Summary Information
Oral History Interview with Rangnar and Margaret Segerstrom
1976
- Segerstrom, Rangnar, 1896-
- Segerstrom, Margaret, 1903-
Tape 581A
6 tape recordings
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)
Interview conducted by Dale Treleven of the Historical Society staff with Rangnar and Margaret Segerstrom, retired Mondovi, Wisconsin, dairy farmers; concerning their farming operation between 1922 and 1958; their activities in the Wisconsin Farmers Union, its youth program, and its Central Exchange; membership in other cooperatives and in the Farmers Holiday Association; efforts promoting rural electrification; and the Democratic Party in Buffalo County.
Part of the Wisconsin Agriculturalists Oral History Project.
English
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-tape00581a ↑ Bookmark this ↑
Biography/History
Rangnar and Margaret Segerstrom have lived all but one year of their more than fifty married years on the same farm, located in Section 14, Town of Naples, Buffalo County--about six miles west of Mondovi, Wisconsin. Before coming to the Naples area in 1920, Rangnar Segerstrom, born on October 14, 1896, in the Town of Troy near River Falls, Wisconsin, graduated from River Falls Normal school and served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. Margaret Olson was born on March 13, 1903, grew up on a farm about two miles from her present residence, and worked as a hired girl for neighborhood families until she married Rangnar Segerstrom on June 15, 1921. In 1922, they began to farm one hundred and twenty acres on a share basis, and ten years later purchased the farm outright. Although retiring from active farming in 1958, both remained very active in various groups, especially farmers' organizations and cooperatives in the area. Longtime advocates and erstwhile supporters of the La Follette political tradition, the Segerstroms are out-spoken Democrats who continue to campaign actively in their county in behalf of liberal candidates. They have been staunch supporters of the Farmers Union since 1929, and have for years been among the strongest leaders in the Naples-Mondovi Farmers Union local, and hearty supporters of the Farmers Equity Cooperative in Mondovi, affiliated for the last quarter of a century with the Farmers Union Central Exchange at South St. Paul.
Scope and Content Note
Interview
I [interviewer Dale Treleven] first met Rangnar and Margaret Segerstrom and their son Arlan, an invalid since childhood, on the evening of August 20, 1974, to discuss the possibility of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin conducting an oral history interview about their farming experiences, political activities, organized farmers' efforts, and other observations. We sat around the kitchen table for several hours munching on cookies, sipping coffee, and discussing farm policy, the Farmers Union, and liberal politics. Because of the approaching year-end holidays, which meant for the Segerstroms the traditional (and huge) family gatherings, we decided to get together “sometime after the New Year.” After mailing off a follow-up letter in November 1974 which outlined the areas we might discuss, my commitments in other areas or theirs delayed our getting together for nearly two years.
I held interviews with Rangnar and Margaret Segerstrom on September 29 and 30, 1976. On each day I arrived at 10 A.M.; we recorded for about 1-1 1/2 hours until lunch; after an extended lunch filled with more talk we taped again for about 1-1 1/2 hours after which I departed to do other Society field work. During each of the sessions, Arlan Segerstrom, confined to a wheel chair, observed and sometimes contributed to the discussion, and laughed along with the rest at a humorous anecdote or particularly assertive anti-Republican statement by his mother. Margaret Segerstrom, short, bespectacled, heavy-set, wore a house dress and apron each of the two days; towards noon she occasionally left the discussion to start lunch. Rangnar Segerstrom, thin, of medium height with neatly-trimmed snow-white hair, wore a work shirt and bib-type overalls. During the interview sessions, they were seated side-by-side in the living room, Rangnar in a large swivel rocker and Margaret in an overstuffed easy chair; Arlan and I sat across from them.
The researcher will find a wealth of information about dairy farming practices and improvements on a farm the size of which in 1958 was the same as in 1922: 120 acres. The Segerstroms discuss the difficulty in starting to farm during a period of depressed commodity prices in the early-1920's and the even more serious problems they encountered in the years during the Great Depression. Even as farm prosperity improved during the 1940's and 1950's, they chose to stay within their immediate means instead of investing heavily--as did many others--for expansion and modernization. They are proud of having stayed out of debt, unlike many capital-intensive agribusinessmen of the next generation.
Margaret and Rangnar Segerstrom in the late-1920's became involved in the activities of the Wisconsin Farmers Union and later, of the Farmers Union Central Exchange, although they had been involved with local cooperatives since the early-twenties. Both held offices for many years in the Farmers Union local, and they discuss at length their activities. Rangnar Segerstrom tells how he helped sign up farmers for the Buffalo County Electric Cooperative, begun under the auspices of the national Rural Electrification Administration (REA). Both discuss their long involvement in the Farmers Union youth program, and how they joined with many others to build the state youth camp, Kamp Kenwood, near Chippewa Falls. Both are very informative about neighborhood politics, and they describe how Buffalo county, traditionally a Republican stronghold, became increasingly Democratic with the development of the new party. The Segerstroms comment on various farm leaders, past and present politicians, and on current agricultural policy. At the same time, the greatest strength of the interview may well lie in the remembrances of Rangnar Segerstrom as he reconstructs how he farmed over the years with a moderately-sized herd of Guernseys, relatively small amounts of machinery, and modest levels of investment.
Other than the son at home, two sons and one daughter of the Segerstroms continue to live nearby in the Town of Naples. Both sons have expanded rapidly into heavily commercialized and heavily capitalized dairy operations in contrast to their parents' experience during over three decades.
Abstract to the Interview
The tapes for this interview have two tracks: a voice track containing the discussion, and a time track containing time announcements at intervals of approximately five seconds. The abstract lists, in order of discussion, the topics covered on each tape and indicates the time-marking at which point the beginning of the particular discussion appears.
Thus, the researcher may listen to distinct topics without listening to all of the material on the tapes. For instance, the user who wishes to listen to the topic on “Background of Rangnar Segerstrom” should locate the place on the second track of tape one, side one, where the voice announces the 05:45 time-marking (the voice says at this point, “five minutes, forty-five seconds”), and at this point switch to the first track to hear the discussion. The discussion on “Background of Rangnar Segerstrom” continues until approximately 12:00 at which point discussion of the next topic (“Rangnar Segerstrom's Family; Youth on Father's Farm”) listed in the abstract begins.
Notice that in most cases sentences beneath each headline explain more about the contents of the topic. For example, the sentences underneath “Background of Rangnar Segerstrom” give further details on what appears on the tape between 05:45 and 12:05.
The abstract is designed to provide only a brief outline of the content of the tapes and cannot serve as a substitute for listening to them. However, the abstract when used with the index will help the researcher easily locate distinct topics and discussions among the many minutes of commentary.
Index to the Interview
The index, which is keyed to the same time announcement track (second track) as the abstract, gives a single alphabetical listing of proper nouns (names of persons, places, organizations, periodicals), historic phenomena (Depression), and concepts (Cooperative Commonwealth), which appear on the tapes. Each entry is followed by one or more three-part citations specifying the location(s) where the entry appears. For instance, “American Society of Equity” is followed by the citation 2:2, 13:05, 15:35. This indicates that a reference to the American Society of Equity appears on Tape 2, Side 2, within the time-markings beginning at thirteen minutes, five seconds, and fifteen minutes, thirty-five seconds of the time announcement.
Related Material
At the time of the interview, Margaret Segerstrom allowed me to copy for the Society's collections a copy of a paper, “Case Study of the Naples-Mondovi Farmers Union Local 41,” done by Idella Rutschow at UW-Eau Claire for Professor J. Hunnicutt's Sociology 711 course. The copy was assigned the call number SC 1121 and is housed in the Society's Archives.
Administrative/Restriction Information
Finding aid prepared by Dale E. Trevelan, March 21, 1977.
Contents List
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, 9/29/76 interview
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
00:00
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Introduction
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
00:30
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Segerstrom Farm
: Located in township of Naples near Mondovi in Buffalo County. RS now retired, worked same farm since 1922, lives in original farmhouse.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
01:45
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Background Of Margaret Segerstrom Before Marriage
: MS born about two miles from present Segerstrom farm, oldest of six girls and one boy. Parents farmed about eighty acres; “didn't have much,” no conveniences, but always plenty to eat. After completing education at one room Pace school, hired out to neighborhood farmwives. In 1920 RS came to work on her grandfather's farm and they were married June 15.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
05:45
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Background Of Rangnar Segerstrom: Education And Employment
: Born October 1896, in township of Troy, near River Falls (St. Croix county). Attended one room schoolhouse one mile from home. Terms eight months long; spent eight years in school, graduated in 1911. Recalls winning school spelling contest; placed fifth in areawide contest at Hammond. Attended River Falls Normal School; in 1916 graduated in class of 110 from agricultural department. Decided against teaching because pay only $65 per month without board. Took job as shipping clerk in Minneapolis paint firm, and enlisted in U.S. Navy July 1918.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
12:05
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RS Family; Youth On Father's Farm
: RS believes grandparents came to River Falls area from Sweden about 1880. Settlers in Mann Valley area mostly Swedish and Bohemian. Nine children had to work on forty acre farm. RS recalls working for uncle, and staying home from school to watch sheep. Also recalls helping plant potatoes in area where much cabbage and potatoes grown.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
15:50
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MS Parents Farm
: MS grandmother came from Norway. Margaret Olson Segerstrom born in March 1903, raised on farm father had taken over from his mother.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
16:50
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MS Work As Hired Girl Before Marriage
: Began hiring out age 15-16; earned $1 per week working in farmhouse and barn. Recalls milking cows, churning butter, and baking bread. Neighbors mostly Norwegian, though MS worked for people of mixed ethnic backgrounds. Used earnings to buy clothes for herself and other children in family.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
20:15
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RS Enlists In U.S. Navy,
: “Liked the idea of the Navy,” and would have soon been drafted by Army. Trained at Great Lakes and recalls drilling ten hours per day. Many sailors with farming backgrounds.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
22:45
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RS Attitude Toward World War I
: Believed the war would make “our country safe for democracy,” but ”of course, that was drilled into us, too“ in recruit training.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
23:45
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RS Reaction To La Follette's Anti-War Position
: Never thought much about it at the time. Recalls hearing La Follette speak in U.S. Senate while stationed at Baltimore. Parents strong La Follette supporters.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
25:30
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RS Duty Assignments In Navy
: Trained aboard old battleship USS Massachusetts. Sent to Europe on English ship; served aboard troop transport USS Santalina, reconverted German ship.Had duties as fireman shoveling coal, and as water tender.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
29:45
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RS Recalls Storm At Sea
: USS Massachusetts encountered serious storm; “the water came in, and everything was moving.” Most sailors became seasick.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
31:40
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RS Mustered Out Of Navy,
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
33:10
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End Tape 1, Side 1
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
00:00
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Introduction
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
00:30
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RS Comes To Naples Township,
: Came with friend to work in Naples township on farm located two miles from present RS farm. Came by freight train with machinery and horses in April 1920 in time to plant crops on 320 acre farm. Cultivated and seeded 280 acres with gang plow and walking plow. 110 acres of corn mostly fed to steers.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
07:50
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RS Wages Paid On Share Arrangement
: Owner received half, RS and partner split other half. Soil quite sandy, didn't make much money.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
08:40
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Marketing Steers
: Took to River Falls for finishing.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
09:15
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Family And Neighborhood Politics
: MS family originally Republican, became La Follette Progressives, and then Democrats in 1940's. Neighborhood tended to support progressive Republicans, especially after World War I.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
13:20
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Courtship
: RS courted with white horse and buggy; when horse needed for work, they walked.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
14:30
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MS Rarely Leaves Farm Before Marriage
: Family occasionally took horse and buggy to visit nearby relatives; MS recalls walking five miles to Eleva for short-lived music lessons.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
16:15
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Road Condition In The 1920's
: Roads poor until FDR elected and Works Progress Administration (WPA) began repair and construction work. County did nothing to maintain roads; individual farmers took responsibility until township patrolman appointed to grade roads. People drove cars in summer and sleighs in winter; spring bad because cars became stuck in mud.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
20:20
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Buy First Car In
: Purchased Ford Model T because cheap. Financed $360 cost with Mondovi dealer on $28 per month installment plan.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
22:00
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Beginning To Farm During Post World War I Recession
: Prices began post-war drop in 1920. “Quite a recession” in 1921-22 with little improvement during rest of decade. Recalls crash of 1929 and beginning of bank failures in 1929-1930.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
25:05
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Low Commodity Prices During Depression
: RS recalls selling hogs for $2.75-$3.00 per hundred during 1930-1932. Good cows brought $5. Eggs sold for 6-7 cents per dozen.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
26:10
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Impact Of FDR Presidency Beginning In 1933
: Roosevelt created WPA, fed people, and “started the ball a rolling so that everything got secure again.” WPA employed many to build good roads with firm rock base.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
27:55
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Segerstroms First Live At Ms Grandfather's Farm
: Lived on MS grandfather's farm during first year of marriage. MS recalls farm had nice springhouse, but inconveniently located up a hill.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
29:30
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Segerstroms Move To Present Farm In 1922
: RS brother-in-law purchased farm as investment from owner unable to meet payments. RS rented it from him for about ten years and in 1932 RS and MS purchased the property.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
31:00
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Farm Depreciation During 1920's-1930's
: Farm sold for $23,000 during World War I; RS brother-in-law paid $14,000 in 1922. In 1932, Segerstroms purchased for $6,500 with help from Federal Land Bank.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
32:25
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RS Farm Management During Brother-In-Law's Ownership
: Brother-in-law a railroad man who knew little about farming; RS made day-to-day decisions.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
33:15
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End Tape 1, Side 2
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
00:00
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Introduction
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
00:30
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Changes In Farmhouse Since 1922
: House approximately same size since Segerstroms came to farm, although remodeled extensively.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
03:05
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Wood Heating And Wood-Cutting Bees
: Before central heating installed in 1961, house warmed by wood stoves; RS bought standing timber, and with father-in-law cut timber with two-man saw. Took two-three days to cut down trees for winter supply of wood. Occasionally got hired help. Sometimes neighbors had wood-cutting bee followed by oyster stew supper and dance at farmhouse.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
09:00
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Farm Electrification
: Used gas and kerosene lamps until Rural Electrification Administration (REA) electrified area farms.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
09:55
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Changes In Barn And Silos
: Barn built in 1905; two large cupolas; originally had wood stave silo destroyed by “twister” in 1930's. Rebuilt wooden silo with steel reinforcing rods; built concrete silo in 1942.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
15:20
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Separating Milk On Farm And Storing And Marketing Cream,
: Milk originally separated in barn, with place outside for washing separator.Ran water through cement tank to cool cream and butter; butter stored in earthen jars. Windmill provided power to raise water, with gasoline engine for emergency. MS took cream to Mondovi Cooperative Creamery by horse and buggy once or twice per week. Skim milk fed to calves and pigs.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
18:40
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MS Parents Take Milk To Cheese Factory.
: Parents kept milk overnight in stock tank. Hauled whole milk every morning to Norden cheese factory; fed whey to hogs. Earliest to arrive at cheese factory got whey with most fat content.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
21:20
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MS Task Of Hauling Cream Typical Woman's Task
: Women typically brought cream to creamery because of labor shortage; continued to do so after trucks substituted for horses. Provided women opportunity to shop, though small amount of egg money needed mostly for groceries. In fall egg money supplemented by profits from chicken sales.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
22:45
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Marketing Whole Milk Instead Of Farm-Separated Cream
: Began marketing whole milk to Mondovi Cooperative Creamery about 1940.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
25:15
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Development Of Guernsey Dairy Herd
: Herd mainly pure-bred Guernseys; bought first ones from neighbor with registered show stock. Produced consistent 400-500 pound average. Usually kept about 35-40 head, though housed some in horse barn because not enough room in main barn. Herd auctioned in 1958.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
28:15
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Acquires Milking Machine
: Purchased milking machine about 1940, three years after farm electrified.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
29:40
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Water Supply In Barn And Farmhouse
: Got water in barn in 1940. House water supply stored in holding tank filled by windmill.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
30:35
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Raising And Marketing Hogs
: Generally kept 7-8 sows which produced from 50-60 hogs per year. First marketed in Mondovi to private buyer from Eau Claire. Later, shipped to Equity Cooperative Livestock Shipping Association at Milwaukee; shifted to South St. Paul after Farmers Union got organized.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
32:30
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Horses On Farm
: RS originally brought several horses from farm where he formerly had worked. Recalls especially good team of seven and eight year olds.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
33:20
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End Tape 2, Side 1
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
00:00
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Introduction
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
00:30
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Continuation Of Discussion Of Horses On Farm
: Discusses technique for hitching horses to gang plow. Still had one team in 1951 to plant corn and haul manure in wintertime. Good corn-planters not available yet in 1951; tractor used for plowing, followed by horse-drawn machinery for planting corn and seeding grain. Could plant 12-15 acres of corn per day with horses.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
04:15
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Buys First Tractor
: Bought second-hand steel lug tractor in 1938 for $325 from Farmers Union Central Exchange at South St. Paul and trucked back to farm. Before 1938 used steam engines exclusively for belt power, for filling silo and shredding corn. Threshed and filled silo cooperatively with other farmers.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
07:05
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Ideas For Changes And Improvements
: Some ideas from River Falls agricultural course; one of first in neighborhood to plant alfalfa in 1928. County agent and employees of cooperatives came to local Farmers Union meetings and explained use of lime and other methods; recalls buying bulk lime cooperatively in Mondovi and shoveling it onto wagons and sleighs. Information from several farm journals: Wisconsin Agriculturist and Hoard's Dairyman, though didn't always agree with editorial policy of the latter.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
11:45
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Membership In Organizations 1920's
: Member of Mondovi Cooperative Creamery, Farmers Cooperative Lumber Company, and the Equity Cooperative in Mondovi.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
13:05
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Comments On George Nelson, President Of American Society Of Equity,
: Good judgment, understood problems of farmers and common people, very cooperative. Forceful, sensible speaker. MS doesn't recall that his Socialist politics in 1930's had much impact on area farmers.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
15:35
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Early Opposition By American Society Of Equity To Farmers Union Organizing Efforts
: MS feels Equity feared Farmers Union would disrupt or swallow older organization.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
16:00
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How Segerstroms Came To Join Farmers Union
: Farmers Union representative, accompanied by neighbor of Segerstroms, came to farm in winter of 1928-1929, and gave “sales talk.” Segerstroms joined, agreeing it was time for farmers to unite and use power to influence national legislation. Had heard previously of activities of Northwest Organizing Committee; 1929 crash added to farmer uncertainty. Paid high initial membership fee, $7.50, and “don't know how we scraped it up.”
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
19:45
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Farmers Union Organization In Wisconsin
: Segerstroms and others in area influenced by Benny Olson, a neighbor. Members organized into locals; recalls first state convention in Menomonie, October 1929. Hard times resulted in large turnouts of discouraged farmers. Telephone important in getting 80-90 people at a local meeting. Recall Congressman Merlin Hull and Governor Phil La Follette speaking at quarterly meetings at fair grounds.
: The first state convention of the Farmer's Educational and Cooperative Union of America, Wisconsin Division, actually was held in October, 1930.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
24:50
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Farmers Union Membership Trends,
: Though nearly every township in Buffalo county organized, membership fell when conditions improved and other organizations competed for members. Now two large locals in Buffalo county.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
25:50
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RS Attends State Conventions While President Of Naples Farmers Union Local
: Recalls attending second state convention at Chippewa Falls and third convention at Madison.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
27:10
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Segerstroms Members Of Farmers Holiday Association
: Joined Farm Holiday Association for one dollar membership fee.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
28:05
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Local Farmers Union Prevents Foreclosure
: Farmers Union members acted in these cases under the auspices of the Farmers Holiday Association.
: While RS president of Farmers Union local, members helped prevent foreclosure of neighborhood farmer with ten children by writing and calling Madison officials. Farmers Union members also helped stop other foreclosures.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
32:10
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Penny Auctions
: Don't recall any penny auctions in area, although RS remembers helping to stop farm sale.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
33:10
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End Tape 2, Side 2
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
00:00
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Introduction
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
00:30
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Major Issues At Early Farmers Union Local Meetings,
: Main concern with how to get more money for produce; improve standard of living. The first state convention of the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, Wisconsin Division, was held in October
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
02:15
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Procedure At Early Farmers Union Local Meetings
: Farmers Union state office gave instruction on meeting procedure and suggested discussion topics on national legislation. Outside speakers included George Lewis of Trempealeau County, assemblyman Arthur Hitt of Alma. State president A.N. Young and state secretary Bill Sanderson often attended county meetings.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
05:30
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Comments On Kenneth Hones
: Many in area liked his straightforward approach, though he had difficulty controlling his temper. Recalls Farmers Union state convention at Madison where Hones, then vice-president, shamed hecklers of A.N. Young, led by Fritz Schultheiss from Prairie Farm (Barron County). Incident put Hones in favorable light among Farmers Union members.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
11:35
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Comments On Fritz Schultheiss
: More radical than most Farmers Union members, but a radicalism more of behavior than of political philosophy. Seemed to have chip on shoulder; argumentative and unwilling to compromise. No idea why he was named a state commissioner of agriculture.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
14:15
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Comments On Arnold Gilberts
: “Left-winger” on about same order as Schultheiss. Always critical of existing Farmers Union setup.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
15:20
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Farmers Union Builds Central Exchange At South St. Paul
: Segerstroms attended early Central Exchange meetings at South St. Paul; later helped organize busloads of farmers to visit Farmers Union cooperative facilities.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
16:30
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Comments On Walter Singler, President Of Wisconsin Cooperative Milk Pool
: First met Singler at joint meeting of Farmers Holiday Association add Milk Pool at Marshfield in 1932. Singler “looked like a big cowboy.”
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
17:30
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Why Segerstroms Joined Farmers Holiday Association
: Joined to help farmers get “a few dollars”. No strings attached to the one dollar membership fee.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
19:05
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Antagonism Between Farmers Union And Farmers Holiday Association
: Farmers Union didn't approve of methods employed by Farmers Holiday Association under Milo Reno of Iowa. Farmers Union feared Farmers Holiday Association picketing during Madison State Farmers Union convention would provoke violence.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
21:15
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Segerstroms Withhold Milk During 1930's Milk Strikes
: Joined neighbors in withholding milk. No violence; both Mondovi creameries shut down. Farmers separated milk on farms, made butter, and fed skim milk to stock. Withholding actions short-lived, “didn't hurt us too much,” but needed “to help get things straightened out.”
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
24:30
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Comments On Milo Reno
: Impressed by speaking ability of Reno; recall large crowds turned out to hear him at Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
25:40
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Low Prices During Depression
: Recalls during period 1928-1929 eggs sold for five to seven cents per dozen; hogs sold for $2.75-$3.00 per hundred, packing sows as low as $1.50 per hundred.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
28:00
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Area Voter Support For Roosevelt In
: Estimates Roosevelt received from 95-98 per cent of his Farmers Union local's support. Election of FDR “turned it around”: banks reorganized, WPA created to build badly needed roads, lime program begun. Recalls program which employed local men to crush rocks for road improvement. WPA program important because men had to work in order to eat. Mondovi city building constructed with federal funds.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
33:35
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End Tape 3, Side 1.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
00:00
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Introduction
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
00:35
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WPA And CCC Programs In Segerstroms' Neighborhood
: WPA built many crushed rock roads; not graveled, however, until later. CCC little effect in immediate neighborhood, but kept young boys busy building fences and planting trees in towns of Maxwell, Nelson, and Waumaundee.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
02:30
|
Soil Conservation Service,
: RS member of township “Triple-A” committee. Encouraged farmers to lime soil and grow alfalfa. Committee stressed strip-cropping, advised farmers on maximum corn to grow on acreage allotments. RS concerned in 1976 that many conservation practices begun in 1930's have been discontinued; MS states that Republicans are responsible.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
08:15
|
Rural Electrification Administration (Rea)
: Little electricity in area until REA. Northern States Power Company's installation rates prohibitive. RS active in organizing farmers to sign up for REA; got required three farmers to a mile from town of Naples to beyond Trempealeau county line. Some farmers unwilling to participate either out of habit or skepticism. Wisconsin Farmers Union strongly backed REA and educated members to support it. REA charged minimum of $3.50 per month for forty kilowatts; some people not ready to use current after electricity turned on. Northern States received little business although its rates dropped drastically.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
16:55
|
Electricity Turned On
: Turned on electricity March 1938, by which time Segerstroms had purchased refrigerator and radio. Limited use of household electricity at first; if milking machines operating, little “juice” left for the house.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
20:35
|
Anecdote About RS Reaction When Electricity First Turned On
: RS in barn when lights came on unexpectedly. Ran outside in surprise; found Arthur Hitt of Alma who had just alerted MS electricity about to come on. Neighborhood pancake suppers to celebrate; proceeds went to Farmers Union.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
22:10
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Importance Of Persuading Community Leaders To Support REA
: Certain neighborhood leaders the key to convincing most others to join REA.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
24:15
|
RS Signs Up Farmers For REA In Trempealeau County
: Also signed up many farmers in nearby Trempealeau county to join Buffalo County Electric Cooperative. REA couldn't recruit members in Northern States area. Recalls one woman who hooked up to electricity lines without paying.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
27:30
|
Family Gives RS Time To Sign Up Farmers For REA
: MS and oldest son did milking at night to free RS to recruit members for REA. Women very influential in getting men to support REA, especially once cost saving and safety features understood.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
30:00
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Farmers Union Support For Rea
: REA a “Farmers Union baby.” Farmers Union instrumental in getting Congress to pass REA legislation. Recalls special support of Arthur Hitt, Alma, George Lewis of Trempealeau county, and Orland Loomis of Mauston.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
31:30
|
RS Absence While Organizing For REA
: Family glad when RS completed REA organizing work.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
32:30
|
End Tape 3, Side 2
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, 9/30/76 interview
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
00:00
|
Introduction
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
00:30
|
Segerstroms Role In Farmers Union Local
: RS president of Naples-Mondovi Farmers Union local #41 from 1932 to 1937; MS secretary from 1943 to present (1976).
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
02:20
|
Importance Of Farmers Union Youth Program
: Has helped keep family together; teaches legislation, education, and cooperation. Recalls how Chester Dodge, Mondovi school principal, approved student absence to attend Farmers Union state conventions because of educational value.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
06:35
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Advantages Of Farmers Union Youth Program
: Lessons taught from age eight; major advantages include opportunity to attend state Farmers Union camp and to earn trips to national camp in Colorado. Segerstrom children and grandchildren have attended national camp.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
10:35
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Location Of Youth Program Local Meetings
: Met at first in farm homes; later in Mondovi city building. Junior leaders conduct monthly youth meetings.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
12:00
|
Location Of Farmers Union Meetings
: At first in members' homes; later moved to Naples town hall or schoolhouse. Earl Robinson guided merger between Mondovi and Naples locals.; local now meets in Mondovi city building.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
13:20
|
Comparison Of Farmers Union Youth Program And 4-H
: Farmers Union youth program has broader view that stresses legislation, education, and cooperation, while 4-H emphasis on developing skills related to specific aspects of farm life. Many children belong to both groups.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
16:45
|
Farmers Union Organizes First Camp
: MS involved in first week-long Farmers Union camp at Chetek. Ruth Huntington, first state Farmers Union junior leader with 4-H experience, and some national junior leaders helped to organize youth program and camp.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
18:50
|
Farmers Union President Kenneth Hones First Suggests Building Farmers Union Youth Camp
: Hones, a nature-lover, suggested establishment of independent Farmers Union youth camp.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
19:30
|
Farmers Union Raises Money For Camp
: Raised money through locals, cooperatives, sales, basket socials. Segerstroms donated much money and labor.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
21:20
|
Farmers Union Members Help Build Camp
: MS recalls clearing out brush before getting first building started. RS remembers digging out for fireplace and trenches for foundation, putting on siding, constructing chimney for main building. All labor voluntary; no electricity at first.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
26:30
|
Ken Hones's Contribution To Camp Development
: Kamp Kenwood named for Hones, possibly at Jean Long's suggestion. Hones prepared layout and building plans. Allowed few trees to be cut; left little auto parking space.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
29:20
|
Junior Leaders Attend Camp
: Junior leaders attended camp every summer.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
29:50
|
Kamp Kenwood Schedule
: Beginners attend three days; juniors for one week. Chaperones and lifeguards watch children. Legislation, education, and cooperation instruction for several hours each morning. In the afternoon children play, perform skits, run. cooperative stores to learn management.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
32:55
|
Camp Admits Children Of Non-Farmers Union Members
: City children may attend as visitors.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
33:35
|
End Tape 4, Side 1
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
00:00
|
Introduction
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
00:30
|
Farmers Union Permits Children Of Non-Members To Attend Kamp Kenwood
: As guests, although Farmers Union children have first priority.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
01:10
|
Farmers Union Juniors Plant Trees At Camp In 1940's
: In 1940's juniors planted over five hundred pine trees to line camp road.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
02:35
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Location Of Kamp Kenwood
: On Lake Wissota near Chippewa Falls. All log buildings constructed from trees on property.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
05:05
|
Relationship Between Farmers Union Local And Cooperatives In Mondovi And Eleva
: Although seventy-five to eighty per cent of Mondovi Equity Cooperative patrons are farmers, not necessary to be member of Farmers Union. Anyone, including townspeople, who patronize cooperative can share in cooperative dividends.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
07:40
|
Relationship Between Cooperative And Farmers Union Central Exchange
: Mondovi cooperative also operated large feed mill and corn bins. Cooperative early bought fuel from Skelly Oil Company; later pro-Farmers Union directors control board of Mondovi Equity Cooperative. When Farmers Union member Francis Diller hired as manager, cooperative affiliated with Central Exchange.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
12:00
|
Segerstroms Attend Central Exchange Annual Meeting In Twin Cities
: Attended Central Exchange annual meetings each year beginning in mid-1930's. Impressed with speakers, enjoyed banquets. Later, Segerstroms helped organize busloads for $2.50 to $3.00 apiece and arranged for free meals.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
17:00
|
New Building Of Farmers Union Grain Terminal Association (GTA)
: Attended open house for new GTA headquarters building in about 1933-1934. “ Overnight” profits on flax paid for building. Segerstroms knew M.W. Thatcher personally; admired ex-teacher Frank Livingston who gave visitors tour of the building.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
22:35
|
Central Exchange Annual Meetings Stimulate Patronage Of Local Cooperatives
: Visitors to Central Exchange annual meetings impressed by set-up; helped build patronage in local Farmers Union cooperatives.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
24:00
|
More Discussion On Bus Trips To Central Exchange Annual Meetings
: MS organized busloads to Central Exchange for ten to fifteen years. Mondovi Equity Cooperative began to pay for buses when Francis Diller became manager. No bus trips during last few years.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
26:55
|
Central Exchange Helps Finance State And Local Farmers Union Organizations
: Central Exchange returns percentage of income to state Farmers Union for education; money distributed to locals. MS feels youth program would have financial problems without Central Exchange.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
29:30
|
Elements Necessary For Successful Cooperative
: Manager must be cooperative-minded, believe in cooperative philosophy. Directors must set example by cooperative patronage. Manager must be a good businessman. Francis Diller manager for twelve years, “really put the Mondovi Equity... where it is today.” Got along well with private businessmen. Central Exchange distributes certain percentage of margin to local cooperatives.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
33:50
|
End Tape 4, Side 2
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
00:00
|
Introduction
|
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
00:30
|
Membership And Attendance Trends In Naples-Mondovi Farmers Union Local
: Membership steady, but attendance at meetings has dropped. More diversions, such as bowling and school events, reduce attendance at local and cooperative meetings.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
02:25
|
Farmers Have Less Free Time With Modern Machinery
: Greater reliance on machinery since 1930's fails to provide more free time. Care of more efficient but expensive machinery, larger herds, night field work, second jobs, all reduce farmers' time for Farmers Union and other meetings. Segerstroms feel they would rather farm in 1930's than in 1976.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
07:15
|
Hard Times Bring Farmers To Farmers Union Meetings
: Good attendance at meetings when people in distress, as during the Depression. RS sees hard times in neighborhood in 1976 because of three years of drought, high interest rates, and high debts.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
10:35
|
Good Attendance At Farmers Union State Meetings
: MS optimistic over improved attendance at state Farmers Union meetings and at special meetings on important issues; believes people aware of FU influence on national legislation.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
11:35
|
Attendance At Farmers Union Meetings During World War II
: High during 1940's; has fallen steadily since 1950's.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
12:05
|
Early Farmers Union State Conventions
: First area meeting held in 1929 in Dunn County; first state convention held in Menomonie in 1930. First state convention raucous affair with much competition over leadership and platform. Little intensive debate at later meetings; general agreement on desire for higher prices for produce. Conventions peaceful during Hones presidency; members satisfied with his organizational ability.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
18:25
|
Communists Fail To Infiltrate Farmers Union
: In early 1950's Jenkins of Dunn County, a communist, tried to undermine Farmers Union through education department. Hones found communist literature in education program and burned it; could have been troublesome for Farmers Union during McCarthy period.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
20:05
|
Farmer Radicalism In The Segerstrom's Neighborhood
: No radicals in neighborhood.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
20:50
|
Dissension Within Farmers Union
: Friction between Hones and Mary Jo Weiler and Warren Miller in late 1930's due more to personalities than substance.
: Meant to say Warren Nelson, state secretary in late-1930's.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
21:40
|
M.W. Thatcher Effective Proponent Of Central Exchange
: Good speaker; persuaded farmers that strong cooperatives in Twin Cities would benefit all farmers whether cooperative members or not. Experienced in grain business, Thatcher could demonstrate to farmers advantages of cooperation.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
24:40
|
Comments On Charles Talbott
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
25:50
|
Comments On A.N. Ricker
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|
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
26:55
|
Membership Dues In Farmers Union
: Membership dues dropped from $7.50 when Segerstroms first joined to $2.50 during hard times of 1934-1936. Increases since.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
28:00
|
Farmers Union Juniors Get Farmers Union Life Insurance Policy
: Those who complete youth program and first year of junior work receive free $1,000 insurance policy; recipient pays $1.00 per year on policy thereafter.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
29:10
|
RS Farmers Union Insurance Agent
: RS one of first area Farmers Union insurance agents; sold for 23 years until 1971.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
30:40
|
Farmer-Labor Progressive Federation (FLPF)
: RS believed Farmers Union membership in FLPF in 1930's would mean greater influence on national legislation; helped support political candidates who were La Follette progressives.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
32:35
|
Political Rally Attended By Phil La Follette
: Recalls meeting at Durand where Phil La Follette spoke to 2,000-3,000 people gathered at Tom Pattison's. RS worked hard for Phil La Follette.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
33:45
|
End Tape 5, Side 1
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
00:00
|
Introduction
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
00:30
|
Continuation Of Discussion About Meeting At Pattison's
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
00:50
|
Comments On Robert La Follette, Jr.
: Seldom at area meetings, though sometimes at Farmers Union state conventions. RS recalls that La Follette a good speaker who held the old La Follette philosophy.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
01:30
|
La Follette Returns To Republican Party; Segerstroms Join With Democrats
: Dismayed when Bob La Follette, Jr. returned to Republican party in 1940's. Segerstroms became Democrats, as party philosophy had changed. Feel Roosevelt brought U.S. out of crisis; Harry Truman also “wonderful.”
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
03:00
|
Wisconsin Democrats During Governorship Of Albert Schmedeman
: During Schmedeman's term, philosophy of Wisconsin Democrats not like that of national party under Roosevelt.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
03:30
|
Most Progressives In Segerstrom's Neighborhood Become Democrats
: Most Progressives became Democrats when Wisconsin party reorganized.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
04:40
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Early Leaders In Buffalo County Area Who Help Organize New Democratic Party
: Included Arthur Hitt, Adolph and Verna Maasson, Arthur Benjamin, Elmer Steiner, Progressives in 1930's.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
06:20
|
RS Joins Democratic Party
: RS voted for Roosevelt in 1930's; began to support local Democratic candidates in 1940's after demise of Progressives. Historically, Buffalo county heavily Republican, but has “gone a long way these past years.” RS chairman of Buffalo county Democratic party for six years and helped bring about change. Over 350 county members in 1976.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
08:45
|
Why Democratic Party Begins To Challenge Republican Party In Buffalo County
: Democrats beat many old Republicans because Democratic programs help farmers, small businessmen, and working people. Truman years best for farmer in terms of prices and profits. People did well under Democrats; “moved up” in the 1940's after the hard times of the 1930's. No reason to support Republicans, the party of the rich.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
12:15
|
Why Farmers Should Work With Urban Workers
: Although workers want low food prices, and farmers want to sell for high prices, the two groups are interdependent; must buy products of each other's labor. Concerned, however, about such arrangements as “Russian wheat deal.”
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
15:50
|
Agriculture Educates Labor
: Farmers trying to educate workers to understand rural problems, especially in matter of parity income. Parity level of 75 per cent established during Eisenhower administration not high enough in 1976.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
17:15
|
Comments On Government Bureaucracy
: Many government organizations with similar functions should be consolidated; national government should be as efficient as any private enterprise, according to RS.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
18:50
|
Farmers Need Government-Administered Parity Levels
: RS supports government parity price controls to protect farmers against uncertainty of “supply and demand.” Opposes establishment of wages above parity by organized labor. Full parity with definite floor and ceiling worked during Truman's administration; changed by Republicans.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
21:25
|
Farmers Union Members Travel To Washington, D.C. To Meet With Government Leaders
: RS went in 1953 and MS in 1954 to Washington to speak with congressional representatives and administration officials. Eisenhower and agriculture secretary Ezra Taft Benson reluctant to meet with Farmers Union representatives. Particularly irritated because Benson had lowered parity level for milk from 90 to 75 per cent; for Segerstroms meant loss of $100 per month.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
24:50
|
Comments On Senator Alexander Wiley
: Republican who nevertheless received much Democratic support. Good on some issues, willing to meet with Farmers Union representatives, but never did much.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
26:00
|
Comments On Melvin Laird
: Refused to meet with any Wisconsin Farmers Union representatives who were not district constituents.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
26:40
|
Comments On Lester Johnson
: Very good Congressman.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
26:45
|
Comments On Vernon Thomson
: Republican who always promised much during election campaigns but did little. Improved in later years because of stiff Democratic challengers.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
28:20
|
Comments On Others Who Ran Against Vernon Thomson
: Mention unsuccessful campaign of Democrat Gunnar A. Gundersen. Ray Short from Platteville a good man, as was Alvin Baldus from Eau Claire. Feel individual farmers have fared better under Democrats than Republicans, but will support Republicans who do a good job.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
30:50
|
Crops And Livestock During Early Years Of Farming
: Farmed 120 acres in four-year rotation; divided almost equally between 20-25 acres clover timothy and oats; 20-25 corn; 20-25 hay; and 20-25 pasture. Had 20-22 milking cows, plus 15 younger cows to replenish herd. Also had four horses.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
33:35
|
End Tape 6, Side 1
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
00:00
|
Introduction
|
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
00:30
|
More On Livestock During Early Years Of Farming
: Farm supported around 100 hogs. Had 150-200 laying hens, bought chicks every year. Bought groceries with egg money. Usually bought a little corn for hogs. Never bought hay since crops and pasture sufficient to feed cattle.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
02:05
|
Farm Machinery From 1920's
: Bought used grain binder for $50 in 1924. Bought used drill, springtooth harrow. Also had corn binder to cut and bind corn for silo filling. Shared threshing machines, corn shredders, and silo fillers with other farmers.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
03:45
|
Early Farm Income
: Before 1930's got about six cents per pound for hogs. Managed fairly well although cream check not too large.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
04:15
|
Herd
: Usually bought oil-meal to add protein to feed for cows. Good herd of Guernseys which averaged 400 pounds butterfat. Cow tester came, first one in 1920's.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
05:20
|
Raising Alfalfa
: Liming program led to alfalfa. Later, mixed timothy and broom grass with alfalfa to improve pasture. Always mowed hay, forked it loose and filled 30 x 70 barn. Later, got wire hay baler and baling fork to help get hay into mow.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
07:25
|
Later Machinery Purchases
: Relatively little invested in machinery. First tractor a 10 W which cost $360. In 1945, purchased International Harvester tractor, though still used horses for hauling manure in winter and planting corn.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
08:05
|
Milkhouse
: Built milkhouse in 1947 for Grade B milk. Cooler held six to eight cans; used cans until quit farming.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
09:25
|
Sells Herd And Machinery And Quits Farming
: Auctioned dairy herd as well as some machinery in 1958; son left for military service and farming too much work without his help.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
10:35
|
Builds Concrete Silo
: In 1942 builder from Downsville (Dunn county) offered to build 12 x 40 concrete silo for less than $600. Same builder contracted with other farmers in area. Wanted more stable silo since old wooden one had blown down twice.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
13:10
|
Hired Labor
: No hired labor until sons got older, except for occasional day work in busy seasons.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
14:25
|
Relationship With County Agent
: Saw county agent occasionally at meetings, but received little help on farm improvements. RS kept up with farm developments by reading extensively after his normal school agricultural course. Cow tester provided new information on feeding.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
16:20
|
Compares Drought In 1970's To One In 1930's
: Buffalo county shortage of rain for last three years (1973-1976) has brought drought just as bad as in 1934-1936. Ground dry “clear down”; much moisture needed, especially for type soil in area. Good land cracking open as deep as eight feet near brother's farm around St. Peter, Minnesota.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
18:25
|
Farmers Cut Pine Tree Windbreaks
: Some farmers extend crop acreage by removing pine trees planted during Depression to prevent sand erosion.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
20:05
|
Little Direct Aid From National Government During 1930's
: Received no subsidy to purchase grass and hay for cows. Farmers paid for transportation of lime. Some farmers in 1930's unable to take lime or fertilizer because they had no equipment for spreading.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
21:30
|
Orchard And Garden
: Has always had orchard; grew apples, plums, berries. Always had a large garden, and proud of Concord grapes.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
23:00
|
Comments On Future Of Rural Life And Farming
: RS generally optimistic, but concerned with need for government to provide incentives to keep young folks on farm despite high costs and interest rates. Fears corporate ownership will squeeze out family-size farm. MS feels farming good experience; they planned carefully, managed with what they had, never went into debt. Easy credit in 1976 has led to credit over-use.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
27:55
|
Cooperative Commonwealth And Organizational Membership Among Farmers
: Still a possibility with greater support from more people. Farm Bureau, Farmers Union, and National Farmers Organization all working for same things; have decided to compete less and work together to sign up members. Important that collective membership of farmers' organizations increases. Some farmers in Buffalo county belong to more than one general organization. Segerstroms believe that Farm Bureau in particular has changed; greater sympathy than before for retaining family-size farm.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
33:10
|
End Of Interview
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|
Index to Interview with Rangnar and Margaret Segerstrom
- Agricultural Practices
- 1:2, 00:30; 2:2, 00:30, 04:15, 07:05; 3:1, 28:00;
3:2, 02:30; 6:1, 30:50; 6:2, 05:20, 18:25, 20:05
- Alma
- 3:1, 02:15; 3:2, 20:35, 30:00
- American Society of Equity
- 2:2, 13:05, 15:35
- Baldus, Alvin
- 6:1, 28:20
- Baltimore
- 1:1, 23:45
- Barron County
- 3:1, 05:30
- Benjamin, Arthur
- 6:1, 04:40
- Benson, Ezra Taft
- 6:1, 21:25
- Bohemians
- 1:1, 12:05
- Buffalo County
- 1:1, 00:30; 1:2, 16:15; 2;2, 24:50; 6:1, 04:40, 06:20, 08:45; 6:2, 16:20, 27:55
- Buffalo County Electric Cooperative
- 3:2, 24:15
- Cattle-Raising/Marketing
- 1:2, 00:30, 08:40
- CENEX
- See Farmers Union Central Exchange, Inc
- Chetek
- 4:1, 16:45
- Chippewa Falls
- 2:2, 25:50; 3:1, 24:30; 4:2, 02:35
- Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
- 3:2, 00:35
- Colorado
- 4:1, 06:35
- Communism/Communists
- 5:1, 18:25
- Cooperative Commonwealth
- 6:2, 27:55
- County Agricultural Agent
- 2:2, 07:05; 6:2, 14:25
- Cows, Dairy
- 2:1, 25:15; 6:2, 04:15, 09:25
- Crash of 1929
- 1:2, 22:00
- Dairying Practices
- 2:1, 15:20
- Democrats/Democratic Party
- 1:2, 09:15; 6;1, 01:30-08:45, 24:50, 26:45, 28:20
- Depression
- 1:2, 22:00, 25:05, 31:00; 2:2, 16:00; 3:1, 25:40; 5:1, 07:15; 6:1, 08:45; 6:2, 18:25
- Diller, Francis
- 4:2, 07:40, 24:00, 29:30
- Dodge, Chester
- 4:1, 02:20
- Downsville
- 6:2, 10:35
- Dunn County
- 5:1, 12:05, 18:25
- Durand
- 5:1, 32:35
- Eau Claire
- 2:1, 30:35; 3:1, 24:30; 6:1, 28:20
- Eisenhower, Dwight D.
- 6:1, 21:25
- Eleva
- 1:2, 14:30; 4:2, 05:05
- Equity Cooperative Livestock Shipping Association
- 2:1, 30:35
- Ethnicity, Town of Troy (St. Croix County)
- 1:1, 12:05
- Town of Naples (Buffalo County)
- 1:1, 16:50
- Europe
- 1:1, 25:30
- Farm Bureau
- 6:2, 27:55
- Farmer-Labor Progressive Federation (FLPF)
- 5:1, 30:40
- Farmer-Labor Relations
- 6:1, 12:15, 15:50
- Farmers Cooperative Lumber Company (Mondovi)
- 2:2, 11:45
- Farmers Holiday Association
- 2:2, 27:10, 28:05; 3:1, 16:30, 17:30, 19:05
- Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America (see also Wisconsin
Farmers Union)
- 3:1, 15:20; 6:2, 27:55
- --Northwest Organizing Committee
- 2:2, 16:00
- --Youth Program
- 4:1, 02:20, 06:35, 10:35, 13:20; 4:2, 26:55
- Farmers Union Central Exchange, Inc. (CENEX)
- 2:2, 04:15; 3:1, 15:20; 4:2, 07:40, 12:00, 22:35, 24:00, 26:55, 29:30; 5:1, 21:40
- Farmers Union Grain Terminal Association (GTA)
- 4:2, 17:00
- Farmers Union Life Insurance
- 5:1, 28:00, 29:10
- Farm Implements
- 1:2, 00:30; 2:2, 00:30, 04:15; 5:1, 02:25; 6:2, 02:05, 05:20, 07:25, 09:25
- Farm Labor
- 6:2, 13:10
- Farm Power
- 2:1, 09:00, 15:20; 3:2, 08:15, 16:55, 20:35
- Farm Wives
- 2:1, 21:20; 3:2, 27:30
- Federal Land Bank
- 1:2, 31:00
- Ford Automobile
- 1:2, 20:20
- 4-H
- 4:1, 13:20, 16:45
- Gilberts, Arnold
- 3:1, 14:15
- Great Lakes Naval Training Center
- 1:1, 20:15
- Gundersen, Gunnar A.
- 6:1, 28:20
- Hammond
- 1:1, 05:45
- Hitt, Arthur
- 3:1, 02:15; 3:2, 20:35, 30:00; 6:1, 04:40
- Hoard's Dairyman
- 2:2, 07:05
- Hog-Raising/Marketing
- 2:1, 30:35
- Hones, Kenneth
- 3:1, 05:30; 4:1, 18:50, 26:30; 5:1, 12:05, 18:25
- Hull, Merlin
- 2:2, 19:45
- Huntington, Ruth
- 4:1, 16:45
- Jenkins, Mr.
- 5:1, 18:25
- Johnson, Lester
- 6:1, 26:40
- Kamp Kenwood
- 4:1, 18:50-32:55; 4:2, 00:30, 01:10, 02:35
- La Follette, Philip
- 2:2,19:45; 5:l,32:35
- La Follette, Robert, Jr.
- 6:1, 00:50, 01:30
- La Follette, Robert, Sr.
- 1:1, 23:45; 1:2, 09:15; 5:1, 30:40
- Lake Wissota
- 4:2, 02:35
- Laird, Melvin
- 6:1, 26:00
- Lewis, George
- 3:1, 02:15; 3:2, 30:00
- Livingston, Frank
- 4:2, 17:00
- Long, Jean
- 4:1, 26:30
- Loomis, Orland
- 3:2, 30:00
- Maassen, Adolph
- 6:1, 04:40
- Maassen,Verna
- 6:1, 04:40
- Madison
- 2:2, 25:50, 28:05; 3:1, 05:30, 19:05
- Mann Valley (St. Croix County)
- 1:1, 12:05
- Marshfield
- 3:1, 16:30
- Mauston
- 3:2, 30:00
- Maxwell (Buffalo County)
- 3:2, 00:35
- McCarthyism
- 5:1, 18:25
- Menomonie
- 2:2, 19:45; 5:1, 12:05
- Milk/Cream Marketing
- 2:1, 22:45
- Milkhouse
- 6:2, 08:05
- Milking Machine
- 2:1, 28:15
- Milk Strikes
- 3:1, 21:15
- Milwaukee
- 2:1, 30:35
- Minneapolis
- 1:1, 05:45
- Minneapolis-St. Paul
- 4:2, 12:00, 17:00; 5:1, 21:40
- Mondovi
- 1:1, 00:30; 1:2, 20:20; 2:1, 30:35; 2:2, 07:05, 11:45; 3:1, 21:15, 28:00;
4:1, 02:20; 4:2, 29:30
- Mondovi City Building
- 3:1, 28:00; 4:1, 10:35, 12:00
- Mondovi Cooperative Creamery
- 2:1, 15:20, 22:45; 2:2, 11:45; 3:1, 21:15
- Mondovi Equity Cooperative
- 2:2, 11:45; 4:2, 05:05, 07:40, 24:00, 29:30
- Naples (Buffalo County)
- 1:1, 00:30; 1:2, 00:30; 3:2, 08:15; 4:1, 12:00
- National Farmers Organization (NFO)
- 6:2, 27:55
- Nelson (Buffalo County)
- 3:2, 00:35
- Nelson, George
- 2:2, 13:05
- Nelson, Warren
- 5:1, 20:50
- Norden Cheese Factory
- 2:1, 18:40
- Northern States Power Company
- 3:2, 08:15, 24:15
- Norwegians
- 1:1, 15:50
- Olson, Benny
- 2:2, 19:45
- Pace School (Town of Naples)
- 1:1, 01:45
- Pattison, Tom
- 5:1, 32:35; 6:1, 00:30
- Penny Auctions
- 2:2, 32:10
- Platteville
- 6:1, 28:20
- Politics (in Town of Naples)
- 1:2, 09:15; 3:1, 28:00; 5:1, 20:05; 6:1, 03:30
- Prairie Farm
- 3:1, 05:30
- Reno, Milo
- 3:1, 19:05, 24:30
- Republicans/Republican Party
- 1:2, 09:15; 3:2, 02:30; 5:1, 30:40; 6:1, 03:30-08:45, 18:50, 24:50, 26:45, 28:20
- Ricker, A.N.
- 5:1, 25:50
- River Falls
- 1:1, 05:45, 12:05; 1:2, 08:40
- River Falls Normal School
- 1:1, 05:45; 2:2, 07:05
- Robinson, Earl
- 4:1, 12:00
- Roosevelt, Franklin D.
- 1:2, 16:15, 26:10; 3:1, 28:00; 6:1, 01:30, 03:00, 06:20
- Rural Electrification Administration (REA)
- 2:1, 09:00; 3:2, 08:15-31:30
- Rural Road Conditions (Buffalo County)
- 1:2, 16:15, 26:10; 3:1, 28:00; 3:2, 00:35
- St. Croix County
- 1:1, 05:45
- St. Peter, Minnesota
- 6:2, 16:20
- Sanderson, William
- 3:1, 02:15
- Schmedeman, Albert
- 6:1, 03:00
- Schultheiss, Fred
- 3:1, 05:30, 11:35, 14:15
- Segerstrom, Margaret O. Family
- 1:1, 15:50; 1:2, 09:15, 14:30, 27:55; 2:1, 03:05,
18:40
- Segerstrom, Rangnar Family
- 1:1, 12:05, 23:45; 1:2, 29:30, 31:00, 32:25
- Segerstrom, Rangnar and Margaret Family
- 3:2, 27:30, 31:30; 4:1, 06:35
- Short, Ray
- 6:1, 28:20
- Singler, Walter
- 3:1, 16:30
- Skelly Oil Company
- 4:2, 07:40
- Socialism/Socialists
- 2:2, 13:05
- Soil Conservation Service (SCS)
- 3:2, 02:30
- South St. Paul, Minnesota
- 2:1, 30:35; 2:2, 04:15; 3:1, 15:20
- Steiner, Elmer
- 6:1, 04:40
- Swedes
- 1:1, 12:05
- Talbott, Charles
- 5:1, 24:40
- Thatcher, M.W.
- 4:2, 17:00; 5:1, 21:40
- Thomson, Vernon
- 6:1, 26:45, 28:20
- Trempealeau County
- 3:1, 02:15; 3:2, 08:15, 24:15, 30:00
- Troy (St. Croix County)
- 1:1, 05:45
- Truman, Harry S.
- 6:1, 01:30, 08:45, 18:50
- U.S. Army
- 1:1, 20:15
- U.S. Congress
- 3:2, 30:00
- U.S. Government and Agriculture
- 6:1, 17:15, 18:50, 21:25; 6:2, 20:05, 23:00
- U.S. Navy
- 1:1, 05:45, 20:15
- U.S. Senate
- 1:1, 23:45
- U.S.S. Massachusetts
- 1:1, 25:30, 29:45
- U.S.S. Santalina
- 1:1, 25:30
- Washington, D.C.
- 6:1, 21:25
- Waumaundee
- 3:2, 00:35
- Weiler, Mary Jo
- 5:1, 20:50
- Wiley, Alexander
- 6:1, 24:50
- Wisconsin Agriculturist
- 2:2, 07:05
- Wisconsin Cooperative Milk Pool
- 3:1, 16:30
- Wisconsin Farmers Union
- 2:1, 30:35; 2:2, 07:05, 15:35, 16:00, 19:45, 24:50, 25:50; 3:1, 00:30, 02:15, 05:30, 14:15, 19:05; 3:2, 08:15, 20:35, 30:00; 4:1, 02:20, 16:45, 19:30, 21:20; 4:2, 00:30, 07:40, 29:30; 5:1, 02:25, 07:15, 10:35, 11:35, 12:05, 18:25, 20:50, 26:55,30:40; 6:1, 00:50, 21:25, 24:50, 26:00
- --Naples-Mondovi Local #41
- 2:2, 25:50, 28:05; 3:1, 28:00; 4:1, 00:30, 12:00; 4:2, 05:05; 5:1, 00:30
- Wood-cutting
- 2:1, 03:05
- Works Progress Administration (WPA)
- 1:2, 16:15, 26:10; 3:1, 28:00; 3:2, 00:35
- World War I
- 1:1, 22:45, 23:45, 25:30; 1:2, 09:15, 22:00, 31:00
- World War II
- 5:1, 11:35
- Young, A.N.
- 3:1, 02:15, 05:30
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