Animals Around The Farm

The following memories are from Richard Lewis (son of Walter and Betty):

I have many fond memories of trapping muskrats in the meadow. I also caught a mink once next to what is now a wood operation. I was 14 or 15 years old and I sold the pelts to Sears Roebuck by mail. I received $3.00-$6.00 a pelt.

Another memory I have is killing chickens on Friday's in the killing room behind the barn. I remember we always had to select the right chickens to deliver to the Jewish customers. When we delivered them they always had to be alive.

I also remember on numerous occasions my Dad sending me up the hill to retrieve the newborn calfs and mother and bring them back to the barn. I would pick up the calf barebacked and throw him up on my shoulders with the umbilical cord wrapped around my neck. This was the only way we could get the mother cow back down to the barn.