Return to the Land

Depression. This had to play a major role in Dad’s decision to return to Bland. He knew enough about farming on a small scale to be able to survive until better times would return.

Dad was from a rural heritage so readjusting to country life was not so grim. However, for mother this was a horse of a different color. She grew up in Lynchburg in an urban atmosphere and was accustomed to the amenities it afforded. For her to have to live in the backwoods was a bitter pill to swallow. No runni ng water in the house, outside “johnny house”, and bathing in the creek or a washbasin was not to her liking. Quite an adjustment was necessary for their survival for the first few years. Mother often spoke of how gracious Mr. Miller (Grandfather John Harvey) was when she lived in his home. She noted Grandmother never complained of the added guest she had in her home and because of my paternal grandparents Mother found some solace. Seeking some place to live on their own they turned to the farm on Nobusiness. There were several open fields and a place for a good garden but no living quarters. Unable to afford to have a home built for them they decided to take it upon themselves to construct a log cabin from the existing timber on the farm. This gave them hope for somewhere to live. Eventually, President Roosevelt came up with the “New Deal” to overcome the deprivation of the Depression.

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