SEGMENT: FARM BUSINESS, FARMING METHODS, & CHURCH
Ray Ackerman>ISM Interviews A-L>ISM Interviews A-L, Segment 2
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- CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
- Went to Morton, 24 that graduated. Recently went to 70 year reunion, only four were there. Rode to school with friends.
- FARM ORGANIZATIONS
- Had 4-H club. Brother had cattle, liked farming better than Ray. Ray had a pig, won first place at County Fair.
- CHURCH
- Parents were religious, attended Apostolic church, which is a break off of the Mennonites, had Amish tendencies with strict rules. Father used to smoke pipe, but put it aside when he joined the church. Members of church signed to be shareholders with the Eagle Manufacturing Company, which made farm equipment.
- FARM BUSINESS
- When the Depression occurred, Eagle Manufacturing filed for bankruptcy. Those who signed had put their farms up as collateral, and the company disclosed on all the farmers, including his parents, who had to re-finance the property. Got milk cows & sold milk to supplement the income. Raised hogs and chickens.
- FARMING METHODS
- Plowed with horses, five to pull the plow. Bought a J.I. Case tractor. By the time Ray is twelve, he was driving the tractor in the field. Had lugs because it couldn't be driven on the pavement, but later became drivable. Had corn picker & did some corn shucking.
