Mr. Ackerman is 89 years old at the time of the interview; born January 7, 1918. Was born in the middle of a snowstorm at his original home. Had moved to Chicago after college, then back to the house after he was married in 1948. His parents were married in 1913 and built the home. Grandparents lived across the street on a farm.
FARMHOUSE
Prior to the 1913 house, there was another farmhouse that was built out back about 100 feet. His grandfather helped all his children acquire farms. Has ten rooms, 5 bedrooms, a bathroom upstairs. Grandfather helped design the house. Years later, built an addition off the kitchen which became a half bathroom, later converted to a pantry. Full walk-in attic, used to dry seed-corn.
FARMING METHODS
His father farmed with horses to begin with and prided himself in straight corn rows. Taught Ray to align the plants with something so they didn't deviate. Would plant rows in one direction, then cross cultivate, then a third row called a 'lay-by'. Or 'lay by the Fourth of July.' Would have hired help to shuck corn.
TRANSPORTATION
Mentions horse-drawn buggy that the doctors used to get to his home for his birth, and a horse drawn wagon to help with gathering bushels of corn. Elevator was run by a car that had two cylinders for each wheel. Had a Model T. Around 1937 he installed an electric motor and sold the car to Ray for $15. It was a 1922 Sport Roadster.
