Childhood Farm Chores and the Lessons Learned

As a child growing up on our farm in 1944, I had a wide range of chores to do, which were both enjoyable and challenging.

My Favorite Chores: Feeding Rabbits and Chickens

Among the chores I enjoyed, feeding the rabbits and chickens was a favorite. Each morning, I would go to the barn to feed them, which brought me great joy. I remember helping my grandfather pick vegetables from the garden for dinner, a task that was both educational and fun.

Adventures with Farm Animals and Lessons Learned

Life on the farm was not just about simple chores; it was filled with memorable moments and valuable lessons. We had a hog named Hamlet, who unfortunately stunk quite a bit. Although we needed him for food, he was a hard lesson for a four-year-old to learn. Next door, we had two lambs named Jack and Jill who were supposed to help keep the lawn trimmed, but they passed away, teaching us that not all plans work out.

Our farm caretaker, Clayt, was an important figure in our daily lives, and he played a crucial role in the care of our livestock. Clayt provided a thermometer that we kept for the next 63 years, even though we eventually forgot to take it with us when we moved.

First Grade and Baby Chicks

In first grade, my class visited Henny Penny Farm, and I was given a baby chick. I brought it home in my metal lunchbox, happy to ignore Clayt's advice not to put it in the chicken coop. Sadly, our hens pecked the chick to death, and Clayt felt sorry for me, replacing it with a new one until I became less interested in chickens.

A Community of Cats and Dogs

Every farm is filled with its share of critters, and our farm was no exception. We had an enormous number of barn cats. Though I adored them, they were also recipients of Clayt’s tough love. When the cat population became too large, Clayt would drown and bury the excess cats to keep the farm in order.

We also had dogs, from a tiny Cocker Spaniel named Locket who accidentally died under a work truck to a colossal Labrador Retriever named Kiley who had to be put down due to an unfortunate bite. Each dog contributed to our family in different ways, and we affectionately loved them all.

Lessons from Farm Life

Farm life is a unique experience filled with ups and downs. One must accept these realities, no matter your age. The lessons learned from farm chores can shape a person's understanding of responsibility, hard work, and the natural world.

Keywords: farm chores, childhood memories, farm animals