1921
Another start to a very cold year. On January 18th we had a very severe dust storm, which apparently originated in Nevada. On that morning the ground in North Dakota was partially snow covered. During the afternoon clouds of dust began to arrive and soon collected in thick layers on the snow surface. A thaw set in during the next morning and by 10 am was followed by a light rain which cleared the air and preserved the dust from further removal. On the night of the 19th another light snowfall occurred, and this in turn was followed by a slight thaw.
The amount of dust deposited on each square mile the experts figure would equal the astonishing total of 801 tons.
Here are just some highlights.
Governor Lynn J. Frazier, Attorney General William Lemke, and Commissioner of Agriculture and Labor John N. Hagan, all Nonpartisan League members, were recalled by voters in the first successful gubernatorial recall in the nation.
North Dakota's first bus line was established.
An economic Depression, starting with the 1920 collapse of wartime prices for grain, punctured the economic expansion of previous decades. More North Dakota banks closed this year than in any other year. The resulting contraction of credit caused many farm foreclosures. Simultaneously, farm sizes increased, and many farmers mechanized their operations.
On a family note, Allan started school this year. He does not enjoy it as much as the others, and really makes a fuss about going. They walk most of the time. Sometimes we let Chester drive a horse or a mule pulling a buggy. Quite often when they are walking, they stop off at Lydia and Lens, which is a little over half mile away, to get warmed up. Lydia sometimes adds a scarf or warm mittens, warms them up and sends them on. I wrap them up as best I can, but they seem to have chill blains all winter from cold feet. They wear home knit wool stockings, long black ones, knit by Grandma Wyngarden. Also long winter underwear and they don't really like wearing it, but it gets so cold. The black wool stockings fade where they go into the underwear legs which then get stained.
I remember one time in the early spring when the snow melted and there was flooding. But in the morning the water would be frozen so the kids would try waking on the ice. Many times the ice would break and they would arrive in school with wet feet.
Mildred told me about a time when we allowed them to drive Dan, one of our mules, on the buggy. He slipped on the ice and fell. They had quite a time getting him up. Chester had to unhitch him and they found weeds to put near his feet. He finally got up and they managed to continue on to school but were very late that day.
The worst mule for being awkward is Annie. She never wants to leave the yard. After much effort on all the children's parts they get her going down the road. Coming home is another thing, as she is very willing when she knows she is going to the barn.
Christmas 1921
Dear Laura,
Just to let you know you have a new nephew. Our son, Everett was born on November 5th, and is doing very well. We don’t see much of Mary or Ida now, but plan to get together over Christmas which will be nice. They both seem pretty happy, but I think Ida really misses her work.
Thank you for letting us know about your son, Richard. It is nice that he and our Everett will be the same age, and we can compare notes about how they are progressing.
Florence and Oscar had a baby too, on September 21st, and called him Arthur.
Love,
Agnes
Chapter 14
1922
On the morning of the 21st of January a pressure area of moderate intensity was centered over southern North Dakota and, during the ensuing 24 hours, moved rapidly eastward, followed by the coldest weather of the present winter thus far down to 40 or 50 below zero.
We now have a radio, and can pick up WDAY from Fargo sometimes. We gather around it in the evenings after the chores are done and listen to it with awe. And there is a new moving picture house in Pettibone, and Nick says he will take us there when the weather improves enough for us to be assurred of getting there and back safely.
And for some other headlines of what has happened in the State.
The first motor vehicle bridge across the Missouri River was completed at Bismarck.
The State Mill and Elevator began operations at Grand Forks.
North Dakota Wheat Growers Association was founded.
*****
We did manage to get a summer trips to Minnesota for fishing this year. We went in June after the crops were planted and stayed about a week. We really needed a break after Richard was a born. We went to Rustad, Minnesota and fished in Lake Crystal and Lake Franklin. We go to that area even though Bertha and her family have moved out to Oregon, because her brother-in-law lives there still, and has a place where we can stay.
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