Next door to some abandoned houses you find nice modern homes. The abandoned structures are from the '20s to '40s. Some definitely went under. Others took over that land and added to theirs, which saw them abandon a house to build a better place. Youngsters headed to cities. Viable family farms got larger and larger. In the early days a quarter section was a big job for a family. While hunting an area, I have watched a quarter section of grain gobbled up by a group of combines and spewed into waiting semis in just a few hours. Equipment kept getting better and bigger, which also reduced the number of humans needed to farm the land. So, yes there was some despair but also some tremendous success stories. I have hunted on "family grain farms" that are 10 sections of land. However, I agree the abandoned structures can evoke
a feeling of emptiness, despair and "broken dreams". When I gaze upon them, I think of the kids running around and playing and "doing chores" learning responsibility and self-reliance. I think about the warmth of the wood stove and the smells of bread, pies and fresh venison prepared for a winter's meal. And then the camera shutter clicks. There is no doubt that those who broke this land were hardy folk.
Cheers,
Jack
Near this abandoned home
is this modern home
This type of equipment makes short work of a 1/4 section
