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April 14, 1935 ~ News of Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Kansas
Volume 280 Number 144 Suggested Retail Price $0.05
Dusty Times The Farm Crisis
! Who, farmers. What, bankruptcy, lack of food, loss of land. Where, the Great Plains. When,since 1931, we can’t be sure how long these conditions will last. Though the dust bowl has and still is affecting many people and families across America. Both economically and physically, the dust has farmers loosing their cattle, and going bankrupt. The farms provide food, and money for all of the farmers and their family, but because of the dust most of the crops are destroyed. Cotton, one of the necessary crops to grow, and one of the main sources of profit and income for farmers has dropped from $0.37 to $0.065. Selling crops for this low of a price have left farmers gaining no profit. It wasn’t only the dust that killed the crops. Many off the crops that farmers were growing were picked up by the strong winds. The devastation in the farms is making daily life such a struggle. I interviewed the well known farmer, Bayard Kelby. He told me what one of the physical struggles are of the dust. “One day I went out to my tractor, and I couldn’t find it. I saw a shape sticking out of the ground where my tractor usually stays, and it was the top of it! It took me almost 4 hours to get it uncovered.” Many houses and vehicles have been destroyed by the dust and wind. Luckily, Kelby’s tractor was just dusty. I asked Mr. Kelby what the worst
By: Katie Osgood
The dust has covered many vehicles and part of a house
part about farming is while this tragedy is happening. He told me that many things contributed to the struggles of farming, but he made one point that he really thought was the biggest reason. “I think that the hope of growing wheat again is the biggest struggle. Wheat is the base substance of many other food items, and without it, there’s not much we can eat other than some meat. Many others have given up hope of growing wheat while the dust storms are still happening, but I think that if we grew it before, we can grow it again.” Were the wise words of Mr. Kelby. The Farm Credit Administration is still helping farmers and their family’s get back up onto their feet after their homes, barns, and lands got destroyed by the dust and wind.
Advice column answer
Dear Billie Jo Kelby, It seems like your defiantly carrying around a few problems. The first problem we should establish is the problem about your mom. I am so sorry for your loss, but don’t feel like it’s all your fault, because if you carry around that burden for the rest of your life, you won’t enjoy much. You were so concerned about helping get rid of the fire that you probably had so many things going on in your mind, you just threw the pan, you didn’t mean to harm anyone! The problem with your dad is something you can’t really fix. Remember that even though he seems tough and hard working he is probably just as sad and emotional as you are. Try asking him something that requires an answer that is more than a yes or no. As of ! the piano, even if it reminds you of your mother. It’s almost like the piano is a piece of her that you can still have. - Best of luck, Ms. Freeland
Advice Column Dear Ms. Freeland, I am writing to you because of family issues. For the past few days, my Ma has been in severe pain because of the accident a couple weeks ago. Ma thought she was pouring my father’s coffee onto the stove, but it was actually kerosene. My Ma ran outside calling my father to come in and help, and I thought it would be best to pick up the burning pan and throw it outside, but when I threw it, I had no idea that my Ma was coming inside. She was on fire, and my hands are burnt. My Ma died, the same day she gave birth to my little brother, but he also died the same day. I feel awful about my mom, because I know it was my fault, though I’m not sure why my father would leave kerosene next to the stove. Every day since her death has been depressing. I don’t even want to look at the piano any more, because my Ma taught me how to play, and I practiced everyday after I knew how to play. My Ma was the best piano player I knew. I never want to play again. Also because my hands hurt even when I don’t move them. My father and I haven’t talked since my Ma passed. I have often thought about running away, to a land where the only struggle is making new friends, no dust scratching my eyes or getting into the open skin on my hands. I don’t want to leave my dad, but I feel like there is no other choice. Write back soon. -Billie Jo Kelby
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