Hang on to everything and keep it in good repair. That’s how every prairie farmer survived. The local blacksmith shop might be ten miles away, and the city more than fifty. Ordering parts was a nightmare.
You never know when something might come in handy or even prove essential to your survival. Back then things were built to last, and to pass on those who followed. Every farmer was his own mechanic.
Farming also meant loaning and borrowing amongst neighbours. This could be critical in times of illness or in periods of bad weather (which were frequent on the prairies).
Times have changed. We eagerly give up the old for the new, in ideas as well as practices.
“Willful waste makes woeful want.” ~ the ancient proverb
Location: Whitemouth, Manitoba
Date: Summer 1987
Source: Pentax ME Super with Fujifilm Black and White
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