Prairie Girls

This is Grace again. I tried to find a job for my father after the bank where he worked closed. I asked at the lumberyard, the car garage, and several other places but nobody had a job for him. Daddy planted a large garden, and I like to help him in the garden. Momma and Daddy rented their bedroom out to a boarder. Her name is Christine, and she is a cook at the hotel. I like her even though I have to sleep on a mat on the floor now.

 

Keeping Boarders

                                        By Collette

In order to make ends meet during the 1930’s my grandmother took in boarders. These were usually transients who travelled through the area looking for work. Because my grandfather worked for the banker’s large farm and cattle operations, there were men who sought seasonal work from him. Not only did Grandma provide a place to stay for them, but she fed them as well.

My grandmother was an immaculate housekeeper. When she died I observed that all of the woodwork in the house was stripped of its varnish because of frequent washings. She washed every Monday and ironed everything. Grandma kept a large garden and chickens. She never measured anything and seldom made a mistake when cooking.

Imagine a boarder moving into a house that was always spotless. Laundry was boiled to remove any lice they might be carrying. She set the bottoms of the bed posts in little dishes containing kerosene to kill bedbugs. (Something motels might consider using today.) Because she was very outspoken, I feel sure she informed them about any personal hygiene they might be lacking. I am equally sure they complied with her requests if they wanted to share her home. Besides, Grandma was a great cook, and these men were hungry.