Disappearing from the American landscape, the family farm was always a mainstay in  our culture.From it sprang many of our values and beliefs that made America the great country it is today.




Life was hard but good, children were taught how  to work at an early age, even if it was the simplist of tasks. . Sometimes it would have been much easier for an adult to do the chore than let the chld do it, but the parent knew it was very important for the young'un to learn how to work and take on responsibility.


Church was a weekly part of life, most people attended regularly, if not every Sunday. The rest of the day was reserved for visiting extended family and friends participating in family functions such as spending  the afternoon fishing or picnicing.

These lessons were never forgotten, people grew up expecting no help from government, it would have been unthinkable and humiliating to expect it, neighbor helped neighbor with no thought of retribution. No one kept score of what was owed to whom. It would have been an insult to offer payment .

The only payment received would be a delicious meal following the completion of the day's work. The farming communities were very close knit, even like family. I grew up on a small farm in southern Indiana and even yet today, I think of a fellow Hooiser as "family".

It would be nice to return to those days when life was simplier and people were more civilized. People weren't perfect and without fault, but most were a lot more friendly, neighborly, and helpful than today.

House doors were never locked, in fact we wanted the neighbors to check on things to make sure everything was OK. Lawsuits were unheard of and people thought nothing of protecting themselves and others from what ever danger may present itself.

It may only be a pipe dream, but it would be nice.

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