The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1911-11-16
Mrs. Kate Strong Writes Interest
ingly of Week of Country Life.

It has been some time since we
have published one of Mrs. Kate
Strong's interesting Oklahoma let
ters, and we began to think she had
quit writing altogether, but Monday
we received the following letter tell
ing of a weeks experience which she
enjoyed while visiting with her son
Fred on Red Rock Ranch:
Geary, Oklahoma, Nov. IL, 1911.
Editor Reporter:-When was
back in Iowa my friends asked me
why did not write to The Reporter
any more. l have several half finish
ed articles, and then some one would
happen in and of course I would lay
the letter aside and they are still
pieces.
At one p. m. Monday, October 3rd,
my husband and l started for Red
Rock ranch where F.. o. Strong re-
sides. For about two miles on our
Journey everything went on very
smoothly, which is very unusual. OF
course j. D. had to have smoke;
all at once had burning sensation
on my right arm, and looking down
I found quite a hole burnt in the
sleeve of my dress and a blister on
my arm. said, ARE you trying to
burn me up right on the public high
way?" and he said, "why what OF
it," / thought a great deal of it,
however. We went slowly on our
way but the "Slow Train Through
Arkansas" was not to be compared
to his driving. We finally arrived at
the ranch and anyone who had ever
0,,0l arfo iVo1H
they were going to land on their
heads as they 60. down canyon just
north of the house where Fred lives.
And oh! how noisily we were well
coined by six hounds and a flock OF
geese ! tell you nerves are not in
style at that ranch; at night the
noise will beat four brass bands and
twice as many monkeys, for it was
the time of year to separate about ~
calves from the summers run with
that many mothers. When the
calves would bawl every mother
would respond. Then $50 hogs
squealing and clamoring on the hill
for kaffir corn and milo maize which
is so plentiful in that part and the
geese also following up and when
night came the coyotes dismal howl
then away sped the hounds.
Towards morning about 40 roos-
tiers began to crow; east, west, north
and south; some in tree tops and
other places too numerous to men
ton: no sleep after that for me.
BY the way forgot to mention the
snow white goat that belongs to
Fred's little four year old boy; the
boys mother is in Beaver county Wis
iting her parents and she left him at
home to keep Fred out of mischief.
Tuesday the little boy tried to catch
his goat and wanted me to help him
but when l would 60 towards 1t he
would 20 another direction across
small creek which runs down the
canvon and George after it at full
speed. soon found out that | could
not lump a creek like can remember
of doing years ago but sometimes
went in instead of over but finally
found a rock l could step across on
but. by that time the boy and goat
were out of sight. / called time or
two. but got. no answer and ! was
positive the COST had pushed him
over one Of the steep bluffs which
line the canyon on the north; went
on and found the goat but no boy. l
came back to the house and there
was the boy and he says, "me come
round the other way" My feelings
were certainly relieved to find him
safe That episode ended that days
conflict.
Wednesday,-The men butchered
a hog so of course had plenty to
keep me busy all of that day. Here
in this canyon is one place the wlnd
does not blow; the house is so well
protected by trees and cliffs so the
heavy wind Tuesday did not botne'
me. Thursday.-Had plenty OF In
dian visitors. Friday.-Stlll more
Indians for company. Saturday.
Picked two wild ducks which
neighbor man brought me. l have
always found favors wherever l 60.
/ remember back in Iowa an old man
told me if Mr.. Strong would not or
could not take me to town he would,
but / never called on him, as ne
weighed about 800 lbs. did not
think sitting room would be at all
comfortable.
Sunday.-I had planned to come
home but it proved to be the worst
day of the whole week for at mid
night it began to rain and rained all
day: when l get to Geary will sleep
week, but l suppose the silence VIII
become so monotonous after such
strenuous week of rusticity. l am
quite anxious to get back to Geary as
]. D. bought farm wagon to gather
his corn crop of three acres which is
averaging three bushels per acre. AS
J. D. was diligently scooping ms
corn into a piano box the scoop han
die struck him in the side and ne
thought he was pretty badly hurt
but | understood next day that when
he went to battle his side with lln1-
ment he had manufactured himself
he could not find the spot where the
hurt had been. Well adieu to coun-
try life for while.
Kate Strong.
TRY THIS OVERNIGHT CURE FOR
COLD IN HEAD OR CHEST.
It is Curing Thousands Daily. and
Saves Time and Money.