14

Cutting hay.
1900
Olds NWT Canada

15

The harvesting techniques and speed increases with new machines.
1910
Olds, Alberta, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


16

Threshing: Life around Harvest
Mr. Jonathan Phillips, who had come to the country in the 1890's, claimed that "a wet-dry cycle repeated itself every 28 years". Wheat crops often were better than 50 bushels to the acre. Threshing was done by a big steam driven rig operated by the Ronnebergs of Eagle Hill. It took at the most, two days to do the job. Feeding the large crew was a major accomplishment (or miracle) of the women and neighbors who pitched in to plan and help. The wheat was stored in bins and hauled to Olds by sleigh in winter, often at 40 below. "...went to weekly parties at the school packed in straw in a sleigh box when it was below zero. Most weeks there was a party at the school and everyone pitched in to play cards, music, amateur acting, singing, dancing and, most popular with the kids, eating...amateur dramatic efforts and a Minstrel Show
with such notable actors as Bill Phillips and Dick Murray (not related)...swimming trips to the Little Red
Deer and longer trips to the Dog Pound Creek for good pike fishing. In the winter there were frequent trips to the
woods for poplar firewood ...Christmas going to all of the Christmas performances at Hainstock, Berrydale and Waterside."

17

Settlers enjoyed a harvest of native fruit they soon learned to cultivate in their own gardens.
1905
Olds NWT Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


18

NATURE IN THE WILDERNESS
from "Lone Pine" John F. Inglis (copy at Olds Museum)

"Wild fruits were plentiful in Alberta when my people took homesteads, such as saskatoons, pin and choke cherries, raspberries, strawberries and low-bush blueberries, all these grew in great abundance north of us in the park lands. Lone Pine p199, p242

19

Farm receipts for 1901 1902 by Mr. Muntz
12 December 1901
Olds NWT Canada

20

The Farm records of Mr. Muntz detail the costs and inventory as he slowly purchased his farm thru a half share arrangement.1899 to 1902.

21

Farm purchase of Mr. Muntz.
1901
Olds NWT Canada

22

Farm inventory 1902 Mr. Muntz.
1902
Olds NWT Canada

23

Farm receipts for 1901 1902 by Mr. Muntz
12 December 1901
Olds NWT Canada

24

Four year account records from 1899 to 1902 of Mr. Muntz's farm operation.
1902
Olds NWT Canada