The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1911-03-09
The Engel Farm Found tion.

So quietly have been conducted
the operations of the Rudolph Enael|
Farm Foundation that the public in
general is virtually unaware of it's
existence. Yet it is one OF the great
est benefactions ever conceived.
Rudolph Engel is one Of this
country's very rich men who have
been lucky enough to escape the glare
of publicity. Having amassed an inn
mense fortune in mining, real estate,
and timber investments when yet
but little more than middle aged, he
decided to retire from these fields of
operation and devote some Of his
time and wealth to exploiting a
scheme of benevolence which he long
had had in mind. There seems to-
be little doubt that the plan will
materially help to solve the problem
of how to supply our increasing
population with food in years to-
come.
For some time Mr.. EngePs repre-
sentatives have been buying farm
lands, including many abandoned
homesteads in New England and
other sections. Four big model farms
have been established, one in Ne
braska, Ohio, Tennessee and Comet
icut. These will be followed by
others i'll various States, all of which
| will be schools of instruction. Prac-
teal agriculturists, with scientific
knowledge of farming in all is
branches, are in charge, and under
them are the students, both men and
women. These come largely from
the cities, and from all walks of life
clerks, mechanics, seamstresses,
school-teachers, and the like. It is
not necessary to have had any ex-
perience in farming, and one does
not need to be very young, nor 10
be in excellent physical condition
providing one is not chronic inva-
lid-in order to secure admission.
All are trained at the practice farms,
and encouraged to specialize in the
branches which appeal to them most
strongly, and for which they seem
to be best fitted. Care is taken not
to work students beyond t lei +
strength, yet Sinking is allowed,
and strict, though not irksome, dis
cipline is maintained. All are fed
and housed at the headquarters, and
a small wage is paid, at the discre-
ton of the superintendent.
| As soon as student becomes pro-
ficient, he is sent to one of the com
pany's smaller farms, either as man
ager or assistant. He is eventually
given entire charge of farm located
in section of the country chosen
by him, the place having first been
put in good condition, and supplied
with the necessary live stock, nipple.
ments, etc. He is required to make
regular reports as to his progress
and at intervals supervisors visit the
place for consultation. He may writ.
to the company for advice at an!
: time, and if necessary an expert il
his line will be sent to his assistance
: Where possible, several farms ar
located near one another, SO that tn
latest improved machinery to-
costly for small farm-may be uset
for all of them.
After the manager of a farm
proves his ability, he is permitted t.
' buy the place from the company o.
the instalment plan, out of his shar
;. of the crops, or for cash if he ca
command it. The company, how
ever, retains the title until all indebt
edness is wiped out. The newly
: made farmers are encouraged an
$ helped in every way to make good
L and only laziness or rascality nee
: ever cause failure and dismissal. ]