The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-05-05
Make the Farm the Place to Which
You WIN Wish to "Retire."

You WIN Wish to "Retire."
There Is not only q migration Of the
young folks from the country to the
town In these days. but there is a
Widespread notion that 1t Is also the
proper thing for the old folks who
have made money farming to go to
town for their last years. The farm
or and his wife-the wife especially
have In many cases the same desire as
their children to get rid OF the cares
of farm life and move into town that
they may take life easy in their old
age, and are often equally disap-
pointed In the results Of the change.
In every town Of any size may be
found country bred men and women
of mature years who are necessarily
longing to return to the farm.
Aside from all this. is 1t not strange
folks should desire. in so many cases.
through all the years from youth to
old age to get away from the environ
ment to which they are most accus-
toned and where. 1t would seem, they
should find most contentment? And
why are such fittings so?
1t seems to us that the answer
In many cases Is to be found In the
barren. dilapidated home surround
inss and In the lack of beauty and
comfort inside the home 1t Is from
the farm where the yard Is bare and
unfenced. the house unpainted, the
home devoid Of bepks and games and
pictures and music, that the young
folks are most eager to get away; and
II Is from this same type of farm life
that the old folks are most desirous
OF escaping to the new life--for them
-of the towns. ~"f>
II you wish your boys and girls
TO remain en- the farm. II you wish
to remain on II yourself with enjoy
ment and contentment when you have
:3~1cS the age Of greatest activity,
make 1t a cheerful place at which to
stay. From the farms whore there are
big oaks and naples and magnolias
shadowing and protecting the build
ings. yards where the grass grows and
the roses bloom. homes where
provision is made to satisfy the sense
OF beauty and where the charm as well
as the labor of country life is part of
each days experience. 1t is not. as a
rule. that those come who throng to
the towns, either in youth or In age
through dissatisfaction with their lot
When you have seen the trees in the
dooryard growing taller and broader
year after year, have watched for the
coming Of the irises and the holly
hooks In the garden summer after
| summer. have cared for the rosebusf
| or the honeysuckle from the time 4
was planted till II clambered all ovel
the porch. have filled each nook ant
of pleasant memories. you will not b,
quick TO tear yourself away from 4
all to spend your days Of enforced lei
sure amid the unfamiliar scenes o
some town.
| Make the home attractive. Their,
Is no excuse for an ugly farm home
and with little care and attention
the planting of trees. and shrubber
and vines and flowers. the caring 70
the lawn. the Frightening Of the walls
and the addition OF new pleasure Z
the fireside. you can make your plac
prettier and more home-like wit
every passing season.
With country life what 1t should b
and what we can make 1t, we woul
hear little Of the rush Of the youn
to the cities or the often pitiful desir
of the old to get away from the home
OF their own making.