Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1912-10-25


many a family has watched one build
ing after another, and finally the old
homestead, burn up, the very nature
of the material used in their construc-
ton, causing the flames to spread,
much less resist them.
Fire insurance, as it was then inter
preted provided temporary relief, but
it was indeed a costly precaution, Civ
ing the farmer only mere pittance
of what he once possessed. 'Tempor-
airy" relief however, as IN all things
it seemed, was the most he could
strive for, or expect. Little did he
then know that something permanent
was in sight and for which no pre-
miums were demanded. with unfailing
regularity.
However, such experiences were
fraught with some good. The farmer
has demonstrated on more than one
occasion, that he is ready and quick
to learn, and such severe lessons were
not forgotten. They taught him to
realize his foolhardiness in exposing
to utter destruction, that, which had
perhaps taken years Of effort and
thousands CT dollars to build up.
The boys, the younger generation OF
farmers, were made equally conscious
OF the change necessary to improve
living conditions on the farm, to in
sure the safety of life and property,
and to eliminate much of the drudgery
of farm work. Already many OF them
were bent upon a college education
and then to seek their fortunes in the
big cities, the farm offering but poor
inducement in comparison, and such
of them by reason of this early dis
satisfaction with and ultimate depar-
ture from the farm, have been largely
instrumental for the advance of scien-
tifc farming and scientific farm man
agement, which has taken place in the
past decade.
Their vision was broadened; they
saw at glance the effort that was be-
ing made toward real economy in every
line of business. Big projects We're
being, undertaken everywhere, with
the idea of permanency uppermost IN
the minds of the owners, whether an
individual, corporation or the govern
ment The use of combustible mater
ial in building construction was no.
ticeable by it's absence-nothlng that
would invite disaster figured in the
city mans specifications
How to apply these principles on the
farm back home was the next thought
the solution of which was readily
found. during one of the periodical
visits to the farm, at times when their
assistance was needed. why don't YOU
make that permanent" was the advice
offered the elders, engaged perhaps in
making one of the little repairs, more
or less always required about the farm,
and this suggestion has many time
gained for concrete its first int oduc-
ton to the farmer.
It thrived on his acquaintance from
the start. Once used it became popn-
lar. then recommended and finally, to-
day. it is regarded as a necessity. It's
use has successfully overcome the dif-
nculJlGS WHICH, piCF1oUoiS h"i"1'O' '''N
farmer: it has made comfort possible
on the farm; it has increased the value
If farm property; it has replaced filth
and disease by cleanliness and good
health among the stock it has reduced
onerating expense and increased pro-
duction and perhaps most important Of
all it's use has lifted the farmer be-
vond the era of fence repairing and dis
content to that of cultivation, prOduc-
ton and contentment.
In such brief period, the number
and variety of uses for which concrete
has actually served on the farm, makes
the success, which has always attended
it's use. the more remarkable. Among
its earlier uses are foundations, walls,
walks and floors. Well-cove S, steps,
drain-tile, fence-posts, and septlc-tanks
next received the attention of the farm
err, and later still the building OF con-
crete cellars for preserving roots,
fruits, and vegetables; troughs and
tanks. culve:ts. manure pits, cisterns
and silos was accomplished.
Thus far, it is true, the number of
large all-concrete buildings on the farm
such as the home and the barn, are
comparatively few, not through lack Of
desire on the part Of the farmer for
a home ana barn of this type, but sim
plv because the life Of bis present
buildings is not yet ended He has in
vested in them and wants the maxi
mum return on the investment.
There is no mistaking the spirit OF
the times, however, and just as soon
as the farmer is satisfied that the
change may be proftably made, or
in other words, until his present build