Work at home and on the farm in the early days of the pioneers was largely done by hand and with homemade tools. Laundry was done with a scrub board and a bar of homemade soap; indoor waterworks were nonexistent and water had to be hauled to the house and barns; farmers cut their field by hand; ice was cut from the river in the winter.

While life was filled with hard work, it was a very rewarding life. Deep community ties were formed as neighbors were always willing to lend a helping hand. All of the men got together to run the threshing outfits and the women cooked and baked to feed them all. But life was not without leisure and good times. Saturdays were renouned for trips into town for picking up surplus, socializing and the evening dance.

The Uplift - from the Neepawa Press © 1940 Farming in 1870 The farmer is at the plow His wife is milking the cow The boys threshing in the barn, The daughter is spinning yarn, All happy to a charm. Farming in 1900 The farmer is gone to see a show, The daughter is at the piano The madam is gaily dressed in satin All the boys are learning Latin - And the mortgage on the farm. Farming in 1940 The farmer is tinkering with the tractor Daughter is made beautiful by Max Factor Mother is busy cooking from a can Sonny is at the tavern discussing Sally Ran(d) No wonder papa is renting lan(d) And soon he'll be a hired man.

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