SEGMENT: FARMING DURING WWII, AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES, & LIVESTOCK

Ray Ackerman>ISM Interviews A-L>ISM Interviews A-L, Segment 2

SEGMENT: FARMING DURING WWII, AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES, & LIVESTOCK,

duration 12:53
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FARMING DURING WWII
Remembers when Pearl Harbor was attacked, he was at a Triangle Fraternity and he and thousands of people marched down the streets to home of the President of the University. Many were ready to do their part. Never saw so much patriotism. ROTC was needed, but Ray didn't pass the eye exam and he was too short. Felt his father was one of Hitler's victims. Rationed gas, and was very conscientious. Because he couldn't get into ROTC, companies were hiring so he worked for Douglas Aircraft. Applied for the Navy but still couldn't get in because of his height and eye sight. Joined the Merchant Marines until the end of the war. Engineering officer during his last trip. Was supposed to go to Japan, but Atomic Bomb fell. Later got a job with the Erecting Department of American Bridge. Soon worked for the Highway Division and retired at 62 after 31 years of working there. Got part-time jobs because he wasn't ready to quit working yet. Brother Clyde helped work on the farm and was in charge of buying equipment. Father died while working, so Clyde took over the farm.
LIVESTOCK
Helped his brother raise some sows, but had to quit after a while because it wasn't too profitable, and his wife quit her job.
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Brother travelled the country with his show cattle. Got to show at the Illinois State Fair. His brother knew how to cover up any faults the cattle had and won 1st Prize at the fair.