Little ones had to be kept safe while their parents/owners tended to plowing and planting gardens and fields.  As shown in the photo above, dated 29 Apr. 1910, some methods were rather unique, but surely did the job and who knows if these children attempted to take a ride!  Hein Family Collection

Spring rains muddied country roads, making them nearly impassable and unfit for the early automobiles. Many vehicles were buried in them and many hours were spent in digging them out.   A pair oxen was mired in the mud when highway 10 was being built in Clark County had to be shot, because they couldn't get them out, due to their size.  Supposedly they were on the east side of Black River in front of the Indian Mission School.  Hein Family Collection

Sometimes severe storms destroyed valuable property.  Hein Family Collection

To the left--tiny fingers exploring the fragile daisies in mama's flower pot during the first summer of a child's life is only the beginning of discovering a beautiful world.  Notice the fully leafed tree which is ready to provide a welcomed shade from the hot summer sun and the fence which protects this little one from the dangers of Lake Emerson which is visible in background.  Hein Family Collection

Busy summer days were filled with numerous chores and life without air-conditioning.  Notice the clothes drying and bleaching on the lines in background, the chickens eagerly awaiting their daily feed and the "out house" in the background to the far right (a necessity before the days of indoor plumbing).  Hein Family Collection

Picnics (above)--Families and friends gathered around tables for open air dining to enjoy abundant fresh garden produce, naturally organic meats, potato salads featuring free range eggs, stories of "the old days" and lots of laughter.  The only unwelcomed guests were the flies and bursts of thunder. The soft gentle breezes and laughter served to make any birthday, anniversary, holiday or reunion an event to be happily remembered.  Hein Family Collection

Faithful pets were often called upon to keep the stock safe.  Hein Family Collection

A successful Hay crop insured affordable nourishing feed for the stock through the following winter.

Threshing was community activity because the "rigs" were too expensive to be owned by every farmer.  The crew went from farm to farm during the harvest and each farm family was expected to put on a fitting "spread" at meal time for the hardworking threshers.

Biking was especially enjoyable in the fall when the roads tended to be good.  Hein Family Collection

Touring became popular after Henry Ford made automobiles affordable to the average family.  Hein Family Collection

Native Indian families camped in the area to gather berries and hunt and fish.  In this photo, a local family visited one of their campsites and then dressed up in native garb.  Hein Family Collection

Can you imagine controlling this team on winter roads?  Hein Family Collection

Many a cold winter evening was spent listening to the radio.