wipes away the sweat while talking business on his cell phone. (photo by BRUCE THORSON)

An ag repair business owner decided it was time to retire after more than 40 years. Wayne Speer (left) and John Wentworth were waiting for the toy tractors to go on the auction block. (photo by BRUCE THORSON)

Sheri Red Shirt holds her son, Seth, 19 months, while he naps in a Navajo cradle. Shirt said he was getting too big for the cradle but noted he still loved to nap this way. (photo by BRUCE THORSON)

Ron Hinzman was the last worker at the DeWitt Vise-Grip factory that once employed hundreds when the factory was bought and moved to China. (photo by CLAY LOMNETH)

Macala Hood, 5, proves watermelon is sweet all the way to the rind. (photo by KYLE BRUGGEMAN)

Jeff Minner takes a moment away from tending his steaks on the grill to relax. Minner, who was laid off from his job at a construction company, said he doesn’t want to leave Nebraska but will if the economy worsens. (photo by PATRICK BREEN)

Tony Grubham, 70, who owns a bait and tackle shop says “Only in America can a guy sit on his ass, in a bathrobe all day and people come in and give him money. It’s the greatest country because you’re not limited with what you can do.” (photo by BRUCE THORSON)

The group team pose for a photo in front of Howard’s Grocery. (photo by BRUCE THORSON/assisted by LARRY KINKADE)