River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-11-14

ef r arm Buildings.
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 we're
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, WI 'ch had
perhaps taken years of effort, and
thousands Of 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-
tific farming and scientific farm man
agement, which has taken place in the
past decade.
Their vision was broadened; they
saw at a glance the effort that was be-
ing made toward real economy in every
line Of business. Big projects were
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 its misunderstanding that
would invite disaster figured in the
city mans specifications.
How to apply these principles on, the
farm back home was the next thought
Of 1xrIi oh
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 it's first int oduc-
ton to the farmer.
It thrived on his acquaintance from
the start. Once used it became pOpu-
lar. then recommended and finally, to-
day, it is regarded as a necessity It's
use has successfully overcome the diff
fculties which previously harassed the
farmer; it has made comfort possible
on the farm; it has increased the value
of 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. its use has lifted the farmer be-
yond the era of fence repairing and dis
content to that of cultivation, pro luc-
+io,, opd contpnfmpnt
In such a 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
it's earlier uses are foundations, walls,
walks and floors. Well-cove~s, steps,
drain-tile. fence-posts, and septic-te nks
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. culverts, manure pits, cisterns
and silos was accomplished.
Thus far, it is true the number of
large aI-concrete buildings on the farm
such as the home and the barn. are
comparatively few, not through 'ack of
desire on the part of the far er for
home and barn of this tyne, but sim
ply because the life Of his pres mt
buildings is not vet 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 IS soon
as the farmer is satisfied that the
change may be p~oh ably made, or
in other words. until his present build