farm and ranch


Did Electricity Make us Dependent?

With so many folks preparing to outlive economic depression as previous generations did in the 1930s, I wonder about our “advancement” since that humble time. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to meet many elderly country folks who gave little thought to the Great Depression. Perhaps it was because they […]

1930s farmer

Stepping up to a 100-year-old Treadle Sewing Machine

When I was young, I’d watch in fascination as my mother used her treadle sewing machine (a late 1800’s Singer that belonged to my great-grandmother) to fashion all sorts of clothing, blankets, couch covers and schoolbags.  I’d sit on the floor and watch as her feet deftly pedaled fast on […]


Dollars Per Gallon

A water supply system to sustain a family is not going to be inexpensive.  Any electric system (drilling a well, installing an electric pump and pressure tank, running lines, etc.) can cost $6K – $20K depending on application.  These systems, made to allow people to live in the country with […]