It's fun to read such memories of someone's childhood.  When we moved to Oregon in 1971 kids were still picking beans.  Shortly thereafter, bush beans and machine-picking ended that tradition....too bad, it helped kids financially and, likely more importantly, taught them the value of work.  
Today, between automation and "child labor" concerns, it's very difficult for young kids to get any early job experience.  There's a delicate balance between taking advantage of kids and not giving them the opportunities such part time jobs can provide.  The pendulum has swung and those opportunities have, to a large extent, been lost.  I think that's too bad.   regards, Gary