Very Curious Image of a Man in Apron Who is Definitely Doing Something

Man in Apron is Possibly Up to Something 

Sepia

circa 1910s 

8 1/2" x 6 1/2" photo with 10" x 12" matting

Very curious though damaged image. The pots lined up are unusual with low handles and a ridge near the bottom like to sit atop another vessel at a specified height. Community canning center? Some sort of industrial or commercial processing of food or something else? 

Look at that wry expression. This man clearly thinks he is doing something and has the weird pots lined up to do it. He's done this before, no doubt, with the level of organisation and planning on display. Did he do it again? I bet he did and got away with it, whatever it is, then too. He's mighty proud, posing for a photo as he prepares to do whatever it is he does. Mad canner. Or something. No info included with the photo that came in a large group of assorted photos of varying ages and locations.