Container
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Title
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4/1/80
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
00:00
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INTRODUCTION.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
00:40
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GOOD ELECTION TURN-OUT ON DAY OF INTERVIEW : People already waiting at Sun Prairie town hall when Isabel Baumann drove husband August, town clerk, to polls. Heavy traffic past Baumann house on Town Hall Road also good indicator of strong turn-out.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
02:40
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COMMENT ON TELEVISION CREW PRESENT LAST TIME
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
03:15
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BAUMANN'S EARLY BACKGROUND : Born July 28, 1906, east of Stoughton. Parents then lived with her Norwegian great-grandparents in Town of Rutland. Can't remember farm herself. Mother recalled that her husband and Norwegian-speaking grandfather had trouble communicating about work they did together. Isabel raised in Town of Dunkirk, came to Sun Prairie area to teach school in 1925, moved to Sun Prairie area in 1928.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
04:55
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FAMILY CONSIDERS ITSELF NORWEGIAN : Mother's grandparents and parents came from Norway; father's parents from Lincolnshire, England. Grew up in Hanerville, a predominantly Norwegian community.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
06:15
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CLARNSON GRANDPARENTS MIGRATE FROM NORWAY AROUND : Name originally Clauson, but mother and her sisters changed it. All remained in Stoughton area.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
07:55
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ALMOND GRANDPARENTS MIGRATE FROM ENGLAND AROUND : Baumann, named after grandmother Belle Anderson, the oldest child, followed by two brothers, then a sister and a younger brother.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
09:15
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GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH ON MOTHER'S FAMILY : Learned that grandmother Almond had daughter from earlier marriage who became an actress. Grandmother had worked in a circus at Chicago; at time of Chicago fire, saved her black stallion by riding him into Lake Michigan. Later worked for Janesville family, the Tallmans, who gave her cemetery lot where maternal parents and grandparents are buried. Genealogy interesting but time-consuming work.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
11:35
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OLDER BROTHERS AND SISTER STILL LIVING : Younger brother and his daughter killed in 1968 train accident.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
12:10
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RAISED A LUTHERAN : Baptized and confirmed a Lutheran. First Catholic acquaintance was fellow boarder during high school. Became Catholic herself when she married Dan McCarthy in 1928. Irish Catholic settlement between Rutland and Dunkirk then insignificant in dominant Norwegian settlement.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
14:25
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ALMOND FARM AT HANERVILLE CROSSROADS : Schoolhouse across the corner; Almond house former Hanerville post office. Landmark oak on corner a popular gathering place for young people.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
15:50
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MISSES FIRST SEVERAL WEEKS OF HIGH SCHOOL TO HARVEST TOBACCO : Tobacco harvest a farm family ritual; delay resulted in postponement of catechism and confirmation for a year.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
17:00
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TOBACCO FARMING A FAMILY CHORE : Planted ten to seventeen acres annually. Setting plants dusty, dirty work, which Baumann did from age eight or nine until age twenty-one. Hired help too expensive to consider seriously.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
19:15
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TOBACCO A “13-MONTH JOB” : Stripped tobacco leaves on winter evenings. Sprouted seed for next crop before current crop sold. Prices then 8 to 10 cents per pound, compared to $1.15 range today.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
20:00
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EIGHTY IMPROVED ACRES ON ALMOND FARM : Later rented additional 40 acres. Raised tobacco, oats, corn, hay; also cattle and hogs. Tobacco only cash crop in Stoughton area; barley, peas and sweet corn cash-cropped in Sun Prairie area.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
21:20
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STOUGHTON TOBACCO WAREHOUSES PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT : Women employed all winter sorting tobacco.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
22:25
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PARENTS REMAIN ON HANERVILLE FARM UNTIL
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
22:50
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ENTIRE FAMILY WORKS ON FARM : Bought Rock County farm in 1930. Boys helped with livestock, plowed and disked. Baumann hated daily job of washing cream separator; cream delivered to nearby creamery. Families without sons expected daughters to carry boys' workload. Hired help unusual.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
24:40
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BEGINS HIGH SCHOOL IN : Sarah Leslie, home economics teacher in local rural schools, stressed need for high school education. Baumann's mother wanted children all to go on to high school, but brothers refused to go. Isabel went to high school and one-year teachers' training course in 1924 at Stoughton High School; sister Mavis went to Whitewater after high school.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
26:55
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TEACHERS' TRAINING CLASS LAST AT STOUGHTON : Seventeen of eighteen still alive and meet annually. Baumann credits health and longevity to strong Norwegian background of most classmates.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
27:55
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END OF TAPE 1, SIDE 1
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
00:00
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INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
00:30
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CLASSMATES' LIFE PATTERNS SIMILAR : Sixteen of eighteen taught school; eight or nine until retirement age. All married men with rural backgrounds; most stayed in Dane/Walworth County areas.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
02:20
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LIVING ARRANGEMENTS DURING HIGH SCHOOL YEARS : At first, boarded in Stoughton during school week; drove horse and buggy daily from Hanerville for much of sophomore, junior and senior years. Boarded in town during teachers' training course; housing expense difficult for family.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
04:00
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MANY RURAL STUDENTS ATTEND STOUGHTON HIGH SCHOOL : Few problems among rural and city students, although one city friend once refused to arrive at school in horse and buggy. Baumann's Hanerville classmates, acquaintances from church, and aunt two years older than herself eased her transition.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
05:55
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TEACHING EASIEST PROFESSION FOR WOMAN TO ENTER : Took preparatory curriculum all through high school. Hanerville class- mate took office skills courses and entered state civil service. Speculates there would have been little office work available in Stoughton; nursing would have been her other occupational choice.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
07:20
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STOUGHTON CLASSMATES TEACH IN EASTERN DANE COUNTY : Esther Krakow, Sun Prairie supervising teacher, encouraged class to seek jobs in that part of the county. Three hired just in town of Sun Prairie; Baumann at Oak Lawn school. Enjoyed teaching.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
09:10
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FARMHOUSE DURING CHILDHOOD : No water or bathroom. Huge living room with high ceiling; long narrow kitchen-dining room; summer kitchen addition across back. Downstairs bedroom former post office. Four bedrooms upstairs. Long front porch and many-windowed room in which mother raised flowers. Baumann remembers constant window-washing chores.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
11:50
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FARMHOUSE NOW REMODELLED : Former Hanerville teacher moved in and made improvements; rear addition removed.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
12:50
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HEATING HOUSE DURING BAUMANN'S CHILDHOOD : Hard coal stove in living room; pipe carried very little heat upstairs. Wood-burning kitchen range.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
14:00
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NO ELECTRICITY ON FARM DURING BAUMANN'S CHILDHOOD : Used kerosene and later, Aladdin lamps. Fragile mantles but good light. Cleaning lamps a miserable job. Wires not installed until 1935.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
15:00
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NO HOME ELECTRICITY IN COMMUNITY : Recalls no one had Delco units in community, not even progressive, well-to-do neighbors, the Augustines. Augustine children inseparable playmates of younger Almond children. Augustine farm, as well as Olson and Hansen farms, still owned by family members.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
16:50
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NO RUNNING WATER ON FARM : Water for house pumped from well or carried from cistern. Water tank in barn heated to prevent freezing during winter; windmill provided adequate power.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
18:00
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WATER. INSTALLED ON TOWN OF SUN PRAIRIE FARM IN : Windmill there operated until 1936; electricity installed in 1932. Dan and Russell McCarthy planned water system with barn addition and silo project. Surprised Isabel by asking where she'd like to put the bathroom. McCarthy's father doubted wild plans of sons.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
19:30
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HANERVILLE FARM TYPICAL FOR AREA : General farming probably still prevalent, although less livestock and more cash crops raised than in earlier period. Comments how business-like attitude has led to unwillingness of today's farmers to be tied to daily livestock chores.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
21:30
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BAUMANN'S PARENTS TIED TO FARM RESPONSIBILITIES : Took two long-distance trips from Hanerville, one to 1933 Chicago World's Fair and another time to visit son before his army air unit shipped out in 1942.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
22:50
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FAMILY VISITS COMPRISE MOST OF PARENTS' RECREATION : Immediate family all nearby in Stoughton and Dunkirk. Neighborhood school activities and picnics provided main entertainment.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
24:20
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MOTHER ENCOURAGES READING AT HOME : Attended school lyceums and Stoughton Chatauqua activities. Regretted her own lack of education; read novels, history and many magazines.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
26:25
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MOTHER NOT INVOLVED IN WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS : Travelled by horse and buggy. Shopping in Stoughton her only regular weekly travel.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
27:10
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SARAH LESLIE INVITES WOMEN TO SCHOOL HOME ECONOMICS PROGRAMS : Forerunner of extension home economists.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
27:40
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END OF TAPE 1, SIDE 2
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
00:00
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INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
00:30
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PARENTS RENT LARGER FARM FOR TWO YEARS : Isabel and Wilfred walked one and a half miles to Hanerville school while living on McCarthy farm. After two years, returned to crossroads farm, rented from someone named Nicholls.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
03:20
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FARM PRODUCTS SOLD NEARBY : Creamery in same location east of Hanerville for years. Stockyards and tobacco companies in Stoughton and Edgerton. Tobacco buyers came out to farms to check crop.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
05:25
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GRAVEL-SURFACED TOWN ROAD BETWEEN HANERVILLE AND STOUGHTON : Other local roads also in good condition.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
06:40
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TELEPHONE INSTALLED AROUND
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
07:15
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FATHER BUYS FORD AUTOMOBILE IN EARLY : Two-seater with side curtains.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
07:50
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BAUMANN BUYS ROADSTER WHILE TEACHING IN
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
08:05
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MEDICAL CARE IN STOUGHTON : Few family emergencies or hospitalizations until father developed sclerosis in 1949.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
09:55
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STABLE, CONGENIAL NEIGHBORHOOD : Remembers many happy childhood experiences. Few antagonisms among neighbors. Many families still there. A few new homes today alter community's rural character. Augustine, Olson, Fosdahl, Hansen, Hall farms all within half a mile.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
13:05
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CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES IN NEIGHBORHOOD : Spent lots of time on “fantastic” swing at Halls. Gathered wildflowers along railroad track every spring. “I guess I was a tomboy most of my life.”
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
15:40
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SHOPPING IN STOUGHTON AND ALBION : Shopping day and washday in Albion, Seventh Day Adventist community, was Sunday. Baumann's father did not work on Sunday; instead, sometimes shopped in Albion, sometimes made horse-and-buggy trip to church in Stoughton.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
17:55
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AUTOMOBILE PURCHASE CREATES GREAT EXCITEMENT : Brief driving instruction when dealer delivered car contrasts with lessons today. Wealthier Augustines and Olsons already owned cars. Almonds “very, very average” economically.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
19:10
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“MOTHER WAS THE FARMER.” : Mother wanted to own farm; father wanted to be carpenter. Purchased 200-acre farm in Newark (Rock County) in 1930; able to pay off mortgage for about $20,000 shortly afterwards when former owner died. Baumann's older brothers bought farm from parents for $40,000 in 1960 and sold it for $240,000 in 1979.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
21:50
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BAUMANN'S DEEP ATTACHMENT TO OWN FARM : Farming rented land hard for her to imagine; selling farm means “you may end up with nothing.” Brothers old for their ages and physically could no longer farm; could have asked higher price but seemed pointless.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
24:55
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BROTHERS' OLD FARM TO BE CROPPED ENTIRELY WITH SOYBEANS AND CORN : Distant owner now renting it. One hundred eighty acres to be planted in soybeans and corn.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
25:35
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BEGINNING TEACHERS' SALARY $125/MONTH : “That was big wages in 1925.” Sun Prairie area predominantly German and Austrian Catholic. School, two miles from Sun Prairie, is now farm home.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
27:00
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END OF TAPE 2, SIDE 1
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
00:00
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INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
00:30
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TEACHES GRADES ONE THROUGH EIGHT : Teacher responsible for everything, including janitoring. About 33 students in class; first-graders from first class all still living in community.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
01:55
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DESIRABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN RURAL SCHOOL : Present consolidated schools don't offer same lesson in getting along together or broad exposure to subjects that eight-grade classroom could offer interested student. Recalls student, now a farmer, who listened to every science class regardless of grade level.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
03:10
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GENERAL EXERCISES BEGIN SCHOOL DAY : Teacher arrived early to start stove. Instruction began at 9 a.m. with general exercises (pledge of allegiance; group lesson or singing). Reading with each grade followed, then recess, then arithmetic. Also taught Constitution and government, languages, spelling and history.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
05:15
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DETAILED PLANNING KEEPS TEACHER BUSY : Daily plans outlining each lesson's objective and content sent weekly to county supervisor's office. Esther Krakow, Essie Christiansen, Mary Meyer all excellent supervisors.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
06:40
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MOTHERS' CLUBS PROVIDE EQUIPMENT FOR PREPARING HOT LUNCHES : Children heated food from home in 18x24-inch steamer on stove top or hot plate.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
08:35
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STUDENTS HELP WITH SCHOOL CHORES : Assigned chores considered part of school day; done without question. Instruction ended at 4 p.m.; teacher's day ended at 9 or 10 p.m. after preparation for next day.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
10:00
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UNSTABLE FAMILY LIFE CAUSES SCHOOL DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS : Remembers difficulties with students whose family life was source of school problems. Profanity less common then, but problem of antagonism and disobedience when behind grade level, same as today.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
13:00
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FAMILY AND NEIGHBORHOOD STABILITY PROMOTES SCHOOL DISCIPLINE : Students expected to work, not play, at school, and to respect teacher. School board support, student peer pressure, and parent interest helped to resolve individual problems. Teaching was a “great experience.”
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
15:25
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YEAR-ROUND DANCES AT SUN PRAIRIE AND WATERLOO : Summer dances at Angell Park featured big band music.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
16:25
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MEETS DAN McCARTHY AT SCHOOL BOX-SOCIAL : Came to Oak Lawn school box-social to meet Isabel because neighbor said she resembled his last girlfriend. Baumann's landlord vouched for Dan's good character.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
18:50
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LIVE MUSIC AT DANCES : Town dances and Stoughton summer barn dances mixed popular music like Charleston with old-time music. Big bands at Angell Park in Sun Prairie in twenties. School dances usually had only violin and guitar; played schottische, waltz, hop waltz and polka. Baumann's son now plays with group of musicians in Sun Prairie.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
21:35
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MADISON A FOREIGN PLACE DURING : Travelled there for teachers' conventions and institutes. Shopped and went to movies in Sun Prairie and Waterloo. Many Sun Prairie stores now closed; believes Madison's east side shopping center [probably means East Towne shopping mall] close to Sun Prairie should have been built in Sun Prairie.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
23:30
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PLAN TO FOCUS ON McCARTHY FARM AT NEXT INTERVIEW SESSION
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
24:00
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END OF INTERVIEW SESSION
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4/15/80
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
00:00
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INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
00:30
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COMMENT ON BLIZZARD
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
01:10
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ADDITIONAL TRAINING FOR RETURN TO TEACHING : Attended three University of Wisconsin summer sessions after return to teaching in 1942. Excellent classes on reading with Grace Leary.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
02:55
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McCARTHYS' HONEYMOON AFTER WEDDING : Travelled through Minnesota and South Dakota to Yellowstone Park.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
03:45
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McCARTHY BROTHERS FARM TOGETHER : Their father also in household.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
04:10
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HOME RESPONSIBILITIES REPLACE TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES : Never considered continuing to teach; busy with homemaking for three men, housekeeping, mowing yard, gardening and raising flock of hens. Good personal income from egg contract with Madison hospital.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
05:55
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SUMMERS AT PARENTS' HOME WHILE TEACHING : “Gracious, that was expected.” Helped with tobacco. Did not make time for preparing trousseau.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
06:55
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CONVERTS TO CATHOLICISM BEFORE MARRIAGE : Out of belief that men are likelier to stay with the church if remain with same denomination. Considered change easier for herself than for fiance, especially because of domination of Catholics in community. Parents shocked, but accepted conversion rather than see Baumann leave church altogether. Baumann bothered that she had to be rebaptized and reconfirmed.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
10:10
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CONVERSION TO CATHOLICISM COMMON IN MIXED MARRIAGES : Woman's family would not be allowed to attend wedding if she left Catholic church for Protestant. Today's flexibility a great improvement.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
11:45
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SMALL, SIMPLE, EARLY-MORNING WEDDING : Noon wedding dinner at McCarthy farm. Left on automobile honeymoon trip that afternoon. “That was the joy of being young.”
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
13:55
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RETURN IN MIDDLE OF THRESHING SEASON : McCarthy cousins helped Baumann, a “green-horn teacher,” prepare huge dinners and suppers for crew of 20 for three days while threshing McCarthy grain.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
15:25
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McCARTHY KITCHEN NOT MODERNIZED IN EARLY : Cistern pump at sink, but no running water. Had old kerosene stove until 1932 or 1933, when Baumann won $100 premium at home show to purchase electric stove. June 1937 Electrical Ruralist article describes McCarthy farm electrification as alternating installation of cash-makers and time-savers.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
17:55
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McCARTHY FARM ELECTRIFICATION BETWEEN and : Power line came by in 1932; connected to house and yard wires by Town of York farmer-electrician Cyril Derr. McCarthy brothers planned changes cautiously and secretly because father opposed their ideas. In 1936, built silo, extended stanchions, and added drinking cups to increase milk production. Piped water to house and installed bathroom; put hydrants in both hog- and hen-houses.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
22:20
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SEPARATOR MOTOR IMPROVES CREAM QUALITY : Clothes washing machine (a Maytag brand), pump jack, cream separator all converted to electric power. Pierceville Creamery was two and a half miles away. August Zimmerman operated creamery that McCarthys sold cream to for years.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
25:05
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TOP QUALITY WHITE LEGHORN HENS PRODUCE MANY EGGS : Baumann delivered four cases of eggs to Madison hospital each week.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
26:05
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DAILY CARE OF FLOCK : Raised 300-350 chickens each spring. Fed and watered flock each morning. To increase production during winter, added noon feed mixed with warm water. Picked eggs at noon and evening.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
27:35
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NEIGHBOR'S LARGE FLOCK FORCES OTHERS OUT OF BUSINESS : Baumann raised chickens until 1945; resumed after 1950 return to farm. Neighbor's 300-hen flock began to force smaller egg producers out of business around 1960.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
28:30
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END OF TAPE 3, SIDE 1
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
00:00
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INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
00:30
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EGG BUSINESS TIME CONSUMING : Candled, cleaned and packed eggs in basement. Maintained only one flock through winter.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
01:35
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NEW FLOCK EACH YEAR : Old hens sold and hen-house cleaned as new pullets ready to lay. Southern Wisconsin Produce Company bought old hens.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
02:35
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PROFIT FROM EGGS SPENT ON HOME FURNISHINGS : McCarthy brothers absorbed Baumann's feed costs as way to give her separate income. Eggs brought ten to twelve cents per dozen; premium of five to eight cents per dozen under hospital contract.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
04:40
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POULTRY PREDATORS MORE TROUBLESOME TODAY : Raccoons hard to shut out of poultry houses. Price for raccoon and fox pelt $30 to $40 in recent years.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
07:05
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HEN-HOUSE LIGHT INCREASES WINTER EGG PRODUCTION : Dimmer switch at farmhouse door allowed McCarthys to control length of hens' day.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
08:25
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HEAT LAMPS INCREASE PIGLETS' SURVIVAL RATE : Alternate source of warmth kept them out from under sow, also seemed to help them grow faster. Pigs marketed at Oscar Mayer and Company, as was most of McCarthy livestock. Improvements always aimed at getting most from existing prices.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
10:15
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WEDDING PRESENT BEGINS FLOCK OF SHEEP : First two sheep were Almonds' wedding present to Dan. Never more than 40 in flock; eliminated after it proved unprofitable.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
12:10
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McCARTHY HERD CONSISTS OF QUALITY MILKING SHORTHORNS : Dairy and breeding herd begun in 1885; did well at fairs. Farmer who rented farm after 1945 preferred Holsteins so gradually replaced shorthorns.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
13:35
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DAN McCARTHY DIES IN TRUCK ACCIDENT : Returning from delivering bull calf.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
14:20
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McCARTHYS HIRE FARM HELP AFTER ACQUIRING SECOND FARM : Russell McCarthy moved to second farm a mile away and married in 1939. Brothers worked both farms together, with hired help on each.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
16:10
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ACREAGE INCREASE DURING DEPRESSION : McCarthy farm 160 acres. Rented nearby 80 acres, later acquired through mortgage default. Sold the 80 around 1940 when boys bought another farm (now Berlins') with over 200 acres. Each farm had own livestock; brothers shared all work except chores.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
18:55
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ERECT CONCRETE SILO IN : McCarthys earlier shredded corn; mixed and ground own feed before silo built. For many days throughout summer, McMahon's crew of five or six men would put up several rings of silo early in morning, then return late in day for a few more. Farm wife fed them after each work shift.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
20:25
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WORKMEN TODAY CARRY OWN MEALS : No longer ask to eat in house.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
21:35
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McMAHON OF SUN PRAIRIE BUILDS MANY NEARBY SILOS : Lined up summer's work in the neighborhood, then moved from one job to another throughout the work day.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
22:15
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McCARTHYS PAY OFF MORTGAGE BEFORE DEPRESSION BEGINS : McCarthys could afford improvements that others, paying mortgages, could not. Cost-price squeeze required good farm management then as it does today.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
24:00
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CHANCE REDUCES ALMONDS' MORTGAGE : Heirs to mortgage reduced price in return for shorter payment schedule when settling estate. [See also Tape 2, Side 1, 19:10.]
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
24:40
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McCARTHYS TRADE MADISON REAL ESTATE TOWARD FARM PURCHASE : Dan owned house as result of investment made with an inheritance. That and cash down payment reduced farm mortgage. Farm in good condition when purchased.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
26:25
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McCARTHY BROTHERS PAY NO RENT TO FATHER : Father allowed boys to run farm during his later life; they inherited it in 1936.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
26:50
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END OF TAPE 3, SIDE 2
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
00:00
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INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
00:30
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SHORT COURSE, EXTENSION, JOURNALS, ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDE McCARTHYS WITH IDEAS : Russell McCarthy attended UW-Extension short course. Both McCarthys read Wisconsin Agriculturist, Hoard's Dairyman, and attended county agent meetings. Active in Milking Shorthorn Association, Sun Prairie Pea Growers Association, Sun Prairie Pure Milk Association, Dane County Farm Bureau. Both interested in management and installing labor-saving devices. Dan more involved and active, especially before Russell's marriage. Both also participated in other community activities.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
04:00
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SELF-DEPENDENCE STIMULATES COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT : Entertainment and information needs in the years before television and labor-saving devices required community initiative and involvement. “I'd have hated not to have lived during that period when people had to determine what was going to happen to themselves and their community.”
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
06:15
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PIERCEVILLE MOTHERS' CLUB GOOD EXAMPLE OF OLD WAY : Organized in 1924, club raised money from ten-cent dues, quilt raffles and dances to purchase school supplies and equipment. Today, “people are missing something” because Sun Prairie consolidated school has no PTA.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
08:10
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“CLASSES GO BY WITH LIGHTNIN' RAPIDITY.” : Rural schools were vigorous institutions.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
09:20
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DANE COUNTY RURAL ORGANIZATIONS THRIVE DURING : Dane County Rural Federation of clubs assisted development of series of public discussion programs, and annual drama tournament. University Extension-sponsored conference each summer brought rural leaders together to exchange ideas. Much help from professors Wileden and Ewbank from rural sociology department.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
11:30
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DANE COUNTY FARM BUREAU WOMEN ORGANIZE IN : Home and Community chairman Mrs. Walter Gregg recruited many women into county Farm Bureau during early 1930s.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
12:10
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RURAL FEDERATION AND FARM BUREAU SEE WOMEN AS EQUAL PARTNERS : Unlike many organizations, women given a voice and an active role. Farm Bureau's strength today built on that kind of local participation.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
13:25
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PIERCEVILLE MOTHERS' CLUB WELCOMES YOUNG BRIDES : Group's card parties important social tie, especially during severe winters as in 1929 and 1936.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
16:25
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LOCAL WOMEN ACTIVE IN COUNTY FEDERATION : Community involvement source of individual growth and vitality. Baumann participated in discussion program and plays. Neighbor, Mrs. George Mitchell, headed Dane County drama tournament for many years.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
18:50
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BAUMANN WINS FARM BUREAU STATE SPEAKING CONTEST IN : Represented Wisconsin at Chicago American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) convention. Her 1939 topic, “The Farmer's Stake in World Peace,” remains relevant.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
19:50
|
WE SAY WHAT WE THINK CLUB BEGINS IN : Associate county agent J.W. (Bill) Clark invited Baumann and four other women active in county Federation to make first broadcast. Monthly programs continued for 20 years. Other participants were Ruth King, Selma Sorenson, Grace Langer and Sibylle Mitchell.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
21:50
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DANE COUNTY RURAL FEDERATION SPONSORS CLUB ACCREDITATION PROGRAM : Committees focused on public issues, provided suggestions for local clubs, awarded points toward accreditation as incentive for active pro- gram. University support important for rural people, especially during Depression years.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
23:55
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ORIGINAL WE SAY WHAT WE THINK CLUB FORMAT LASTS 20 YEARS : Agent Bill Clark wanted women's program to be “just talking” about rural concerns. Once program established as monthly broadcast, participants and their families would hold pot lucks once a month so that women could discuss next topic. Used scripts until 1943, then based discussion just on notes.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
26:45
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FAMILY-LIKE RELATIONSHIPS IN DISCUSSION GROUP : Shared important events through the years. Handful of survivors today.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
27:55
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END OF TAPE 4, SIDE 1
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
00:00
|
INTRODUCTION
|
|
Tape/Side
4/2
Time
00:30
|
GROUP LUTEFISK DINNER OUTLASTS RADIO PROGRAM : We Say What We Think Club ended in 1957; annual dinner continued until 1979.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
01:55
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GROUP CHEMISTRY CREATES EFFECTIVE RADIO SERIES : Combined vivaciousness of Ruth King, studiousness of Grace Langer, preciseness of Sibylle Mitchell, seriousness of Selma Sorenson. Baumann perhaps the youthful upstart.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
04:30
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STRONG LISTENER RESPONSE TO RADIO PROGRAM : Recipe requests used to gauge listener interest. Topics varied; especially numerous responses to discussion topic, “Would I Want My Daughter to Marry a Farmer?” Effects of World War II another frequent subject. Program pre-empted only once, by a Hitler broadcast.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
7:00
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READING AND RESEARCH PRECEDE BROADCASTS : Script used as basis for informal-sounding broadcast.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
09:35
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END OF INTERVIEW SESSION
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4/30/80
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
00:00
|
INTRODUCTION
|
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
00:35
|
HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM BEGINS TEACHER TRAINING PROCESS : Full program of required high school classes included history, commercial geography, math, English and literature; teacher training curriculum reviewed subjects. Maude Mitchell taught teaching methods and philosophy.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
02:40
|
PRACTICE TEACHING IN RURAL SCHOOLS : Baumann placed at Kegonsa School with Selma Herried Anderson; taught several days alone at end of practicum. Nervous, but experience was excellent preparation for first job.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
04:20
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AUGUST TEACHERS' INSTITUTE IN MADISON HELPS PREPARE NEW TEACHERS : Methods demonstrated by outstanding teachers.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
05:25
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LESSON PLAN BOOK OUTLINES EVERY CLASS : Specified plan for motivating student interest, as well as lesson content and assignment.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
07:00
|
PREPARES LESSONS ALL SUMMER : Outlined material from textbooks, prepared flashcards, and “seat work” for first graders.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
08:10
|
READYING CLASSROOM FOR SCHOOL DAY : Teacher arrived early to build fire, tidy up classroom, write lessons on blackboard.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
09:15
|
SUPERVISING TEACHERS VISIT UNANNOUNCED : Baumann's supervisor, Mary Meyer, made good suggestions and gave nice compliments. Esther Krakow, another supervising teacher, succeeded Sylvanus Ames as eastern Dane County superintendent.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
11:15
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ENJOYS TEACHING HISTORY, CIVICS, LITERATURE : Dan McCarthy helped with arithmetic, a subject which Baumann disliked.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
13:30
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FINDS NEW INTERPRETATIONS OF HISTORY INTERESTING : Sees new points of view in grandson's history assignments and materials. May study history again through UW-Extension.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
15:35
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SCIENCE AND GEOGRAPHY POPULAR WITH STUDENTS : Baumann made civics, government, literature interesting to students. Eight-grade, one-room school stimulating for students with strong interests.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
17:35
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STUDENT NEWS MAGAZINES PROVIDE BASIS FOR CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION : Received Current Events and My Weekly Reader.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
18:20
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DAILY SCHEDULE FROM 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M : Opening exercises included lesson or reading aloud for entire group. Taught graded reading, arithmetic and civics in morning. Afternoon lessons included geography, languages, spelling, agriculture. State required 180 school days per year.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
20:45
|
ENJOYS TEACHING FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADERS : Curious age group very willing to learn.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
21:40
|
CHANGING ROLE OF COUNTY NURSE : In 1920s, nurse distributed iodine tablets and looked into problems reported by teachers; by 1940s, also screened sight and hearing.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
22:45
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STUDENT'S EPILEPSY PROVIDES UNEXPECTED EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE : Baumann unaware of boy's illness before seizure occurred.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
24:15
|
PREPARES FOR SCHOOL YEAR EACH SUMMER : Pace of school day required thorough preparation.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
25:25
|
TEACHING DIFFERENT IN AS COMPARED TO TODAY : Workload meant long work days, yet teachers “felt a satisfaction that I sometimes wonder if the teachers today are feeling.”
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
27:40
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END OF TAPE 5, SIDE 1
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|
Tape/Side
5/2
Time
00:00
|
INTRODUCTION
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|
Tape/Side
5/2
Time
00:30
|
RETIRED TEACHERS A SATISFIED GROUP : Enjoys quarterly meetings of Eastern Dane County Retired Teachers Association because members' sense of accomplishment as teachers is so strong.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
01:30
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MANY FORMER STUDENTS LIVE IN SUN PRAIRIE AREA : Recalls cousins James and Robert Bradley.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
03:40
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RETURNS TO TEACHING IN : Home, farm and child care all running smoothly; felt need to be doing something. Only noteworthy difference from 1920s experience was tougher discipline necessary for several boys far behind grade level.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
06:20
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FEW CHANGES IN TEACHER INSTRUCTION BY : Motivation still the theme during summer refresher course. Emphasis on language usage had replaced teaching of phonics and grammar.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
07:55
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HEAD LABORATORY TECHNICIAN WITH DANE COUNTY DAIRY HERD IMPROVEMENT : Teaching too demanding in view of increased home responsibilities. Rented farm in 1945 and moved into Madison to work at new laboratory, which tested milk samples and handled artificial insemination program. Trained personnel for work in laboratories in many other counties.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
11:45
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ENJOYS LAB JOB : Understood program's value and enjoyed contact with farming community. Married August Baumann in 1947; returned to farm in 1950.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
12:45
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CHILD CARE, HOUSEKEEPING AND EMPLOYMENT OCCUPY CITY YEARS : Son Duane contracted chicken pox, measles, mumps during first year of school. Attended Lowell, Holy Redeemer and St. Bernard's schools; choice of school varied with child care arrangements.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
15:45
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DANE COUNTY FARM BUREAU BEGINS AS FARM SUPPLY PURCHASING GROUP : McCarthy brothers involved in county Farm Bureau before 1928.
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|
Tape/Side
5/2
Time
18:10
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BAUMANN FIRST TREASURER OF COUNTY FARM BUREAU WOMEN'S GROUP : Elected at 1934 organizational meeting chaired by Mrs. Walter Gregg; Baumann later women's chairman and District Two committeewoman. Resigned chairmanship and seat on county Board of Directors in 1950s after August Baumann elected to county board; didn't believe two members of one family should hold positions simultaneously.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
20:20
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ELECTED STATE WOMEN'S CHAIRMAN IN 1959 : Election a surprise. Retained position until 1967, after she finished chairing a committee which resulted in Service Board reorganization and creation of staff administrative position.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
22:25
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SEPARATION OF SERVICE BOARD FROM STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS : Two directors' membership on Service Board had hindered Board of Directors' discussion and action on its recommendations. Service Board now comprised entirely of professional staff.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
24:20
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ELECTED FARMER-PRESIDENT NOT PREPARED TO RUN MODERN WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU : Presidential responsibilities should be mainly membership and promotional work; hired administrator needed to provide continuity and handle everyday business of Farm Bureau and its affiliates.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
26:25
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STATE FARM BUREAU GROWS DURING ; REORGANIZES IN EARLY : Reorganization effort dominated early 1960s. Committee on reorganization spent 13 months seeking information and advice on structure of other state Farm Bureaus.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
27:50
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END OF TAPE 5, SIDE 2
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
00:00
|
INTRODUCTION
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|
Tape/Side
6/1
Time
00:30
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GROWTH NECESSITATES WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU ADMINISTRATIVE RESTRUCTURING : Membership demanded more services; insurance company expanded. Marketing activities grew; PMR (Production, Marketing, Research) swine production program included breeding, feeding and marketing research on farm near Belmont. Hogs sold to Oscar Mayer and Company as Morealean hogs. PMR later phased out, but influence continues.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
04:20
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FARM BUREAU GROWTH SLOW UNTIL : Young organization during 1930s offered few programs to attract dynamic membership. Emphasis on cooperative purchasing.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
05:55
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FARM BUREAU PROGRAMS ENCOURAGE FARMER LEADERSHIP BY BEING OWN SPOKESMAN : National women's speaking contest and young people's discussion meets, both emphasized during the 1940s, built leadership, increased participation, and encouraged women's participation.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
08:15
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FARM BUREAU MARKETING STRATEGIES : Livestock marketing and feeder pig programs combined as Midwest Livestock in 1968. Bargaining before planting, direct purchase and sales, and marketing cooperatives all help to counteract cost-price squeeze on the farm.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
11:40
|
FARMERS' ORGANIZATIONS FUTURE ROLE IN BARGAINING : Farmers and their organizations should experiment; cites PMR as example. Predicts time will come for bargaining with processors before planting, as National Farmers' Organization advocates.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
15:15
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DIFFERENT FARMERS' ORGANIZATIONS NECESSARY TO REPRESENT DIFFERENT PHILOSOPHIES : Increasing organization memberships show that farmers, although individualists, recognize need for united voice.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
17:25
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CHANGING ROLE OF WOMEN IN FARM BUREAU ACTIVITIES : Used to be thought of as lunch-preparers. Women themselves decided to change that; organized themselves to participate in programs and on committees. Baumann selected member of state resolutions committee in 1953 and AFBF resolutions committee in 1960.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
19:25
|
INDIVIDUAL INFLUENCE STRONGEST ON LOCAL RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE : Resolutions move up through state and then national organizations.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
20:05
|
WILLIAM KASAKAITAS LEADS STRONG STATE FARM BUREAU LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM : “Extremely capable person”; he and other Farm Bureau staff formerly county agricultural agents.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
21:00
|
FARM BUREAU MEMBERS INDUCE NEIGHBORS TO JOIN : Measurable benefits interested some; less tangible benefits, like legislative representation, attracted others.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
23:05
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SUN PRAIRIE FARM BUREAU COUNCIL MEETS FOR 30 YEARS : Twelve families first met in 1940, based on model started in another Dane County township by Swanton-Voight-Ratman-Gregg families in 1937. Held monthly meetings; discussed current legislative issues, often followed state discussion program.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
24:35
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FARM BUREAU WOMEN SELL HOSPITAL/SURGICAL INSURANCE PLAN : Incentive of $1 paid for each policy sold. Members only could purchase Farm Bureau insurance; used as membership inducement at that time.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
27:00
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STATE FARM BUREAU WOMEN ORGANIZE FIRST IN : Mrs. Berger, Waukesha County, the first chairman of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Home and Community Department. Mrs. Mabel Douglas, Green County, became state Farm Bureau director in 1931. Dane County women's group formed in 1934. Sponsored initial urban-rural meeting in 1935.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
28:50
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END OF TAPE 6, SIDE 1
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Tape Nos.
7-8
|
Additional interview [no abstract]
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