Epilogue: The Wisconsin Farm

This is the eighth story from Ruth Zwald, written by her father, Robert Zwald, and submitted as part of our Wisdom From Our Elders collection of self-sufficient tales from yesteryear. She compiled her father’s stories in his own words, and they are posted in eight parts. Read the other parts:1900s Farming in Washington County Minnesota; Growing Up on a Farm; Catching Frogs for Money, One Room School House, Borrowing Against Life Insurance, Changes in Agriculture and Courtship and Marriage.

In 1962, we moved to Hammond, Wisconsin on 240 acres. We had about 30 cows and 20 sows. Gradually the pigs disappeared, and the cows increased. Adding in a barn cleaner was an improvement – no more shovels and forks. Greg and Bob milked before they left for school. When Ruth was old enough to carry the pails, she fed calves before and after school. Soon after high school, the boys wanted purebred cattle and more cows (more work). Soon the bulk tank was too small. Then we put in a pipeline for the milk. Then we were up to 80 cows.

Well, it wasn’t long and they were talking 400 cows. That’s when I gave up, just like my dad did when I went to 26 cows. I wasn’t too happy when the boys built a new barn, but I guess my dad wasn’t too happy when I bought the farm at Lake Elmo, either. Times change, but older people like to keep things as they are.

Mary and I moved in 1977 to our present home. I have lived in eight different places in my life. I miss some things, but as of this writing, I still seed alfalfa, cultivate corn, plow, etc. I like to go fishing – ice and boat. I’m glad I can still drive a car. I let Mary beat me in some games. I’ve enjoyed ten grandkids and love ’em all, even if they are all over the world.