History of the Prairie's Farms

 U.S. Road Trip 2013

Part Thirteen

Some of the best decisions of our trip were made purely on a whim, right at the moment we had to turn off the road. This was that kind of choice. We pulled into its driveway on our way into the city for our previously-scheduled afternoon.

Our guide Bob, who own this barn-turned-museum with his wife, had been born and raised there and his love of the land shone through his stories and carefully arranged collections. His grandfather had been the one to paint the sign of the Prairie's cemetery. As a boy he had attended the small schoolhouse (the one that still has an outhouse) that now serves as a community center. He was a third generation farmer there on the Prairie. He even looks the part of farmer in his Dickie pans, suspenders, and white t-shirt.

 "Careful", "clean", and "comprehensive" aptly describe this place. Collections are meticulously displayed. Many objects hung with their duplicate. Each item had been cleaned of the grime that inevitably coated their edges and handles in their day of most use.

 In full disclosure I may or may not have accidentally knocked over the green seed drill way in the background. While our kids were being respectful and careful, I was the klutzy one create a mess and clatter. Bob was quick to set me at ease and set the seed drill straight again.

I got a little caught up reading each manufacturer's name, well-preserved and unforgotten here in this historical vault. They were no doubt respected, trusted names in their day.

Not to be forgotten was the ubiquitous name (and bright shade of green) of John Deere. 

 Dan is the grandson of multiple generations of tobacco farmers of South Carolina. I am the granddaughter of a multiple generations of cattle ranchers in Central California. I'm sure farming is in every other one of our family lines at some point within a few generations back. We both have memories of our grandparents' farms, tractors, and barns. We've heard the first-hand accounts from our parents of farm life. Our interest in plows and tools are based on previous experience. I hope our children will someday feel some desire to appreciate these gadgets for their place in our family history.