Milford chronicle., 1925-05-15
The OLD FARMERS
AT COUNTRY STORE
FOURTH INSTALLMENT

OAu letA AnN4 A4ACAAos
AS l had promised to visit theI
again in the near future, l though
that l could not select more az
propriate time then this most beau
tiful month of spring-time; so, go
ing to the garage 1 got into my au
tomObile and was soon started on tn
Journey; first, to the Inn where
expected to get my supper, and sec
Ond to visit the country store Wher'
[ anticipated another pleasant in
terview with my old farmer friends
whom esteem most highly.
AS l passed through the cOuntr!
on my way to the village, noticed
with pleasure the advanced condi
ton of the crops. The fields of corr
were looking fine. both bluff anc
green, which showed that this crOI
so clean was having the attention OF
a skilled farmer. Broad acres OF
wheat were in splendid condition
with every indication of fine yield
Crimson clover, was a gorgeous
sight with it's beautiful setting OF
crimson and green, and nearing the
time when it would be cut and gar
nered into the barns and haymoWs.
As 1 continued my way l noticed
that all the farms along the high
way from my home to the next vii
lage, showed that the land was man
aged by intelligent farmers, who US
ed up-to-date methods in tilling the
soil, and brought out of the ground
those bountiful crops, which the
land of Delaware will always pro-
duce when judiciously managed.
I soon arrived at the hotel where
I received a hearty welcome by the
landlord. The ride in the open air
had given me a keen appetite, so,
about the first question l asked of
my host was, How does your bill of
fare read for the evening meal?" He
replied, mot so good perhaps as on
former occasions when you have
been here; however, we will do the
best we can for you, and will serve
for supper this evening, brOiled
country cured ham, new laid eggs,
two kinds of bread of our own make,
our own make of butter and pretty
good coffee"
Well, that menu appealed to me
as being sufficient from which to
satisfy the hunger of any person
who is not a glutton.
When the gong sounded 1 entered
the dining room and first noticed the
snow white linen on the tables, and
next, the old fashioned dishes and
the furniture, which would have
been the envy of an antique collec-
tor, if he had been there.
I cannot in a fitting manner de-
scribe the food which was set be-
fore me. The ham was decidedly
the best 1 ever tasted; being both
sweet and tender, with a flavor pc
culiarly it's own, and that can only |
be created by being cured in the old |
time way, by a formula which has
been handed down from father to 1
son for more than a hundred years.
The bread, which the waiter called
Johnny Cake" and "Plate Cake"
was delicious when it was accom-
panied by the sweet butter and Mo-
cha and Java Coffee, and it made a
meal long to be remembered.
Coming from the dining room to
the front porch I met the proprietor,
and thanked him for the fine food
and service I had received.
The shades of night were fast set
thing Ger the earth, and the evening
being warm, I started for the coun-
try store to find, if possible, my old
farmer friends. AS l walked along
The street leading to my destination,
[ noticed with pleasure the pretty
homes and the fine gardens careful
" looked after
The goal 1 was seeking soon came
into view and in a few minutes ar
rived and was shaking hands with
The merchant; who seemed to antic-
pate my visit, by saying, "I sup
pose you are looking for your old
but I regret to inform you,
that they have not been here for
some time, and l miss their COM
Dany very much. At this time of
he year they are busy looking af-
-er their garden, so do not get
here very Often-until later in the
season. 1 am quite sure, if you will
continue your walk further along
he road, you will find them congre-
gated at one point, which will be at
he home of one of the quartet of
Did men, as they live in adjoining
Continuing my walk as suggested,
noticed four houses which seemed
very much alike, both in architec-
.ure and build-they were very pret-
y homes. AS I neared the first house
I was pleased to see sitting on the
,ront porch, all four of my old
friends. 1t was a happy meeting
LII around and after handshaking
Ind inquiries after the health of all,
took the offered chair, placed it in
he centre of the four old friends
md sat down, prepared to listen to
more experiences ana "reminiscences
# these old retired farmers, of their
Doyhood days, before leaving the
helter of their parents homes.
Avery started off by saying that
he day had been fine, and "do you
now, I felt like getting down my {
Id overalls and jumper and taking {
ny team and harrow and go out in ]
o the field and show them how to e.
cultivate crops" Avery jumped up ]
nd make several motions with his '
ands and arms as ii using a har- {
Ow and said, them are the strokes /
ou must use to take the weeds [
rom the hills without disturbing
he growing corn" It was a trick t
hat can only be accomplished by i
skilled farmer. Avery then took
is seat with the remark, you also '
ee what that fishing worm oil has '
one for me, and I will now keep {
uiet and give way for Uncle Josh I
a to recite his little story for you. +
Joshua, laughing, commenced his
aratiVe by saving. "Derhans we !