April 21st……...”GRANDPA, DID YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS HAVE RUNNING WATER ON YOUR FARM NEAR KIESTER, MINNESOTA”?
POEM – “The Zing With A Sting” by N. Elliott Noorlun……..From 1946 (when our parents moved onto our farm) till the late 1950’s (when plumbing actually was installed in our farm house), our mother or brother or father had to carry buckets of water from the well “Pump House” up to our home to use for cooking, baths, etc.. When we became “modern” in the late 50’s with indoor plumbing, there was a shower down in our basement that had so much pressure it could “peel paint off the barn”……..or, in my case, my skin!!! 😉
In the early days, The answer was no,
As far as no pipes for water to flow.
From ’46, Till late 50’s or so,
That modern convenience, Was just a “no-go”.
For back in those days, Filled with rural romance,
If you wanted water, For life to enhance,
You’d need two buckets, Like our farmer’s spouse,
And get that water, From local Pump House.
But then came the day, When we yelled HOORAY!!
Farm home had running water, And the shower had a spray!!
But showers with Dad, Were not my thing,
Water pressure too high, And like needles it’d sting.
Cause Dad was tall, And I was small,
When he’d pull me in close, T’weren’t fair at all.
Water “bullets” hit his chest, No problem for him,
But little tender me, Had to learn to swim!!!! 😉
Norwegian Farmer's Son 