The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1945-03-16
Michigan in
Washington
BY ESTHER V. ". TUFTY

In 1913, the farmers attitude to-
ward the Women's land army was
Just like Michigan spring weather,
"a long drawn out cool SPELL. Now
as the third season OF VILLA be-
gins, the farmers are asking for
more and more women helpers on
the farm. So says Michigan's own
Florence Hall. chief OF the Wom'
ems Land Army, in an exclusive
interview.
The need for more help has
jumped as more farm boys have
been drafted. Agricultural goals
are higher. The crop production
in Michigan in l945 is expected 10
be 1890 OF last years production,
il war food goals are met.
VIA chief Hall forecasts a busy
summertime ahead for the thou
sand in her Michigan division. She
estimates some $4,000 emergency
workers will be needed--men,
women, boys and girls-especially
for the fruit harvest. Again this
year Michigan is looking forward
TO a bumper crop of apples, cher.
ries, peaches and pears.
In her busy Washington office.
Florence Hall took a few moments
10 reflect on the achievements Of
her army Of volunteers. She said,
with a lot OF pride in her voice.
We have lived through the many
Jokes and cartoons that accompany
any new program for women. Farm
ers are now willing to take town
women because they have had sue
cessful experience in other years.
Besides. as the need for farm help
increases the prejudice against
women decreases.
Chief Hall says. she has discov-
cred these facts:
|. College girls and teachers
with long summer vacations are
fine.
.. Business girls in two week
vacation period can contribute
much.
3. Housewives are good for vic
tory shifts" IL concessions on hours
are made.
4. Patriotism Is the reason wom-
en- respond. Women don't Ike
waste.
5. War Is touching more lives
and therefore more response.
Even with a lively response from
women TO work on the farms, other
workers are sought. A large in
crease in acreage Of sugar beets is
planned: To help meet this ls45
goal. Michigan is requesting several
thousand Mexicans. Jamaicans and
Interstate farm workers from Ar
kansas and Oklahoma. Again this
year, prisoners Of war will probably
be used in farm work. The War
Food Administrationob the for.
eign farm workers, but the states,
through extension service. have the
responsibility for recruiting and
placing OF local and state labor.
The round-the.world cry for food
must be answered although the
United States is already producing
50 per cent more food in this war
than in World War No. !. This,
despite the decrease in farm popu-
lation by four million persons,
Several people should be thank.
ed for the Increased production Of
food for eight successive years.
The farmers own family have work
I ed longer and harder. NeighboTs
have exchanged help and equip
ment. Town folk have rallied.
Add 10 these the foreign, outstate
and prisoner labor.
The weather helped too-those
| late harvest seasons.
In Washington the small Michi-
gan town. Buchanan. five miles
I fror, Niles. is cited as a typical
small war town. About 1000
more people now live in Buchanan,
whose population in 1910 was 4,O56,
TO work in Clarke Equipment Com.
pany. manufacturers Of gear hous'
ing and other parts for military
/ trucks and tractors.
When a town grows that fast all
( facilities are strained. The Fed
eral Public Housing Authority has
constructed $40 dwelling units
and 10 more contemplated. Some
/ $50 family trailers have been in.
stalled. Dormitories for 200 peo.
pie are scheduled.
Within the last days the Federal
Works Agency granted $4,000 to