Words Worth The Saying

HELLO FOLKS — Came across a few clever sayings that are well worth repeating. They have lot of sense to them.. Here they are:

Life is a journey, not a camp.
Snap judgment, like a bear trap, may catch the one who baits it.
It is no use trying to shine your lamp if you. do not take time to fill it.
A used mind is one item that has more value than a new.
Some of us do not need a bushel to hide our light; a thimble should suffice.

—o—

THE FREEBORN County fair has come to another successful conclusion. There are a few observations I would like to make, as one seeing it from the outside.

First, the weather co-operated 100 per cent. It was not too, hot nor too cold. There was no rain yet it was not so dry that it detracted from the joy of the fair.

I don't recalls year that there have been more total exhibits. Certainly the 4-H exhibits were at a record. And the quality of them were never better. While speaking of 4-H; Eldon Senske and his gang are certainly to be complimented for their grand work. They can't possibly be on an eight-hour schedule; more like a set of three, eight-hour schedules during fair time.

The quality of livestock has greatley improved through the years, and fairs have certainly done their share in helping improve them. Freeborn County has an abundance of beautiful riding horses. The hogs have improved hog of today is a far cry from the old fat lardy type of 20 years ago. And the cows of today will double the production of th show winner of twenty years ago.

Thehmidway was the biggest I have seen. While we were parked at the top of the Ferris Wheel I tried to get a count the many rides available. I believe there were at least 20 of them.

Congratulations to the, fair board and all who had to do with the success of the fair.
—o—

WITH A family as big as ours there are bound tobe exciting moments at the fair. We stopped at a stand to get some hamburgers; Mark (aged four) got tired and decided to go to the car. We thought he had gotten lost and started hunting for him. After a 20 minute search we found him asleep in the car. The same thing happened to Zina, only when we looked in the car she had decided to go look for us.

Jared and Ann had their first time at exhibits. They were very excited and learned a lot. Ann was really thrilled when she got a blue ribbon on her pig. Dana never got enough of the fair. I think he could have lived there and not gotten tired of it. He still has two years to go to be able to exhibit.

Thief Busy In Shadows

Hello Folks — I think that withholding taxes from the payroll is another of our growing evils, as far as government is concerned. It is almost another form of hidden taxation; that is, the money is never seen by the payee, he or she does not realize that it is being paid as it is not handled through the family budget.

Government is a service to the people and therefore should be treated the same as any other service we buy. Meaning that we should know and be willing to pay out the amount necessary to promote the necessary services for the efficient operation of government. We would never had gotten into the financial jam we are now in if we had had direct taxation from the start.

When we know that we have to pay for what we get and know what we are paying for we are pretty apt to keep the costs in line and keep better tab on the ones who handle it.

We lived under the 'soak the rich' plan for many years and got the idea that we have a 'sugar daddy' who was footing the bill and would continue to do so. Now we are beginning to realize that taxes and deficits really hurt and that 'Santa Claus' was the long-bearded fellow who reached into one of our pockets and took out $10 while we saw only the $5 he gave us back.

When the wage earner has his taxes taken out of his earnings before he gets his check he gets the idea that taxes aren't so bad and that the politicians who spend it are not doing wrong in making it bigger and bigger all the time. The pinch he feels is in the size of actual check he gets, and probably blames it in the belief that he isn't getting enough wages. So he either gets sore at the employer or gets another job to up his take home pay; when al the time the fault is the politician who robbed him behind his back.

Peterson Files for State Representative

Edwin Peterson, 42, Oakland area farmer, filed for the state representative, the post now held by Rep. Edmond Conn, Alden.

Peterson, who operates a 120 acre farm northwest of Oakland in Moscow Township, is a native of White River, S. D., and has farmed in Freeborn County since 1937.

He is a past resident of the Freeborn County Farm Bureau, served two years on the Oakland School Board and was the chairman of the Oakland School reorganization committee.

The Petersons have 10 children.

How Big Are Corn Fields?

HELLO FOLKS — There are some big corn fields in Freeborn County. I'll wait a couple of weeks and announce the response from you readers as to the size of some of the corn fields. If you know of a corn field that is a big one send in the number of acres and I'll announce it in the column.

—o—

JULY THIS year was the wettest month I have ever experienced at least as far as I can recall. Here at Edvera Farm we got 11.5 inches of rain during July. It started off with a whopping 4 1/2 inches the first. We had 1/2 inch the 4th, over 2 inches the 7th, a half inch on both the 11th and 14th, one-and-one-half the 19th, one-and-three-tenths the 20th, and then off showers the rest of the month.

This is considerably more than the Albert Lea record of over 7 inches for July.

I have been keeping record of the precipitation at Edvera Farm for several years and for the most part we get less than Albert Lea or Austin. This is quite a switch and evens up somewhat for the 2 or 3 inches less rainfall a year that we have been getting each year.

—o—

CHILDREN CAN give more laughs than any clown on earth.

Our four-year-old, Brent, was supposed to give a talk in Sunday School. He wanted to give his own idea of a talk, but we had had some experience with that in the past, so Vera drilled him closely to be sure he had the talk memorized. I understand that he did very well.

That was considerably different than what happened a few years ago to Randy. Randy is an individualist just like Brent. He insisted on giving his own talk in Sunday School. He was taught one that he was supposed to give but when it came time to give it here is what he said.

"Jesus had a little lamb. He took it down to the river. There was a railroad track running alongside the river. The lamb ran onto the railroad track and the train came along and ran over it."

District Meeting To Be Held Here

I have some interesting figures concerning Farm Bureau. 29 per cent of all farmers belong to Farm Bureau; 3 out of 4 farmers who belong to any farm organization belong to Farm Bureau; The total gain in Farm Bureau membership the past 5 years is as great as the total membership of Farm Bureau's rival, The Farmer's Union. An interesting fact is that there is a higher percentage of farmers in Farm Bureau than there is laborers in Labor Unions; this despite the fact that many unions get their membership by compulsion.

—o—

The little boy looked intently at his father, "Daddy, are you still growing?"
"No, Sonny, what makes you think so?"
"Because the top of your head is coming through your hair."

—o—

"That boy has taken some money!" he stormed.
"How can you be so sure," protested his wife, "why, I might have taken it."
"No, you didn't," Fathers retorted, "there is some left."

—o—

My apologies to Mrs. Ivan Johnson and Mrs. Carroll Olsen. I mentioned in another column that Mrs. Carroll Olson was elected secretary of the Oakland-Moscow Unit. I should have said Mrs. Carroll Olson was elected Woman's Committee Chairman and Mrs. Ivan Johnson secretary. I was at the meeting, but the Moscow men were serving that night and I was working in the kitchen getting lunch ready.

—o—

The Shellrock Unit recently reorganized. Winston Hammersly was elected chairman; Helmer Erdahl vice chairman; Mrs. Martin Struck, Secretary; Mrs. Winston Hamersly, Women's Committee chairman. Mrs. Lawrence Gustafson and myself were speakers at their meeting.

—o—

An important meeting for Farm Bureau members is coming up Wednesday, March 16. The District Spring Conference will be held in Albert Lea. This meeting is open to all Farm Bureau people. Officers especially are urged to attend. This meeting will be for Freeborn, Dodge, Mower, Steele, Waseca and Faribault counties. We expect a large attendance. These conferences are always interesting with pertinent questions of the day analyzed.

—o—

The new School Milk program available to all schools in Minnesota now; both public and parochi... and private. Here is a chance for all citizens to take advantage of a program that will increase the consumption of milk and create better health for the children. If your school is not now taking advantage of it, better get the facts and help yourself to health. One fifth of Minnesota farmers income comes from dairying.

Farmers Claim Taxes "Unfair"

Hollo Folks! Some people are like blotters; they soak it all in and get it all backwards.

—o—

Life today is not a fun-way street.

—o—

Forgive and forget, and you'll never regret.

—o—

This is the time of year when Farm Bureau goes to work on resolutions for the coming annual meetings. The other evening the resolutions committee composed of Eric Ausen, John Nordby, Mrs. Lawrence Gustafson, Doug Vandgrift and myself, met at the Bureau office and with Doug as chairman we went into the study of resolutions and problems to be studied at the various units in the next few months.

Senator Rudolph Hanson was our guest and gave us a number of ideas and suggestions we might present to the farmers of Freeborn County. One of the problems we went into was the discrimination of taxation between residential and farm property. From a summer report of the Minnesota Department of Taxation the following facts were revealed:

Farm property is assessed an average of 43 per cent higher than is residential property. 

The law states that all property shall be assessed at its real and true value. Generally this has not been done for various reasons and instead a percentage of the real and true value is used. 

There are seven types of property. The state average ratio of assessment is as follows:

TYPES                                     RATIO

Residential                               30.44 per cent

Multiple dwelling                     37.82 per cent

Commercial                             38.79 per cent

Industrial                                  35.06 per cent

Public Utility                             45.88 per cent

Lake Shore                              16.20 per cent

Farm                                        43.68 per cent

Total Acreage                          35.99 per cent

With farmers in a cost squeeze now, and taxes making up a large percentage of their expenses, it is important that each citizen bear a fair and proportionate share of the tax dollar. In Freeborn County the difference is about 35 per cent. In other words the farmer is paying over $3 to the rest of the tax payers – $2 as far as real estate is concerned.

—o—

Another problem taken up at the meeting was the moving of sealed corn and grain. In Freeborn County the A. S. C. Committee has been rather slow in getting the stored corn moved out of the Government bins so that the farmers can get their bins ready for the new crop. With the drought we are having here it is more important than ever that the stored corn be moved early. Last year the Freeborn County Farm Bureau passed a resolution asking the county A. S. C. Committee to put forth greater effort in getting the bins cleared for further storage. 

—o— 

A person learns a lot by traveling. Other people do things differently and we get new and helpful ideas that we can put to use. 

One idea that South Dakota is using that I think is good, is using different colors on the road markers. For instance highway 16 is green, 14 is orange etc. Another idea I like is the using of the "Yield" variety of signs; where instead of having to come to a dead stop you must yield right of way to the other car.

The quality of our highways is gradually catching up to our high powered cars. It have been a slow job but many of these new roads are really nice. Here is a tip for anyone taking a trip toward the Pacific Northwest. Taking highway 12 from Wilmar or there about is a fast route. If you wish more scenery No. 16 is very good also but a bit slower and farther. 

—o—

There is a lot of stir and talk around the state regarding the revisiting of the constitution of the state. Many ideas and proposals are advanced as to why this should be done. Most of the arguments for carrying out this program sounds quite logical. However, some of the main reasons for advocating a revision are not aired to any great extent.

The big question at issue is the reapportionment of legislative districts. This particular problem has come up in many states of recent years. In most cases a reapportionment under the old process would mean giving control of both houses of the legislator to the urban areas of the state. Reapportionment in Minnesota under the old process would do that very thing.

Michigan recently reached a fair basis of reapportionment by deciding to put the House membership on a population basis and the Senate membership more nearly on an area basis. Farm Bureau sponsored and worked for the proposal that was finally adopted in that state.

Minnesota has a trust fund which has been built up over the years largely from the income received from the occupational tax on iron ore. The fund at the present time amounts to 236 million dollars.

The state constitution provides that only the income from this fund can be used. The income from this trust is earmarked for school purposes. This income is small because of the low rate of interest secured on these funds.

Some people think that the trust fund is large enough and that it would be better to use that portion of occupational tax income for general state needs instead of adding any more to the trust fund. This is another question that might come up in the revision of the state constitution.

—o— 

A cannibal is one who loves his fellowmen — with gravy.

College Need Being Filled

HELLO FOLKS! — There are 4,000 more people in the world now than were an hour ago.

One fifth of the world population is white or Christian.

We in America are six per cent of the worlds wealth. Of that six per cent, American farmers are in the upper two per cent. This is because of the capital necessary to produce enough to earn comparable income with the balance of the population.

—o—

IF WE WERE TO consider the world from the creation until now as a 24 hour day, we have made more progress in the last 15 minutes until midnight than in the whole 23 and three fourths other hours.

At one time it took 90 per cent of the population to produce enough food to feed the world. Today it takes less than seven per cent to feed everyone on a far better diet.

—o—

THERE IS IN Albert Lea a group of citizens dedicated to the creation of a new college. They are in the process of gathering enough funds to get the program underway.

These men deserve our deepest respect and loyal support. Albert Lea needs a college and a site has been picked on one of the most desirable pieces of land one could imagine. 

It is easy to criticize and laugh at such a project, and while I have heard very little negative thought concerning it there is sure to be some. It could come from well meaning citizens, too.

It might be well to take a look back and see what has been the result of lack of foresight in the past. Then if there are any who want to go ahead with ridicule, let them know what they are doing to themselves and the community.

Had One, Once

Years ago Albert Lea had a college. Had the success of it been pursued with vigor it would have been a great asset to Albert Lea all these years and a greater asset for the future. We will all readily agree that it should never have been allowed to die.

Also, years ago the State educational Department wanted Albert Lea to install a vocational school. Albert Leans failed to take action and it went to Austin—currently a great asset to that city, much to Albert Lea's chagrin.

Today there is a revived effort to try to get such a school started. Nothing but Herculean effort can get the job done today. Albert Lea just missed the 'boat'. It may not be around again.

These are just two of the major things Albert Lea has missed in the past. It is not a pleasant thing to have to mention these things but if it will help us in the future and keep us from listening to the 'knockers' who are pretty apt to come along, it will have been worth it. 

We are just in the infancy of the educational boom. I am sure that in the future we will find ourselves more and more educated. 

If it is the least bit important that we have a college in Freeborn now it will be many times more important 10, 20, and 30 years from now. 

Class Proves Enlightening

HELLO FOLKS: — A group of Freeborn County folks have been driving up to Waseca each Thursday for a course in "economics of Government," sponsored by the University of Minnesota.

The League of Women Voters has been sending different delegates each time. Some of them who have attended one of more of the classes are Mrs. Lou Gordon, Mrs. Melvin Gordon, Mrs. Lynn Stoker and Mrs. Lloyd Peterson.

Others who have been attending are Ellis Christianson, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Kuiters, B. F. Muldown, E. J. Narverud, Eldon Senske, Rev. O. A. Rust, Dr. Lynn Stokers, Al Cuppage and myself. As this column is written there are two classes yet to be held. Therefore the list of students is not complete.

These meetings are extremely informative. They present various economic and political thinking. The general rule is to have one hour or less of lecture, then one hour or more of question and answer.

One thing the lecturers have found out is that they had better know the answers to their field of discussion, because with a group such as this there are plenty of questions from many angles and it doesn't take long to find out where the weaknesses of the point of arguments are.

One thing I am sure of is that we have all come away with a greater understanding of economics and government, and with a greater respect for the other fellow's viewpoint. The instructors are the best the institute could find.

This is the second year such a class has been held. Last year the topic was "Minnesota Economics." I am quite sure that from the success of the two Institutes we have had we are apt to have another next year. What the course will be I do not know, but it might be something on the order of "Foreign Aid Programs" or "Foreign Policy."

If any of you readers are interested, please put in an advance application with our County Agent, Eldon Senske, by letting him know that you are interested.

WHEN EZRA TAFT Bensons was Secretary of Agriculture and Orville Freeman was governor of Minnesota, there was a wide diversity of Farm Policy. The then Governor Freeman was one of the then Sec. Benson's bitterest critics. He puller no punches in his criticisms of Benson's lowering of dairy supports, and freeing corn acreage. Freeman and his colleagues coined a phrase called "Bensonism", which was suppose to be a derogatory connotation. This word was the 'bad' name for the free-enterprise views of Benson, and everyone who espoused this view was something of an odd ball.

I suppose there is still plenty of difference of opinion, but for the most part Freeman has -------- his actions vindicated the policies of Benson. For instance, when the new feed - grain program was introduced, was it drawn up under the old acreage allotments? No sir! It was drawn up under the planning history of the Benson era.

When Freeman entered office he immediately set about upping the dairy supports that had been lowered by Benson. Immediately the surpluses that had disappeared under the Benson program. This year, after three years of higher supports and with the program in danger of reaching the 'smelly' stage, Freeman has followed his predessor by reducing supports, not just to the level that Benson had set but to new lows not even allowed by law. This was done by changing the formula. In the past the support price had been based on 3.5 milk. The new formula is based on 3.7 milk. This has the effect of changing the price of 3.5 milk from $3.05 cwt. to $2.95 cwt. Thus with nearly secret actions, Freeman, who had criticized Benson so unmercifully, has now admitted that Benson was right. Changing the formula for milk does not seem as drastic as dropping support prices to under $3 per cwt.

A Chilling Experience

HELLO FOLKS — You can't prove it by me, but there is a story going around about the couple who bought a pickup truck with a camping box in it. They started on a cross country trip.

While out on the highway in the western states the husband got tired of driving. It was a very hot day and while his wife was to be doing the driving he decided to cool off in the camper. He stripped to his shorts and was just about to make himself comfortable. At that moment his started up with a jerk, he fell against the door and it came open. He rolled onto the highway as his wife sped away.

His first inclination was to hide in the brush along the highway. But he was quick to realize that such a move would get him nowhere so he tried to flag down cars. The first one sped past him in disbelief. The second stopped in the next town and reported to the police, who went out to see. They doubted the man's story but radioed the patrol ahead where the wife was supposed to be. When they stopped the pickup and asked the woman where her husband was she told them he was in the camper. They suggested that she take a look. In horror she discovered what had happened.

As I say, don't ask me to prove it. But I hope nothing like that ever happens to me.

—o—

A STUDY by the University of Minnesota reveals the great difference in income of Minnesota farmers. The difference come not so much by area, nor by t[yp]es of farming but by the ingenuity of the farmers themselves.

For instance in the southwest area the top twenty per cent of the farmers keeping records earned an average of nearly $13,000. The lowest 20 per cent lost an average of $1,000.

There are, of course, many factors that influence such a difference. The weather can make a tremendous difference, as can several other factors. However, further study revealed that management of farmers makes a tremendous difference. Some farmers have the knack of making the best of their opportunities while others have a difficult time of it.

Farmers now have the privilege of getting professional assistance in the analysis of their farming operations. This assistance is in the form of the farm analysis service available through the regular Department of Education. Minnesota has taken the lead in this service to farmers and other states are copying or watching Minnesota in that respect.

The results are bearing fruit. The gain in income of farmers subscribing to the service has been substantially above the average of other farmers not in the program.

Some of the farmers have more than doubles their income by having an accurate analysis of their business. It isn't impossible for a farmer to do this himself, but the chance of him doing it is very remote. By joining the service he gets professional service and advice that is hard for him to obtain alone. The cost is very nominal and the analysis is as accurate as the records he keeps.

This service permits him to see what operations are paying off, what his cost of production is, so that he knows where the break even point is, and to compare his own program with that of the rest of the farmers. The individual reports are kept in confidence and only the general information is made public.

The program is divided into six areas in Minnesota. The Winona, Austin, Mankato and Duluth areas are in operation. The program is having the most success in the Austin area, which includes Freeborn county. Anyone interested should contact the local vocational agriculture department and the instructors will no doubt be happy to assist.

Giving Child His Rights (+2)

Hello Folks — A five-year old boy in a candy store was in tears.

"What's the matter, Sonny?" the proprietor asked.

"I had a quarter, but I lost it here somewhere."

Welling over with sympathy, the storekeeper handed the boy a popsicle. "Here" he consoled,  "you can have this one free."

The youngster brightened a bit, but tears still fell. "What about my change?"

—

"Since I have my new automobile I don't have to walk to the bank with my deposits."

"Drive over now, eh?"

"No I just don't make any."

—

I think that one of the greatest weaknesses we have in life is taking our friends and loved ones for granted; also any of our blessings. We forget to use tact, and talk out of turn; we get to expecting too much of those around us or else we neglect kind words and compliments.

We can easily get to treating our children as though we owned them, and we are likely to neglect their proper training until we discover that it is too late. Perhaps the greatest mistake we make is to be too lax with the children when they are very young and then try to dominate them when they are old enough to mind their own business.

Too often we raise our voices at the children instead of teaching them in advance the things they should know. I know it is my weakness, how about yours?

Let's try to be as kind and courteous to our loved ones as we should be. Let's plan in advance the teachings and trainings and the things we should do.

—

Many a small boy is the kind of kid his Mother tells him not to play with.

—

I used to think that insurance men were sort of a nuisance; necessary of course, but less vital than a lot of other people.

Since I have made a study of economics and have come to realize what it takes to make our capitalistic system work, and which gives us such a high standard of living, I have developed a real respect for the men that go around and encourage people to prepare for the future of themselves and their loved ones.

Take life insurance for instance; a man takes out a policy to cover the cost of the funeral and give himself and his wife a comfortable living when the active days are on the wane. That very act of taking out that policy does more than provide for himself and give the insurance man a meal ticket; it helps every citizen in the U.S.A. because it is money put into creating jobs and wealth.

The premiums paid are reinvested where they will draw interest and help provide capital so necessary to keep industry going and encourage the demand for an ever increasing standard of living.

I do have one gripe. Why don't you insurance men go further than just trying to sell a policy? Why don't you put on a big educational program to teach the public what insurance does for the nation as a whole; we need to know those facts and I know of no one who could do it better than You, and it certainly is to your own benefit as much as ours. I wish I had learned those facts years ago.

E. B. Peterson Speaks at Club

Edwin B. Peterson, president of the Freeborn County Farm Bureau, spoke at the March meeting of the Freeborn County Women's Republican Club Thursday afternoon in the Spanish Dining Room. A questions and answer period followed after which Joan Schneider played two organ solos.

Mrs. O. C. Hammond presided at the committee meeting. A nominating committee was selected with Mrs. Alfred Berglund as chairman. Other members include Mrs. Robert Green and Mrs. J. P. Miller. A letter was read from Congressman Al Quie.

A social hour follower the meeting.

31 in County In Who's Who In Minnesota

"WHO'S WHO IN MINNESOTA" has included in its 1958 centennial edition the biographical sketches of 31 Freeborn Count citizens. They include:

... Edwin Peterson, Oakland; ...

Qualifications for this recognition were based on standards of good citizenship and community service. Over 500 persons acted as selectors in determining which persons' biographical data should be included.

California Corn Hurts Mid-West

Hello Folks: If a man offends you, buy each of his children a drum. A Chinese proverb.

—o—

This is the final test of a gentleman: his respect for those who can be of no possible use to him.

—o—

We have a couple of new creatures at our house. I had never heard of them before. One is a "Skeekmuk". It lives upstairs and as far as we can determine, this skeekmuk is somewhere between the size of a cat and a dog. Whether it has fur, hair or feathers, we don't know. Nobody has seen it but Randy, he sees it quite often, and it is under the bed when he sleeps. It has been around about a month apparently.

The other creature is an "earb". This one also we only know from what Randy tells us. It lives downstairs in the bedroom. When we eat, it slips into the living room for a romp. From all indications, is is about the size of a rat or mouse, as least it can be stepped on. The other day it followed him upstairs. It leaves no tracks, requires no food, and can be seen only by some one with as good an imag[i]nation as Randy (and no one has one that good!)

We get a lot of kick out of these two creatures, plus Randy. All we have to do is mention the "earb" or "skeekmuk", and we are in for another session of stories.

—o—

Speaking of imagination, have you ever gone traveling with your imagination? It is lots of fun. You can sail on oceans, visit tropical isles, swoop down on crowded cities on your imaginary carpet, do a lot of things you always hoped you could do someday. All this, without ever leaving a cozy home — and no travel fatigue at all.

—o—

There is a lot of talk about a "soil - bank" plan. Here is my viewpoint on it for what it is worth to the readers. I think the only real worth of "soil fertility bank" is in connection with acreage controls. If a farmer is at the position where he feels he wants price supports on his crops, then the extra acres should be placed in suspension until they are needed. This should be done by the farmer himself and not at the expense of the taxpayers.

In the past when acreage allotments were in effect on a commodity, the extra acres were just diverted into another crop. Such a condition is not fair to the farmers who wish to take their own chances with the law of supply and demand. Suppose the farmers in Freeborn county rent a lot of land to the Government, and that land put in suspension as it would be under a "soil bank" plan, that would mean less production, which in turn means less industry.

California and other western states have learned that there is money in raising corn and feeding cattle — so while we are crying for high supports and storing our corn in bins, California is doubling her production of corn each year. On top of that she is competing with us for western range cattle to feed out and out-bidding us a lot of the time.

We are actually holding an umbrella over the west all at our own expense.

The fair price for corn has dropped a lot the past few years because we are learning to produce it cheaper. Nobody knows what actual parity is on corn, but it is not over $1.50 — probably closer to $1.25, this due to more efficient production, by the use of better machinery, fertilizer and tillage.

Just as surely as some of us are afraid to get in to the economic area and fight our own battles, there are others who will and they are the ones who win.

All Depends On the View

By EDWIN B. PETERSEN

HELLO FOLKS — One-fourth of the U. S. is covered with forest.  – The rest is covered with mortgages.

—

I HAD a birthday May fifth. Daughter Karen sent me a reminder of it. It was on a funny card and here is what she wrote.

Dear Dad,
After counting my fingers and toes several times over, I came to the conclusion that you are getting older instead of younger. I am sure this will come as a great shock to you. Cheer up, Dad! Just because you are nearing the age of grey hairs, canes and rocking chairs doesn't mean that your life of usefulness is over. Think of all the golden years ahead of you when you can sit on the street corner bench and whistle at all the young chicks strutting by, or bounce your great grandchildren upon your arthritic knee. Think of the years of wisdom you will gain by listening to the younger generation's advice!

Yes, growing old will bring you many joys, but I hope that one of your greatest joys will be knowing that your eldest daughter still loves you despite your ancientness.

Love, Karen

—

FARM BUREAU, this year entered upon a new project; that of finding the ideal farmer's daughter in Freeborn County. We had 10 entries from around the county. The young ladies were ages 16 to 20. We were very proud of the quality of the young lovelies.

There are of course several other contests such as Miss America, Miss Universe and the Dairy Princess, but we wanted this to be more than a beauty contest. Something that was based more on merit.

Miss Ethel Wicks was the winner of the contest and now bears the title of the Ideal Farmer's Daughter, and represents the other contestants for the year.

It would be hard indeed to find anyone that represents the more ideal type of daughter then does Miss Wicks. Ethel is 19. She is a student at Austin Junior College and earns all her school expenses working out.

Ethel is a top student. Active in many affairs. Talented in music, baton twirling, 4-H, a hard worker and apparently strives constantly for self improvement. She has a lovely personality and beauty to go with it all. She is active in church also.

She is leaving soon for a six weeks trip to Maryland representing Minnesota in the Annual 4 - H exchange. She will also visit Washington D. C. while in the east.

When you see a black convertible with the sign "Farm Bureau Farmer's Daughter" on the side in the parades around the county this summer, take a good look at one of the top young ladies of our age.

What About Your Time

By EDWIN B. PETERSEN

HELLO FOLKS — I get quite a few expressions of appreciation when I place poetry in this column.

Here is one whose author is unknown. I found it in some of my wifes notes.

NO TIME FOR GOD

You've time to build houses, and in them dwell.
And time to do business—to buy and to sell.
But none for repentance, or deep earnest prayer;
To seek your salvation you've no time to spare.

You've time for earth's pleasures, for frolic and fun.
For her glittering treasures, how quickly you run.
But care not to seek the fair mansions above;
In favor of God or the gift of His love.

You've time to take voyages over the sea
And time to take in the gay world's jubilee.
But soon you're bright hopes will be lost in the gloom
Of the cold dark river of death and the tomb.

You've time to resort to woods, mountain and glen,
And time to gain knowledge from books and of men.
Yet no time to search for the wisdom of God;
But what of your soul when you're under the sod?

For time will not linger when helpless you lie;
Staring death in the face you will take time to die!
Then what of the judgment! Pause, think, I implore!
For time will be lost on eternity's shore.

—

ONE FINAL postscript before we close the pages on the wheat referendum.

What actually made the wheat farmers turn down such an attractive offer price-wise?

I believe it was the actions of Secretary Freeman himself. It became more and more apparent that the big reason he was so anxious for a "yes" vote was to get the farmers completely under his thumb. He desires power to "clobber" anyone who does not agree with him, or will not follow his wishes. This is something for his friends to think about too. Will you always be his friend? Will you always agree with him?

Had the Secretary merely been interested in his program and been willing to take reasonable means of informing the growers he might possibly have won.

By voting "no" the wheat farmers took, for the time being, a 50 cents a bushal drop in price. However, he would rather do that than give someone the power of dictating to him.

What of the Farm Bureau Federation which won such an overwhelming victory? It is pretty obvious that they are stronger than ever. Few people realize what extent the organization goes to each year in order to determine what farmers want and what is best for the nation as a whole.

In Freeborn county last year Farm Bureau held a total of six meeting, spent several hundred dollars in mileage and time to get the opinion of people from the grass roots. Repeat this throughout the state and the nation and it might be easier to appreciate why it has grown to the might it has. It pretty well knows what farmers want, and need.

The results of the wheat referendum should make politicians a bit more wary of unsound schemes and deals, and trying to force people into them.

—

Dictionary

postscript |ˈpoʊs(t)ˌskrɪpt|

noun

an additional remark at the end of a letter, after the signature and introduced by “P.S.”: he added a postscript: “Leaving tomorrow.”

• an additional statement or action that provides further information on or a sequel to something: as a postscript to this, Paul did finally marry.

A Chance to Keep Part of Heritage

–BY Edwin B. Petersen


HELLO FOLKS – It has been said that those who fail to revere the past have little regard for the future. If this is true, then we all had better take stock and see where our attitudes are leading us.


As we all have been observing there is a real opportunity for each of us to do our bit for the past and thereby leave a grand memorial for the future.


I am of course referring to the Historical Society's plans for the erection of a museum on the fair grounds. It is pretty definite that there will be one built there. It will be a monument to the pioneers who did so much for us.


So far there has been collected about 20 thousand dollars toward the goal of $70,000. This has been in the form of large amounts from families who are interested in such a movement.


With a big kick-off siated to take place Monday, March 18th, at Interstate Hall there will be a concentrated effort to visit every family in the county giving them the opportunity to contribue to this worthy cause.


We of course hope that everyone will want to contribute generously. I know as well as anyone how pressed, financially, many of us are. However, here is a cause to which we have one chance in a lifetime to contribute to. It will not break up the poorest of us to contribute, say, about ten dollars for each of three years to the cause. By doing that we can have our names inscribed on a permanent plaque in the museum, which will be there long after we are gone, for our descendants to be reminded that we were part of the grand plan.


Each contribution, however, small, will be appreciated. We are in hopes that there are a number of families who have been residents of Freeborn County for 50 or more years who will want to make a real substantial contribution. It would certainly be to a very worthy cause.


Why not talk it over with members of the family and decide to do it as a family group? You can mail it to the Freeborn County Historical Society, Albert Lea, or wait until you are called on by the "Pioneer Sodbusters".

Current:

Freeborn County Museum

I decided it would be interesting to see if I could do some research on the content of Grandpa's article. I contacted the director of the museum to get a picture of the plaque Grandpa referred to. This was his response


Trevor,


My name is Pat Mulso and I am the Director here at the museum.  Unfortunately to my knowledge, there is no permanent plaque.  When they were raising money for the first building project they sold life memberships to the museum for $20.00 per person.  The records indicate that in 1966, Ed. B. Peterson, Oakland, MN 56076 purchased a life membership.  Best of luck on your project.  We sincerely appreciate the work your grandfather did back in the 1960's to help with establishment of a building for the Freeborn County Historical Society.


Sincerely,

Pat Mulso

Executive Director

Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library & Village

1031 Bridge Avenue

Albert Lea, MN 56007

pmulso@smig.net

http://fchm.smig.net