Farming Era Slips Away

Last year a nearly 100-year old farm house in 42N country was destroyed by arson. Authorities arrested several people in connection with this fire and other related farm home fires. The barn and a few out buildings remain in rundown condition.

On Friday, September 25, 2009 the last original family member of that rural home passed away. She represented the second wave of US born farm families who helped settle this area.

As a group, the Czechs helped clear and farm the land for row crops and livestock. Later their descendants became more varied in their jobs and careers with many leaving agriculture for office and retail jobs. In her lifetime she saw farming change from horse team pulled wagons and steam tractors to modern diesel tractors operating with GPS precision capabilities and air-conditioned comfort from an enclosured cab. It was quite a journey for all. Know that.