Farm Life

• Describe the homestead/farmstead you grew up on.

• Where was the closest town?

• Did you ever experience isolation? If so, please tell us about this experience.

• How did your family gain possession of the land – did they inherit it, buy it, etc.?

• Was your family "grain farmers", "ranchers", dairy farmers, or diversified?

• What buildings were on your parent’s farm? What were they used for?

• What type of animals did your family have? What were they used for?

• Did your family butcher these animals? Please tell me about it.

• Describe the roads to your farm?

• What type of farming equipment did your family have?

• Please describe the fields and crops on your family's farm?

• Do you remember your neighbors? Who were they? How close did they live to your farm? Did they ever look after the children, while your parents were away? If so, did they ever discipline you?

• Was "neighboring" a common practice when you were growing up? If so, please explain.

• What were the farm kids’ feelings toward the town kids?

• What was your family's attitude toward town people?

• What were the positive aspects of growing up on a farm? How about the negative ones?

• What social classes existed when you were growing up? What social class did your family belong to?

• What ethnic groups were included in your community?

• What was your family's attitude toward different ethnic groups, such as Norwegians or Scandinavians?

• Were there places that your parents wouldn't let you go or children they wouldn't let you socialize with? If yes, why?

"Seeding" Nick Schall Jr.