"Gypsy," a very stubborn horse.  The buggy made a resurgence on Beaver Island during W.W.II because of the difficulty in getting car parts. A "jumper" sits in the background; it has lower runners than a "cutter". The pump in the foreground was the sole source of water for the Ricksgers farm until 1941, when electricity was installed. The back addition to the house is the kitchen, with the stovepipe for the kitchen stove sticking up through the roof.

Indian children playing ball on Freesoil Avenue in the 1920´s.

Sheep were raised at the Ricksgers farm for about ten years. The flock of ~15 provided wool, a cash crop. Lambs were sold, and occasionally one was killed for food, even in summer; it could be eaten before it spoiled. The cattle herd numbered 35-40 head.   [ next ]