Chapter 6
The Crew

Bonanza farms would come to life after the spring melt. It was planting season and manpower was needed to work the fields. Laborers poured into the region by the thousands. Some came from lumber camps of the north woods, others were newly arrived immigrants. There were students, veterans, adventurers, and men down on their luck. It was a chance to make quick money; for school, for the family, or for a favorite vice.

Farming at the turn of the century was extremely hard work. Laborers worked thirteen hour days in the stifling hot sun, six to seven days a week. There were two busy times of year; spring planting, and harvest in late summer. Between the two, men would be kept busy by breaking new land for next season, or cutting hay for the horses and mules.