Summary Information
Oral History Interview with Melvin Sprecher
1976
Audio 566A
7 tape recordings
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)
Interview conducted by Dale Treleven of the Historical staff with Melvin Sprecher, a rural Sauk City, Wisconsin, dairy farmer who helped found Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative and served as chairman of the board of Land O'Lakes, Inc.; including discussion of consolidation of various dairy marketing cooperatives, details on the Wisconsin Creameries Association and on Dairy Maid Products Cooperative, service on national agriculture councils, dislike of the National Farmers' Organization, Sauk County school consolidation, his general farming experiences and opinions, and related topics.
Part of the Wisconsin Agriculturalists Oral History Project.
English
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-audi00566a
Biography/History
Except for a brief period during his youth, Melvin Sprecher is a life-long resident of the Sauk City-Prairie du Sac area, in Sauk County, Wisconsin. He was born on April 27, 1911, in a farm home located one mile north of Witwen, a hamlet about seven miles west of Sauk City-Prairie du Sac. Graduating from high school on the eve of the Crash and Great Depression, Sprecher was thwarted in his desire to work in a dairy plant and, as a result, in his bid to enroll in the dairy school at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Employed as a hired man for several years, he began to operate his own farm after his marriage in the mid-1930s. One problem followed another but the farming operation eventually prospered, especially during the years of World War II. Sprecher marketed his milk at the nearby Honey Creek Valley Cooperative Creamery (earlier called Witwen Creamery) and grew more active as a farmer-patron. In 1947 he was elected to the cooperative's board of directors, the first of many elected positions Melvin Sprecher would hold on the boards of various state and national cooperative organizations over the thirty years that followed. Ultimately he was elected chairman of the board, Land O'Lakes, Inc., Minneapolis, one of the largest and most successful dairy products marketing cooperatives in the United States.
Melvin Sprecher is the most significant farmer involved in the planning and formation of the Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative in the early-1960s. Small dairy plants located in western Wisconsin, most of which were affiliated with the Wisconsin Cooperative Creameries Association, and a large dairy cooperative at Sauk City merged to create the WDC after Sprecher and others convinced boards of directors, managers, businessmen, and farmers in many western Wisconsin communities that merger would serve the best interests of all in the long run. The vision was to create one dairy marketing cooperative that would extend, in the words of Rudy Froker, dean of the University of Wisconsin College of Agriculture, “from the Wisconsin river to the Mississippi.”
Scope and Content Note
Interview
I [interviewer Dale Treleven of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin] first met Melvin Sprecher on November 25, 1974, at Wendt's Cafe, two miles west of Sauk City at the junction of highways 12 and 60. Society field representative James Cavanaugh and I listened in awe to Sprecher's account of how the Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative evolved. While it appeared that Sprecher's explanation was well-rehearsed and often-delivered, that he had prepared neither taped nor written accounts made it essential that the remembrances be recorded for permanent preservation. Sprecher agreed to be taped and I subsequently expanded the scope of the interview to include reflections on farming, rural life, general farmers organizations, and the issue of school consolidation in Sauk County. I conducted the interviews on three separate occasions in 1976--on the mornings of June 21 and August 9, and on the morning and early afternoon of November 10. While the first two sessions were held in the presence of Sprecher's wife, Della, in the living room of their home in Witwen, the November 10 taping took place in the living room of their new residence in Sauk City. Della Sprecher was out of the city on that date. Melvin Sprecher, a large, warm, solidly built, bespectacled individual, was dressed in casual trousers and either a sport or flannel shirt during each of the recording sessions. We sat across from each other separated by a folding card table which held the microphone, cookies and coffee.
The interview provides a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative as remembered by one who played a critical role in convincing others that consolidation was a step in the right direction. A “consolidationist” in other respects, Sprecher also served on the Sauk County School Consolidation Committee beginning in the late-1940s, to attach territory in Sauk county to one of three high school districts. He vividly recalls incidents that reveal the intenseness of the controversy surrounding the consolidation issue. Sprecher also comments on a wide range of other subjects that should interest the researcher: beginning to farm during the Depression; farm changes and improvements from the 1930s to 1970s; the impact of World War II on Wisconsin agriculture; rural get-togethers for work, play, or prayer; the function and roles of past and present cooperatives in Wisconsin; extensive comments on the role of government in agriculture in the context of the program of the National Farmers Organization (whose state office is located in Sauk City); and the changing attitudes of rural banks towards making agricultural loans.
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 by using a tape recorder's fast-forward button may find expeditiously and listen to discrete segments without listening to all of the taped discussion. For instance, the user who wishes to listen to the topic on “CHURCH OPPOSITION IN SWITCHING TO GRADE A MILK” should locate the place on the second track of tape one, side one, where the voice announces the 02:55 time-marking (the voice says at this point, “two minutes, fifty-five seconds”), and at this point switch to the first track to hear the discussion. The discussion on “CHURCH OPPOSITION IN SWITCHING TO GRADE A MILK” continues until approximately 05:20 at which point discussion of the next topic (“LEND-LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND WISCONSIN COOPERATIVE. . . .”) begins.
Notice that in most cases sentences beneath each headline explain more about the contents of the topic. For example, the sentences underneath “CHURCH OPPOSITION IN SWITCHING TO GRADE A MILK” give further details on what appears on the tape between 02:55 and 05:20.
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 all proper nouns and distinct historical phenomena which appear in the abstract. Each entry is followed by one or more three-part citations specifying the locations where the entries appear. For instance, Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI) is followed by the citations 2:2, 19:25, 22:50, 25:55. This indicates that references to the Associated Milk Producers, Inc. appear on Tape 2, Side 2 within time-markings beginning at 19:25, 22:50, and 25:55.
Administrative/Restriction Information
Finding aid prepared by Dale E. Treleven, April 15, 1977.
Contents List
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Audio 566A
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6/21/76
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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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BECOMES INVOLVED IN COOPERATIVES
: Ambition since high school to work in dairy plant. After graduation in 1929, unable to get lob in creamery since most plants hiring married men only. Began farming in 1935; kept attending meetings of Witwen Creamery, later Honey Creek Valley Dairy Cooperative. Elected to board of directors in 1947.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
02:55
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CHURCH OPPOSITION IN SWITCHING TO GRADE A MILK
: Increased demand for whole milk during war years prompted Sprecher and others to favor conversion to Grade A operation. Evangelical church opposed because Grade A milk meant work on Sunday.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
05:20
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LEND-LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND WISCONSIN COOPERATIVE CREAMERIES ASSOCIATION (WCCA)
: In mid-1940s WCCA, consisting of about eighteen member creameries, made agreement with government to provide dried milk in exchange for construction of plant under lend-lease program. Plant with capacity of 300,000 pounds built at Union Center (Juneau county), a compromise location which was a mistake.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
08:00
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DRIED MILK PRODUCTION AT UNION CENTER
: Plant ultimately produced one million pounds per day. Disagree- ment over whether dried milk a “war-time baby” only or research would prove it a good product for human consumption. Powder now a major product from milk.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
08:55
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PROLIFERATION OF GRADE A MILK MARKET
: Several Grade A milk plants, but most farmers resisted “having those inspectors come around from Chicago and smell your farm out.” Honey Creek converted to Grade A in early 1950s; truckers first picked up in cans; bulk handling began and that proved to be “the riot.” Haulers needed to modernize; farmers had to be reindoctrinated that bulk cooling made it possible to mix morning and evening milk.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
11:10
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IMPACT OF GRADE A ON SMALL DAIRY PLANTS
: Patrons lost; financial difficulties. Recalls one plant appealing to WCCA directors; decided to do consolidation feasibility study of the eighteen plants.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
13:00
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RESISTANCE TO CONSOLIDATION PLANS OF WCCA
: Resistance from small-town bankers, businessmen, women shoppers. Biggest counterargument: higher farmer income will increase farmers' trade potential in local community. Arranged for many banks to be depositories for cooperative's funds. Key question was whether patrons should join new organization piecemeal or all together.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
15:55
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INTAKE BUILT FOR UNION CENTER TO CONVERT PLANT TO BUTTER
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
16:45
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LOCATION OF PLANTS THAT CONSOLIDATED INTO WCCA
: Sumpter, Baraboo, Wisconsin Dells, La Valle, Wonewoc, Mauston, Ontario, Clifton, Mount Tabor, Hillsboro, Oakdale. Intensive competition between these cooperatives for patrons.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
17:45
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ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS IN ABSORBING PLANTS
: Some broke, some rich, all had equity in Union Center. Decided every plant to come in at ratio of $1.25 worth of assets to $1.00 worth of liabilities; pooled assets over that amount.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
20:00
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TRADITION OF FARMERS HAULING OWN MILK TO COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE CREAMERIES
: “Was holy with these farmers” to haul own milk; WCCA finally stopped subsidizing this by deciding no one would haul own milk.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
21:00
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ASSISTANCE FROM UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
: Help from such professors as L. C. Thomsen.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
21:45
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OTHER FARMERS WHO JOINED SPRECHER IN PROMOTING CONSOLIDATION OF SMALL PLANTS
: Haggerty from La Valle; Good from Wonewoc; Barnes at New Lisbon.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
22:40
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SUPPORT OF FARMERS FOR CONSOLIDATION
: Farmer-patrons of small plants often more support than leaders. Higher farm price for milk despite many having to make costly farm improvements. Younger farmers in debt more likely to cooperate.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
24:25
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PROBLEM OF STRUCTURING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
: Dissolved board; neutral committee set up new districting system and selected directors.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
26:15
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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN DEAN TELLS SPRECHER TO THINK BIGGER
: College of Agriculture Dean Rudolph Froker met with Sprecher in 1958 or 1959 and told him that WCCA still thinking small; needed “one cooperative from the Wisconsin River to the Mississippi;” cited accomplishments of Lake to Lake and Consolidated Badger. Urged Sprecher to call meeting to include representatives from plants at Sauk City, a bitter competitor; WCCA, Reedsburg, Richland Center, and Portage.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
31:20
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END OF 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
00:40
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EARLY MEETINGS AT LAKE DELTON AND ELROY
: Froker dominated dinner meeting of twenty-one representatives. Second meeting four-five months later at Elroy. No immediate results; Froker not disappointed. Dr. Nick Fabricius, Ladysmith, talked about merger from practical point of view. More receptiveness, but still hesitancy.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
05:20
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SPRECHER AND MANAGER OF SAUK CITY PLANT MAKE MERGER AGREEMENT IN ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY
: Floyd Harris and Sprecher agreed to work, on respective ends on milk plant territory. Sauk City and WCCA boards got together; inefficient if both Sauk City and WCCA put in expensive new dryers while both lose patrons.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
08:20
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AGREEMENT TO START NEWLY MERGED COOPERATIVE BY
: Assistance from Francis Hough, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. Exchanged equities; combined boards; redistricted territory; picked neutral name of Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative (WDC). By February, 1963, farmer-members approved merger. Harris named manager; Sprecher elected president. New dryer never purchased.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
12:20
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OTHER COOPERATIVES INDUCED TO JOIN WDC
: Good earnings; good publicity. By 1964, Richland Center cooperative having difficulties, but National Farmers Organization (NFO) critical of WDC threat to merge and close Richland Center plant. Richland Center businessmen favorable; WDC kept plant open after consolidation.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
16:20
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HILLPOINT COOPERATIVE JOINS WDC
: Hillpoint, Grade A powder plant at Reedsburg, result of previous mergers; pushed toward WDC by salmonella problem in 1965. WDC promised that the $200,000 in Hillpoint building fund would be distributed to farmers.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
19:20
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EXCELSIOR COOPERATIVE CREAMERY (BARABOO) JOINS WDC
: Joined not long after Hillpoint.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
20:25
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WISCONSIN DELLS JOINS WDC
: Well-run bottling, butter, and skim plant. WDC tried to continue bottling and failed; sold it to the Hawthorn-Mellody Company.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
22:00
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WDC VOTED OUT OF CHICAGO FLUID MARKET
: WDC competed against Pure Milk Association (PMA) in Chicago market. PMA voted out WDC's Chicago milk order in 1965. WDC decided to invest about $200,000 in Berne, Indiana firm; after several years cleaned house; Leroy Litscher took over management.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
25:50
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DAIRY MAID PRODUCTS COOPERATIVE (FORMERLY DRIED MILK PRODUCTS COOPERATIVE) JOINS WDC
: Based at Eau Claire, DMPC originally designed to inform member plants of dried milk prices.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
28:16
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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
00:35
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SPRECHER ELECTED TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF DRIED MILK PRODUCTS COOPERATIVE (DMPC)
: Elected to five-member board of directors before Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative (WDC) formed.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
02:25
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COMMENTS ON FLOYD LUCIA, MANAGER OF DMPC
: Originally field man for old Wisconsin Cooperative Creameries Association, Lucia became close friend of Sprecher's. “Father of initiating quality milk on the farm,” although abused by many farmers as “white-collar guy.”
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
03:20
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DMPC BEGINS TO PACKAGE POWDERED MILK
: DMPC sold surplus powdered milk to national government for welfare and aid distribution programs. Later began to package powder, as did the Sauk City plant and others in west central Wisconsin and Minnesota.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
05:35
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DEVELOPMENT OF IMPROVED POWDERED MILK
: DMPC supportive of research to develop powdered milk with better dissolvability; led to development of outstanding instant powdered milk. Also developed drying process, but Carnation sued for patent infringement.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
08:05
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DMPC BECOMES DAIRY MAID AND MERGES WITH LAND O'LAKES (LOL), INC.
: When DMPC began bulk handling of butter, changed name to Dairy Maid. Need for brand name and expected development of cheese line led to merger with LOL in March 1965. Dairy Maid brought eighty million dollars worth of business to LOL.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
10:10
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LOL CHEESE MARKETING
: LOL began merchandising consumer cheese several years before merger with WDC; had purchased large plant at Spencer, Wisconsin, still main plant for warehousing and packaging. Lake to Lake, leader in rindless packaging of natural cheese, today markets all butter and powder but only some cheese through LOL.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
11:50
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SPRECHER IS ELECTED TO LOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
: Sprecher elected to LOL board after territory redistricted following merger with Dairy Maid. Disagreement with Dean Froker over Dairy Maid-LOL proposed merger. Froker believed Wisconsin should develop its own statewide marketing organization and brand name, a feeling rooted as far back as the 1920s.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
13:50
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OTHER DIFFICULTIES IN PROMOTING DAIRYMAID-LOL MERGER
: Sprecher visited many plants to promote merger. Opposition from National Farmers Organization; Sprecher once followed home by three cars.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
14:40
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ATTEMPTS BY COOPERATIVES TO DEVELOP ASEPTIC CANNING
: Nick Fabricius advised Dairy Maid to use milk in western Wisconsin not under federal milk order system to use aseptic canning process for ice cream, mixed baby foods, and pudding. Plant at Clear Lake exciting but unstable because aseptic canning dependent upon “fad” products. LOL still in aseptic canning, but most others unsuccessful.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
16:25
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FELCO JOINS LOL; CONTROVERSY WHEN TERRITORY REDISTRICTED
: FELCO, primarily agricultural services organization for meat producers in Iowa, southern Minnesota, Nebraska, and parts of Dakota, desired marketing contract with LOL for meat and soy bean products. LOL and FELCO merged in 1970; controversial redistricting over six-state area.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
18:40
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NON-FARMER MEMBERS OF LOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
: Board added agricultural economist and “financial man” to provide outside knowledge and perspective. Sprecher feels additions made LOL a leader rather than follower of change.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
20:05
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SPRECHER ELECTED PRESIDENT OF LOL
: After FELCO and LOL merger, Sprecher elected president and has served for seven years. Now 65, Sprecher will retire from board by March 1977 because of LOL age policy.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
21:10
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OTHER LOL ACQUISITIONS
: Include H. C. Christian Company, large Chicago butter merchandising firm.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
21:25
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WDC LEADERSHIP IN BUTTER-MAKING AND POWDERED MILK OPERATION
: WDC first to adopt continuous butter-making operation; “putting the cream in one end and printing it out of the other end.” WDC also first to start bulk handling of powder in tote bins in 1964-1965.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
22:05
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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WDC AND LOL
: WDC first marketed powder through Dairy Maid, which merged with the LOL marketing organization. WDC now contracts with LOL to sell all its butter; LOL makes marketing decisions.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
24:30
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RIVALRY BETWEEN WDC AND HIAWATHA VALLEY DAIRIES COOPERATIVE
: Both established about same time. Though WDC now buys butter- milk from Hiawatha Valley and dries it, has been intensive, clean competition between them in acquiring smaller plants. Recalls WDC lost Cashton and Pigeon Falls plants to Hiawatha Valley. Hiawatha Valley markets cheese through LOL, and Sprecher foresees eventual Hiawatha Valley and WDC merger.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
26:20
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WDC TERRITORY
: Territory conforms to original plan of extending from Wisconsin River to Mississippi River. Also extends through southeast to Whitewater, Deerfield, and Genoa City to Illinois state line. Area not consolidated; much room for improvement.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
27:15
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PROBABILITY OF LARGER BUT FEWER FAMILY FARMS
: Foresees dwindling of present 50,000 farmers to half that number; believes dairy farming must become two-family operation to eliminate constant 365-day attention required now of one-family enterprises.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
27:50
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NEED FOR AND FAILURE OF MILK MARKETING COOPERATIVES TO SUPPORT YOUNG DAIRY FARMERS
: Feels cooperatives should be doing more to help farmers stay in business; so far “fancy resolutions” endorsing family farm and keeping young men on farm are only “nice words.” Too much emphasis in cooperatives on short-range economic returns; too little attention to long-range questions of helping to finance farmers and providing field services to help with feeding problems. Older members fear influence of young members, which discourages latter's participation.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
29:35
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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
00:35
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IMPORTANCE TO YOUNG FARMER OF EDUCATION AND MEMBERSHIP IN COOPERATIVE
: Farmer must be better educated to be asset to himself and community. Satisfaction in dairy farming, but Sprecher would, if starting to farm again, immediately join a cooperative because it instills pride in ownership of a brand name, keeps members informed about state and national politics, and develops leadership. Feels necessity of cooperation within cooperative has made him more tolerant.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
05:30
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WDC EXPANSION AFTER
: Bought out several private cheese plants; Genoa City, with complete Grade A operation, merged with WDC in 1974. In 1975, cooperatives at Clear Lake and at Barron, once largest butter- making plant in the country, joined WDC. Foresees more mergers.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
09:15
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EFFECTS OF COOPERATIVE MERGERS ON FARMER MEMBERS
: Constantly expanding cooperatives must get closer to farmers with field workers' face-to-face contact.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
11:30
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NEED FOR COLLEGE EDUCATED PEOPLE IN COOPERATIVES
: Cooperatives need fewer “good guys,” and more well-educated, qualified people who can talk to all farmers, especially the increasing number of university-educated farmers.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
12:35
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MEMBERSHIP IN DAIRY MAID LEADS TO INVOLVEMENT WITH NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
: Sprecher asked to be on Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman's dairy advisory committee while on Dairy Maid board of directors. Committee function more to be told the administration's thinking than to advise the administration.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
13:40
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BECOMES DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION (NMPF),
: Sprecher became NMPF director after Wisconsin Cooperative Creameries Association joined the NMPF. When Dairy Maid merged with LOL, Sprecher became member of Executive Committee of the NMPF.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
15:40
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BECOMES DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF FARMER COOPERATIVES
: FELCO member of National Council of Farmer Cooperatives when merged with LOL. Sprecher has been a director since 1971.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
16:40
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BECOMES DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE COUNCIL OF AMERICA
: Council formed to promote better relations between consumers and farmers. Sprecher served on board of directors; very approving of its objectives.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
17:35
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COMMENTS ON MILO SWANTON, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES (WCAC)
: Swanton ran “best cooperative organization that the State of Wisconsin's ever had.” Everyone respected him, knew where he stood. Swanton very adept at delegating responsibilities.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
18:20
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MERGER OF WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION OF COOPERATIVES (WAC) AND WCAC
: Sprecher remains uneasy over merger between WAC and WCAC because consumers' cooperatives and agricultural production cooperatives have different objectives.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
19:25
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ATTEMPT BY ASSOCIATED MILK PRODUCERS INCORPORATED (AMPI) OFFICIAL TO BRING IN WDC
: Sprecher strongly felt that operating cooperatives in Wisconsin and Pure Milk Association (PMA) should have gotten together. But “real feeling” against merging operating cooperative with a bargaining cooperative. PMA then began to look South. Sprecher very bitter about AMPI's David Parr's unsuccessful attempt to bribe him.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
22:50
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CONTROVERSY OVER PARITY FOR MILK LEADS TO POLITICAL FUNDING OF PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
: LOL opposed NMPF efforts to increase parity level from 75 to 85 per cent. AMPI agreed with NMPF; President Nixon agreed with AMPI, overruling Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin. Meanwhile, LOL farmer-members antagonistic toward their own directors and put much pressure on them to furnish corporate funds to Nixon administration as AMPI was rumored to have done.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
25:55
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POSSIBILITY OF WDC JOINING AMPI
: Sprecher feels increased Department of Justice judgments pertaining to cooperative monopoly makes WDC merger with AMPI unlikely and possibly illegal.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
27:30
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END TAPE 2, SIDE 2
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8/9/76
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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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SPRECHER'S EARLY YEARS
: Born April, 1911, on small, rented farm one mile north of Witwen. Father bought farm near Lodi in 1913; moved back to Witwen in 1918. Farmhouse constructed of logs, covered with siding. Period of difficulty; prices high, no conveniences.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
02:30
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EDUCATION
: Graduated from country school 1924. Went to high school at parents insistence, but attended haphazardly because of farm work.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
03:10
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LOW MILK PRICES,
: During post-war recession, milk sold for as little as one dollar per hundred. Cows of generally poor quality, milked by hand.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
03:30
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RECESSION STIMULATES FARMERS TO LIME SOIL AND GROW ALFALFA
: Farmers at first resistant to liming soil and growing alfalfa, but recession helped to change their minds.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
04:30
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DESIRE FOR INVOLVEMENT IN COOPERATIVES AND FAILURE TO BE ADMITTED TO DAIRY SCHOOL
: After high school graduation, Sprecher wanted to be involved in dairy cooperatives. Work experience in dairy plant required for dairy school admission but plants preferred to hire married men.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
05:45
|
SPRECHER FAMILIES IN SAUK CITY AREA
: Sprechers in area descended from two separate European branches. Unclear of family's origins; believes his grandparents born in U.S., but knows little of ancestry.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
08:05
|
SPRECHER RENTS FARM
: Sprecher's wife's grandmother held mortgage on farm; gave him first chance to rent after another family on the farm, for whom Sprecher was hired man, couldn't continue.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
10:20
|
SPRECHER BEGINS TO FARM
: Began farming in 1935 with $300. Newly married, Sprecher used wife's savings from teaching salary. 200 acres; 100 marsh. Able to use machinery from nearby farms of both parents and in-laws.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
13:05
|
ARRIVAL OF FIRST CHILD AND NEW FURNACE
: Furnace broke down during winter of 1935-1936; closed off several rooms to live in. Pride in arrival of first son matched by effort to save $185 for new furnace.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
13:55
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PURCHASES FARM IN
: Wife's grandmother gave him first option to buy. Bank reluctant to finance $6,500; Sprecher used wife's savings as collateral, but needed six signers on note. Lived very frugally to pay off note; after paid off, bank begged him to borrow more. Banks now more willing to make agricultural loans.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
17:00
|
BEGINS TO BUILD DAIRY HERD
: Began with ten to twelve cows, Holsteins donated by families. Bought several more cows, most expensive $35; two heifers for $20. Able to pay first year's rent because of good clover crop.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
18:05
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CHOLERA STRIKES HOGS
: Early years very optimistic, lived off farm. Had “dreams and visions” of paying off $11,200 debt on farm. Second and third years, hog prices went up, expanded to sixty head, but lost them to cholera. Purchased new feeder pigs of which half died. Much help from family and neighbors enabled yearly income to rise.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
20:45
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CHANGE TO WHOLE MILK MARKETING
: Traditionally community farmers separated own milk, sold cream, fed skim to calves and hogs. Demand for condensed milk led some young farmers to want to market whole milk. Fundamentalists in Sprecher's church opposed whole milk pickup and processing on Sundays. Much hard feeling, but after six months about eighty per cent of farmers selling whole milk and controversy died. Eliminated high fat losses from separating on farm.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
23:35
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COMMENTS ON GOOD MEALS AND HARD WORK
: After change to whole milk marketing, found it difficult to adjust to loss of breakfast cream, ice cream, and cream puffs. Worked very hard physically, but ate very well in those days.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
25:00
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NEW MILKING EQUIPMENT AND OTHER CHANGES
: Wife helped hand-milk twenty-four cows. Bought first milking machine in 1938; first a Surge, then a Universal, later a Bou-Matic. Unlike most, always had electricity. Used wood- burning furnace during 1930s; neighbors aghast when Sprecher also began to burn a little coal, but has always tried to keep up with changes.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
29:30
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COMPARISON OF RURAL AND URBAN LIVING STANDARDS
: Rural standards used to be lower, but Sprecher believes now that both rural and urban have same conveniences and farmers have greater freedom. Never regretted farming; happy it provided close relationship with children.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
31:25
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HOUSEHOLD CONVENIENCES IN
: Had central heating; household water hand-pumped. Limited water supply in barn.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
32:15
|
ANECDOTE ABOUT DOGS AND KITCHEN STOVE
: Remembers dogs used to stick their heads in wood- burning ovens to get warm in the morning.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
32:55
|
USES KITCHEN RANGE FOR HEAT
: Remembers one day couldn't get house above freezing; closed all the rooms, moved house plants into kitchen, and used kitchen range for heat.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
33:10
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END TAPE 3, SIDE 1
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
00:00
|
INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
00:30
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CROPS, INCLUDING SWEET PEAS AS CASH CROP
: Raised corn, oats, hay for livestock; peas as a cash crop. Had to load peas by hand, haul in wagon five miles to a viner, haul vines home and unload. After pea harvest, used acreage for silo corn if weather good. Earlier custom of judging weight and quality of peas by eye gave way to weighing in bin. Very social atmosphere at fly-infested pea viners; site of many practical jokes.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
06:55
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INCREASING DAIRY HERD LEADS TO END OF PEA GROWING
: Stopped growing peas during World War II; family not big enough to provide labor, difficult to get help, had expanded dairy operation.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
07:35
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TRACTORS
: Shared second-hand steel-wheeled tractor with parents when bought farm. Used tractor for plowing, horses for other work. In early 1940s purchased John Deere rubber-tired tractor for cultivating corn. One of few rubber-tired tractors in area at that time, many wished to hire it.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
09:25
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PRESENT AND PAST FARM INCOME
: Sprecher's farm in 1976 out on land contract. Receives $1,300- $1,400 for only one-fourth of the milk check. In 1930s farmed same 200 acres; yearly income was $1,500 for farm which in 1970s grosses $70,000-$80,000.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
10:55
|
ANECDOTE ABOUT TOY TRAIN FOR SON
: When son ten years old, bought him toy train for $3.89. Hid extravagance from parents; didn't want them to know they were so “liberal-spending.”
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
11:40
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AID FROM COUNTY AGENT
: County agent advised Sprecher on field lay-out, tested soil to determine amount of fertilizer needed. At first much skepticism in neighborhood about commercial fertilizers.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
13:05
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INFLUENCE OF NEIGHBOR CARL ENGE ON SPRECHER ADOPTING NEW METHODS
: Some farmers too ambitious, overextended themselves to make improvements, and couldn't manage. Carl Enge, leader of change, always expanded within his ability; led community in adopting hybrid seed, dairy improvements, and irrigation practices.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
16:55
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COMMENTS ON FARMERS WHO EXPAND WITH EXCLUSIVE RELIANCE ON HIRED LABOR
: Critical of farmers who ask hired labor to perform tasks farmer doesn't want to. Such farmers rarely succeed.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
17:25
|
SOURCE OF IDEAS FOR FARM IMPROVEMENTS
: Finds ideas in farm journals and through involvement in cooperatives.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
18:10
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DECIDES NOT TO EXPAND FARM
: Son's decision not to return to farm persuaded Sprecher not to buy additional land. Regrettable decision for purely financial reasons. Over the years farmed little more than original 200 acres; occasionally rented extra land.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
19:30
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RETIRES FROM ACTIVE FARMING
: Began reducing active involvement in farm in 1963 when moved off property; subsequent heart attack and stroke in 1971 lessened involvement further. Stresses necessity of living within financial and physical capabilities.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
21:15
|
CHANGE TO GRADE A MILK
: Sprecher, a director of Honey Creek Valley Dairy Cooperative which used Grade B milk, did not change to Grade A until 1954. Area farmers initially hostile to Chicago inspectors who must accompany change to Grade A.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
23:10
|
COMMENTS ON ADOPTING CHANGE
: Difficulty to draw line between a farmer being too slow on one hand, or overly ambitious on the other.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
25:20
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FARM BUREAU MEMBER
: Has belonged to Farm Bureau since became a farmer, but never very active. Felt he should retain neutral position between Farm Bureau and Farmers Union because of his involvement in cooperatives. Tries to stay current on positions of all general farmers organizations.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
26:25
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COMMENTS ON NATIONAL FARMERS ORGANIZATION (NFO)
: Has never liked NFO philosophy, resort to “threatening way of doing things” and violence, rather than building on past organization experiences. Recalls seeing trucker shot at by NFO. NFO strong in Sauk County; considerable animosity between Sprecher and NFO led to hard feelings between pro-and anti- NFO farm families in community.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
30:05
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COMMENTS ON MILO SWANTON
: Always retained even-tempered approach.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
30:35
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OPPOSITION TO NFO WITHHOLDING ACTION; RECALLS SIMILAR SITUATION IN THE
: NFO first wanted to end government involvement in pricing and force prices higher by withholding. Sprecher, already involved in current milk marketing policies, opposed. Same withholding attempt in early 1930s; Sprecher told to dump cream, but refused and instead was deputized to guard creamery; got seventy-five cents extra in wages. Recalls impressive speaker at Prairie du Sac mass meeting whose plea helped end milk strike in the early 1930s.
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Tape/Side
3/2
Time
33:35
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END TAPE 3, SIDE 2
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
00:00
|
INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
00:30
|
GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN AGRICULTURE
: Supports LOL position that government involvement in agriculture should basically be restricted to international trade. Opposes government support of prices in exchange for production controls. Opposes NFO position of farmers contract- bargaining with processors and packers.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
02:20
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FUNCTION OF COOPERATIVES
: Feels cooperatives should be based on marketing and merchandising; should try to control more of basic resources for fertilizer and energy. LOL in 1976 member of cooperative consortium in Egypt seeking new sources of crude oil. Older farmers resist expanding function of cooperatives; younger farmers tend to support.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
05:30
|
OPPOSITION TO NFO RELIANCE ON BARGAINING BASED ON COST OF PRODUCTION
: Believes NFO reliance on bargaining on basis of cost of pro- duction impractical; cost of production variables differ for each farmer. NFO resort to violence during withholding actions has presented poor farmer image to consumers. Farmers must alter production techniques to suit changing consumer taste; must accept consumer preference for margarine and modify their farm operations accordingly; must educate consumers about the basic facts of farming.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
12:00
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LITTLE FAMILY CONNECTION BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPORTERS OF 1930'S WISCONSIN COOPERATIVE MILK POOL AND NFO
: Perhaps some connection in thinking patterns of members of Milk Pool and NFO: unwillingness to change, little involve- ment in cooperatives, personal disgruntlements, rather than continuity of philosophy in particular neighborhood families.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
15:25
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NFO EFFECTIVE ORGANIZING METHOD
: “Terrific system of getting people involved,” good system of communication with members.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
16:10
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NFO MEMBERSHIP
: Believes NFO composed largely of disgruntled farmers, perhaps seeking some recognition. Respects great sacrifices made by members for NFO, but disapproves of NFO attitude which condemns “everything in the past.”
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
18:35
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ANECDOTE ABOUT OREN LEE STALEY, NATIONAL PRESIDENT NFO
: Sprecher liked Staley personally when met him in Washington, D.C., although no substantive issues discussed.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
20:50
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FARM BUREAU AND FARMERS UNION ATTITUDE TOWARD GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN AGRICULTURE
: Concerned that Bureau and Union national positions often different from state-level positions. FB basically against government interference while Farmers Union supports. Sprecher in middle; supporting government involvement in several areas, particularly international trade, but opposing government involvement in operations of individual farms.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
22:45
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SPRECHER SUPPORTS ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL FOOD POLICY
: Would fulfill humanitarian responsibility to help people in developing nations and economic necessity to stabilize prices and income in the U.S. Feels Farmers Union more likely than FB to support such a policy, one that would demonstrate to the world U.S. desire to play a leadership role.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
25:40
|
GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP OF GRAIN STORAGE BINS
: Opposes.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
26:35
|
SPRECHER SUPPORTS ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERNATIONAL “RESOURCES FUND”
: Believes food bank should be established on international level, as part of “resource fund” of energy, metals, fertilizers, money, and perhaps people.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
27:40
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SUPPORTS INVOLVEMENT OF COOPERATIVES IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE
: Estimates sixty per cent American grain sold to local cooperatives, only four per cent of which reaches overseas market. Grain exports controlled by five major companies. Supports establishment of interregional cooperatives to provide storage and loading facilities to strengthen marketing power. Control by cooperatives would improve image of American exporters, damaged by such practices as adding sand for weight.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
30:35
|
OVERSEAS INTEREST IN WORKING DIRECTLY WITH U.S. COOPERATIVES
: Several nations, including Denmark, interested in direct trade with cooperatives.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
31:45
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ESTABLISHMENT OF AGRICULTURE COUNCIL OF AMERICA TO IMPROVE URBAN-RURAL RELATIONS
: Agriculture Council of America established to narrow gap in understanding between urban and rural people by arranging farm visits for city people.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
33:15
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END TAPE 4, SIDE 1
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|
11/10/76
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
00:00
|
INTRODUCTION
|
|
|
Tape/Side
5/1
Time
00:30
|
FARM BUILDINGS ON SPRECHER FARM
: Originally a house, barn, hoghouse, chickenhouse, part of a shed, corn-crib. Later, most outbuildings removed or replaced. Farmhouse completely remodeled; barn has new addition, com- pletely remodeled on inside. 12 x 45 cement-stave silo built about 1942; 12 x 60 silo built in 1963.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
03:20
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NEW EQUIPMENT ELIMINATES DRUDGERY
: Later addition of equipment for automated feeding, silo unloading, and barn cleaning helped to increase production but eliminated much physical drudgery.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
04:30
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WHY SPRECHER DECIDES TO BUILD CEMENT STAVE-SILO
: Hard to get wooden-stave silo; convinced by neighbor, a sales- man, to buy one of cement-staves. Built at cost of less than $1,000; later silo cost over $13,000. Considered buying Harvestore silo in 1960s but cost $7,000-$8,000 more than cement-stave structure.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
07:30
|
FORKING HAY
: Stopped forking hay about 1960.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
07:45
|
EXPANDS AND IMPROVES BARN
: Barn originally built for nineteen cows; expanded to accommodate forty-two. Built separate, environment- controlled barn for calves. Main barn remodeled three times over the years. First barn cleaner installed about mid-1950s.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
10:00
|
PROBLEM OF FARM WATER SUPPLY
: Windmill unreliable, often had to pump water by hand until purchase of electric motor. Inadequate water supply until well drilled about 1953.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
11:45
|
FORTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GIFT
: Very moved by daughter's gift of a metal model of the farm as it was during the early years (hanging on wall of Sprecher's home in Sauk City).
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
12:45
|
WHERE TO LOCATE A SILO
: Should locate on side of barn rather than on the end to allow room for expansion. Sprecher's newest silo not attached to barn but in midst of cement yard.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
13:50
|
LIGHTNING RODS ON BARN
: Put lightning rods on barns because of concern for fire; explains how to position rods on barn roof.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
14:55
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IMPROVEMENTS IN LOADING HAY
: Forked loose hay until cultivation of alfalfa; use of haylage became widespread in 1940s. Unsuccessfully tried to chop dry hay. In mid-1940s bought a baler with brother and used it for all except silo hay. Later used automated loading machinery.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
17:10
|
SHARING MACHINERY WITH OTHERS
: Important that farmers share expensive machinery; Sprecher fortunate to cooperate with brother. Together bought McCormick-Deering seed-plow tractor in 1936 for plowing; later purchased a cultivator. Emphasizes acreage covered by modern tractor with five-bottom plow.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
19:10
|
FAMILY HELPS LOA LOOSE HAY UNTIL TRACTOR ABLE TO PULL HAY LOADER
: Wife and children helped drive team while men loaded hay. Explains how to load loose hay on a wagon.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
21:20
|
FALL PLOWING
: Liked to plow in fall to save time in spring. Much more fall plowing in Minnesota than in Sauk City area.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
22:30
|
USE OF COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS
: Soil needs commercial fertilizer in fall. Sprecher first tested it (type C-12) in his marsh. Feels commercial fertilizers, improved seeds, and better soil management all have reduced potentially drastic effects of 1970s drought.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
24:10
|
SOIL EROSION BECAUSE OF FALL PLOWING
: Soil erosion if winter doesn't bring considerable snowfall.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
25:10
|
BUYS MANY SUPPLIES AT SAUK CITY FARMCO COOPERATIVE
: Over the years has bought almost all expendables such as seed and twine at Sauk City Farmco Cooperative.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
26:00
|
IMPORTANCE OF BUYING MACHINERY FROM DEALER WHO PROVIDES GOOD SERVICE
: Bought milking and other equipment from private dealer who provided reliable service. Very expensive modern machinery requires constant care. Gives example of high repair costs in 1970s.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
29:30
|
BUYS FIRST COMBINE ABOUT
: Ran threshing rig with brother, but about 1951 grain too windblown and tough and bought a combine on the spur of the moment. Recalls German exchange student startled at on-the- spot decision to buy major piece of machinery. Combined extensively in the neighborhood that fall; sold old threshing machine before it became obsolete. John Deere combine cost $700-$800; disliked cranking engine, so after two years got another when purchased bigger tractor with power take-off. In 1970s many individual farmers better off to contract for combining because of high machinery prices.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
33:50
|
END TAPE 5, SIDE 1
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|
|
Tape/Side
5/2
Time
00:00
|
INTRODUCTION
|
|
|
Tape/Side
5/2
Time
00:30
|
SHARING FARM EQUIPMENT WITH BROTHER
: Able to save money and buy good machinery by sharing costs and upkeep with brother.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
01:50
|
LOCATION OF BROTHER'S FARM
: Brother's farm about one mile away; extensive road-running hard on equipment.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
03:00
|
SPRECHER AND BROTHER PROVIDE THRESHING MACHINE FOR OTHER FARMERS
: Charged farmers various prices; considered $50 per day and $500 for a season of threshing very good. Enjoyed providing the service; threshing crews lots of fun.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
05:00
|
MEALS FOR THRESHING CREWS
: Farmwives competed to provide most impressive meals for threshing crews; “banquets” every day.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
05:55
|
POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS AMONG MEMBERS OF THRESHING CREWS
: Often tempers flared over political issues.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
06:55
|
LAMENT OVER THRESHING DAYS
: Misses camaraderie of threshing crews; work easier since demise of threshing, but improvements also have meant sacrificing the good times.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
07:50
|
CONTRACT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THRESHING
: Contracted informally to do threshing for same farmers every year.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
09:15
|
SHREDDING CORN
: Explains how farmers used to shock corn, dry it, then run through shredder to separate ears and stalks. Stalks went to barn for feed and bedding. Shredding hard and dangerous work. Sprecher provided shredding service for other farmers for $5 per hour. Less shredding done after more alfalfa grown for haylage.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
13:00
|
HOW SPRECHER AND BROTHER DIVIDED THRESHING RESPONSIBILITIES
: Brother responsible for machinery maintenance while Sprecher hauled the grain. Sprecher's first job on threshing crew was tending the blower.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
15:05
|
WEIGHING AND ELEVATING GRAIN
: Bought first grain elevator at Portage during World War II; received government priority because would be used for many farmers.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
15:45
|
SETTING A THRESHING MACHINE
: Depends on direction of wind.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
16:00
|
BUILDING A STRAW PILE
: Sprecher built many straw piles for $1 per day extra. Farmers very particular about position on piles.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
17:55
|
WOMEN'S ROLE DURING THRESHING
: Women's contribution vital; did most of daily chores including milking to enable men to thresh.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
19:05
|
DETAIL ON BUILDING A STRAW PILE
: Explains how to build a good straw pile.
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|
Tape/Side
5/2
Time
21:25
|
DRINKING WHILE THRESHING
: Not done in Sprecher's community.
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|
Tape/Side
5/2
Time
22:40
|
WOODCUTTING
: Preferred oak; worked with father, brother and neighbors between chore times. During several winters cut cord wood for dairy plants; once cut four cords to buy an overcoat.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
29:00
|
COMPARES WORK IN PAST WITH PRESENT
: Recalls hard physical labor on farm; always ate and slept well. Worried more in later years when concerned as cooperative leader with other people's affairs; thirty years ago concerned mostly about his own debts.
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Tape/Side
5/2
Time
30:10
|
USE OF HIRED LABOR
: Hired some help after first two children born and wife less able to help. Usually hired single men; had homeless boy for many years. Never asked hired worker to do anything he wouldn't. Good relations with all hired help; recalls hiring debt-ridden alcoholic that wife Della helped to straighten out.
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|
Tape/Side
5/2
Time
33:00
|
END TAPE 5, SIDE 2
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|
|
Tape/Side
6/1
Time
00:00
|
INTRODUCTION
|
|
|
Tape/Side
6/1
Time
00:30
|
DESIRABLE QUALITIES IN FARM LABORER
: Honesty; able to feel part of the family. Strongly believes laborer should be well-fed. Hired man should be a “little full of fun,” have some of same interests, and be willing to work. Disliked drinkers.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
03:10
|
DIFFICULTY IN HIRING COMPETENT LABOR
: More difficult in later years to find competent farm workers; greater skills required to deal with expensive, sophisticated machinery.
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|
|
Tape/Side
6/1
Time
04:30
|
WAGES FOR HIRED LABOR
: Paid hired men wages comparable to those in town; gave extra rewards at Christmas. In 1970s not uncommon for hired men on dairy farm to get $600-$700 per month, plus room, fuel, and some food. Trend towards hiring married men instead of single men.
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|
|
Tape/Side
6/1
Time
06:10
|
COMPARES PAST AND PRESENT WAGES FOR HIRED MEN
: Sprecher in 1930s earned $200 per year as a hired man; fifteen years ago paid hired man $200 per month .
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|
|
Tape/Side
6/1
Time
07:30
|
MORE ON HIRED MEN
: Hired men often went into business after leaving Sprecher's farm, although none farmed. Hired help often farm boys with too many brothers on family farm.
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|
|
Tape/Side
6/1
Time
08:55
|
IMPACT OF WORLD WAR II ON FARMING
: Brought great increase in farm income; Sprecher able to pay off debts and heavy mortgage. Rented more land during war. “Anybody that didn't make money in those years will never make money.”
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
11:10
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ANECDOTE ABOUT STOCK MARKET INVESTMENT
: Recalls rich neighbor who convinced him during 1940s to invest in paper company stock. At first made large profit, then reinvested it and just broke even. Later invested only in safe companies, like utilities.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
13:35
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SPRECHER DECIDES NOT TO EXPAND
: Since son wouldn't remain on farm, Sprecher decided not to expand farm in 1940s, but began to get more involved in cooperatives. Feels he missed opportunities by staying status quo; realized later farmer can't progress by leveling off.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
15:30
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FARM IMPROVEMENTS DURING WORLD WAR II
: Net income during war despite rising prices. Bought new tractor, cornpicker, barn cleaner; remodeled house as well as barn. Feels his situation typical of other farmers, though some managed badly, overinvesting in land and equipment.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
17:20
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ABSENCE OF HARD YEARS ON FARM
: Years uneven, but recalls no real “bad years.” Most problems related to his own lack of initiative in making heavier investments; should have borrowed more money to make improvements.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
19:35
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HESITATES TO SWITCH TO GRADE A WHILE DIRECTOR OF GRADE B CREAMERY
: Area farmers began to change to Grade A market while Sprecher director of the Grade B Honey Creek Valley Dairy Cooperative. While Sprecher's brother switched to Grade A, Sprecher stayed with Grade B until bulk cooling tanks appeared in 1954.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
21:15
|
FARM CHANGES REQUIRED BY SWITCH TO GRADE A MARKET
: Switched to Grade A in fall 1954. Dug new well, had water tested, cemented cow yard, improved lighting in barn, rewired barn, improved floor. Built new, painted milkhouse with adequate hot water heater and new bulk cooler. Never sorry he switched; approves trend toward all Grade A milk in Wisconsin. Recalls long hours of work to get ready for first Grade A inspection.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
24:15
|
FARMER AND MILK HAULER OPPOSITION TO GRADE A
: Milk haulers without bulk tank bodies lost customers. Some conservative farmers cautious and hesitated too long. Stresses farmer should be neither overcautious nor overanxious to change.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
26:05
|
MORE ON STANDARDS RELATED TO GRADE A
: Pipeline systems later brought additional standards. Had to watch cows health more closely, especially for signs of mastitis.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
27:05
|
MILK HAULERS ADJUST TO GRADE A
: Explains how Grade B milk haulers contracted with dairy plants. With switch to Grade A, state Public Service Commission awarded franchises to haulers which ended competitive bidding between plants. By 1976, Sauk City almost all Grade A, although some plants of Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative still take large amounts of Grade B.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
30:20
|
COMPARES PRICE FOR GRADE A AND GRADE B MILK
: Traditionally prices higher for Grade A, although more recently narrower gap between Grade A and Grade B prices. More prestige in producing A.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
31:25
|
COST OF SWITCH TO GRADE A
: Estimates overall cost at $5,000-$6,000; bulk tank alone cost $2,000. Again stresses higher status of Grade A producers among dairy farmers.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
32:20
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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
|
CATTLE RAISING AND MARKETING
: Over years great changes in raising cattle for meat, mostly because of artificial insemination. Meat producers criticize dairy farmers for raising beef as a sideline. Sprecher raised Holstein steers; sold for around 34 per pound.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
03:05
|
MARKETS STEERS THROUGH EQUITY COOPERATIVE LIVESTOCK SHIPPING ASSOCIATION
: Sometimes sold steers directly to Oscar Mayer Company in Madison, but usually through Equity. Hauler took steers to auction barn at Richland Center. Dairy farming with combination of dairy and beef potentially more profitable.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
05:15
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NEED FOR FAMILY-SIZED FARMS MANAGED BY TWO FAMILIES
: Would release dairy farmers from seven-day work week.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
05:25
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PRIVATE BUYERS CONTACT SPRECHER TO BUY STEERS
: Private buyers of steers used to contact Sprecher, though less so in later years. Equity reliable, even though didn't always offer top price.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
06:30
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ASSOCIATION WITH EQUITY COOPERATIVE LIVESTOCK SHIPPING ASSOCIATION
: Attended meetings; never an officer because of involvement with dairy cooperatives.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
06:50
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COMMENTS ON FARM BUREAU LIVESTOCK MARKETING PROGRAM COMPETING WITH EQUITY'S
: Didn't like Farm Bureau setting up separate program; Equity and FB could work together more closely instead of competing.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
08:30
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SUPPORTS INCREASED COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES
: Supported FB and Equity collaboration on marketing, producing, and research of hogs. Need for livestock marketing cooperatives to cooperate more on regional level.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
09:45
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COOPERATIVE CONSORTIUM BUYS ATLANTIC-RICHFIELD COMPANY (ARCO) REFINERY
: Example of cooperation among cooperatives. Regionals joined to purchase ARCO refinery in Chicago area.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
10:20
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COOPERATIVES SELL LIVESTOCK
: Cooperatives compete to sell livestock, mostly to Oscar Mayer. Believes it might be necessary for cooperatives to develop own processing facilities to bypass Oscar Mayer.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
11:20
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PROMOTION OF DAIRY PRODUCTS
: Recalls failure of Wisconsin Dairy Federation to get support from processors and farmers for dairy promotion. Opposition from farmers who fear present and future checkoff rate, and from those who don't believe that farmers should get involved in advertising.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
14:35
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BEGINNING OF INVOLVEMENT IN SAUK COUNTY SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION IN
: 1946 law authorized school districts. Sauk county board of supervisors appointed Sprecher to school consolidation committee, organized in 1947. Believed consolidation would provide better schooling opportunities for rural children. Consolidation brought urban and rural people together to share equally burden of financing modern schools.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
18:15
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ADVANTAGES OF CONSOLIDATION OUTWEIGH DISADVANTAGES
: While neighborhood lost one-room school as community center and children gave up advantages of close mingling between children of various ages, gains from consolidation greater than losses.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
20:25
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PURPOSE OF SAUK COUNTY CONSOLIDATION COMMITTEE
: Get outlying areas into equally valuated high school districts so costs borne equitably among taxpayers. Sprecher remembers young generally supported change; older citizens opposed. Personal harassment; once needed police escort to leave meeting. Anecdote about meeting where young mother who supported consolida- tion knocked out man with opposite viewpoint. Great antagonism against “outsiders” on school committee for attempting to run affairs of local districts.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
22:50
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CONTEMPORARY SCHOOL TEACHER-BOARD RELATIONS
: Poor communication; teachers don't know how to make their demands known, and school board doesn't know how to negotiate. Opposes teachers' unions; doesn't like children to see teacher-board of education animosity.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
23:55
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HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED IN SAUK COUNTY
: Sauk county divided into four districts with approximately equal valuations. Committee members went from school to school to explain law and help make decisions on petitions from individuals for attachment.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
24:45
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE ENTANGLED IN COMPETITION AMONG DISTRICTS
: Some school administrators interested in grabbing territory outside their own counties; as many as five school committees involved in some Sauk county territory. School committee members often unwelcome and even hated.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
26:55
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MORE ADVANTAGES ON SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION IN SAUK COUNTY
: Pulled together cities of Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, even though reservations about travel distance for some rural children.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
27:40
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OLD SAUK CITY AND PRAIRIE DU SAC DISTRICTS
: Witwen children went to Prairie du Sac; children south of Witwen to Sauk City. Always much rivalry between Sauk City and Prairie du Sac.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
28:10
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE TRIES TO ACCOMMODATE MAJORITY
: Purpose of meetings to accommodate wishes of majority.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
28:45
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REPRESENTATION ON SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION COMMITTEE
: Representatives from both city and rural areas.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
29:00
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OFFICE OF COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS ELIMINATED
: Because of new redistricting.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
29:30
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OPPONENTS OF MERGER
: Consolidation, like any change, blamed by some on socialism and communism. Sprecher involved simultaneously in cooperative mergers, so got double dose of nasty telephone calls. “Nobody put you on a pension plan, I'll tell you, unless it was at the end of a foot.”
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
30:15
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NEIGHBORHOOD DIVIDED ON CONSOLIDATION
: Many of Sprecher's neighbors supported consolidation, but some, including splinter religious groups, opposed to change.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
30:50
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END TAPE 6, SIDE 2
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
00:00
|
INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
00:30
|
RELIGIOUS OPPOSITION TO SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION
: Recalls particular sect that didn't believe in high school education. Sect had strong leadership and was an influential minority; appeared first in 1920s and opposed community functions as well as unnecessary education.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
02:35
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PROBLEM OF SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION IN WINTER
: Children riding preferable to walking one and a half miles to the one-room school in winter. Concern about mixing elementary and high school children on bus.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
04:05
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COUNTRY CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
: Country children used to fear participation in athletics; became major participants after consolidation.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
05:50
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CONSOLIDATION FAVORABLE DESPITE TRANSPORTATION COST
: Cost of transportation doesn't outweigh advantages of con- solidation; insignificant cost if children's lives improved.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
06:40
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CHURCHES AND NATIONALITIES IN SPRECHER'S NEIGHBORHOOD
: Immediate neighborhood strictly German. Many religions: Protestant, Catholic, Lutheran, Evangelical (United Brethren Evangelical, now United Methodist). Formerly strong division between Protestants and Catholics to west and east of Sauk City; as a Protestant, Sprecher wouldn't mingle with them. In 1970s religious communities mix and cooperate; optimistic about ecumenicalism in community.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
10:45
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NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCHES
: Three churches, two of which closed. Recalls while a boy the transition from German to English-speaking services to attract young members.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
12:30
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NEW CHURCH BUILT IN SPRECHER'S NEIGHBORHOOD
: After two churches closed, members of the third (Evangelical) after many years of discussion, in 1949 decided to build new church. Sprecher on building committee; cost exceeded budget of $100,000; members pledged balance; and $40,000 paid off in seven-eight years.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
15:05
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CHURCH MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE AT EVANGELICAL CHURCH
: Church once had 325 members; reduced to 250 with weekly attendance of about 100. Traditional service needs to change to attract young people. Increase in intermarriage also decreases membership.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
17:10
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INCREASED PROPORTION OF CATHOLICS IN WITWEN AREA
: Catholics in area tend to have large families; children have bought farms owned formerly by Protestants.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
18:35
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CHANGING ROLE OF CHURCH
: “Church changing for the good” in terms of performance and attitude, despite dwindling attendance.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
19:25
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NEIGHBORHOOD GATHERINGS AT OLD COUNTRY STORE
: Men met in evenings at old country store at Witwen, sat around pot-bellied wood stove, held wide-ranging discussions, ate peanuts and bologna and drank pop. Some card-playing. Recalls vicious political arguments between stalwart and progressive Republicans.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
23:10
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BUTTERMILK AUCTION AT WITWEN
: Men gathered on first Monday of every month to bid on butter- milk. Auctions ceased when it became more profitable to feed buttermilk to people than to hogs.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
25:55
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WOMEN'S GATHERINGS
: Women met at church, in homemakers groups, and at one-room schoolhouse for meetings and children's events.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
26:35
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COUNTRY STORE CLOSES
: Country store closed about 1964; fell to competition of supermarkets in Sauk City and Madison.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
28:20
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WEEKLY FARMERS SHOPPING NIGHT IN SAUK CITY
: Saturday night used to be main shopping night; later switched to Friday.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
28:40
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SELLS EGGS AT COUNTRY STORE
: Used to barter eggs at country store; practice ceased when farm pick-up began.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
29:30
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DUCKS AND DICE
: Anecdote on how farmers would shake dice for ducks in country store.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
30:00
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MARKETING EGGS AND POULTRY
: Occasionally sold eggs and poultry in Sauk City.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
30:35
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NEIGHBORHOOD POLITICS
: Serious split between stalwart and progressive Republicans, and between supporters and non-supporters of Bill Evjue. Country store arguments often carried over to next day's threshing.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
31:45
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END TAPE 7, SIDE 1
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Tape/Side
7/2
Time
00:00
|
INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
7/2
Time
00:30
|
VISITS TO MADISON
: First visit to Madison via train; then and later visited state historical society, and later encouraged children to do so. Remembers excitement the first time he drove alone to Madison, and toured the Square.
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Tape/Side
7/2
Time
03:00
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CHANGING FUNCTION OF COUNTRY BANK
: Country bank much more concerned about farmers and agricultural loans than in past.
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Tape/Side
7/2
Time
04:20
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SPRECHER BECOMES BANK DIRECTOR
: Invited to join board of bank to help with loans for bulk milk coolers. Feels that Depression changed bankers attitudes in Prairie du Sac area; now ahead of Federal Land Bank office in making agricultural loans. Mentions meeting of bankers to determine how to help farmer in period of 1970s drought.
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Tape/Side
7/2
Time
07:55
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BRANCH BANKING
: Opposes branch banking because big city banks don't understand local situation. Local banks grant loans more on basis of character and management ability than on collateral.
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Tape/Side
7/2
Time
09:15
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BANK BOARD SEEKS FARMERS
: Eager to get farmers on board of directors.
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Tape/Side
7/2
Time
10:15
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PROBLEMS OF STARTING TO FARM IN
: Despite estimated initial cost of $200,000 for starting a farm, Sprecher feels it can be done but with just as much difficulty as in the past. Startup costs high, but higher returns for hard work.
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Tape/Side
7/2
Time
12:20
|
MODERN LABOR-SAVING MACHINERY FAILS TO GIVE FARMER MORE FREE TIME
: Despite labor-saving machinery, farmers seem to have less time, perhaps because they seek greater variety of leisure activities. Less time to socialize with neighbors as they travel to cities for food and entertainment. More emphasis in past on family and neighborliness.
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Tape/Side
7/2
Time
16:15
|
LIFE IN RETROSPECT
: Wishes he had gotten a better education, but still would become a dairy farmer, work for cooperatives, and participate in community affairs.
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Tape/Side
7/2
Time
17:40
|
CONCLUDING REMARKS
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Tape/Side
7/2
Time
19:05
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END OF INTERVIEW
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|
Index to Interview with Melvin Sprecher
- Agriculture Council of America
- 2:2, 16:40; 4:1, 31:45
- Agricultural Practices
- 3:1, 03:30, 18:05; 3:2, 00:30, 13:05, 17:25, 23:10; 5:1, 07:30, 21:20; 5:2, 03:00, 09:15, 15:45, 16:00, 19:05, 22:30; 6:2, 00:30
- Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI)
- 2:2, 19:25, 22:50, 25:55
- Atlantic City
- 1:2, 05:20
- Atlantic Richfield Co. (ARCO)
- 6:2, 09:45
- Baraboo
- 1:1, 16:45
- Barron Cooperative Creamery
- 2:2, 05:30
- Berne, Indiana
- 1:2, 22:00
- Carnation Company
- 2:1, 05:35
- Cashton
- 2:1, 24:30
- Cattle-Raising/Marketing
- 6:2, 00:30, 03:05, 05:25, 10:20
- Clear Lake Cooperative
- 2:1, 14:40; 2:2, 05:30
- Consolidated Badger Cooperative (Shawano)
- 1:1, 26:15
- Cooperatives--Consolidation of
- 1:1, 13:00, 22:40, 24:25; 1:2, 00:40; 2:2, 09:15
- Cooperatives--Cooperation Among
- 6:2, 06:50, 08:30, 09:45, 11:20
- Cooperatives--Functions of
- 2:1, 27:50; 2:2, 09:15, 11:30; 4:1, 02:20, 27:40; 6:2, 11:20
- County Agricultural Agent
- 3:2, 11:40
- Cows, Dairy
- 3:1, 17:00, 25:00; 3:2, 06:55
- Dairying
- 1:1, 08:00, 20:00; 2:1, 27:15; 3:1, 20:45; 3:2, 23:10; 6:1, 21:15, 26:05; 6:2, 05:15; 7:1, 23:10
- Dairy Maid Products Cooperative (see also Dried Milk Products Cooperative)
- 1:2, 25:50; 2:1, 08:05, 11:50, 13:50, 14:40; 2:2, 12:25, 13:40
- Dried Milk Products Cooperative (see also Dairy Maid Products Cooperative)
- 1:2, 25:50; 2:1, 00:35, 02:25, 03:20, 05:35, 08:05
- Dakotas
- 2:1, 16:25
- Deerfield
- 2:1, 26:20
- Denmark
- 4:1, 30:35
- Depression
- 3:1, 03:10, 03:30; 7:2, 04:20
- Eau Claire
- 2:1, 00:35
- Egypt
- 4:1, 02:20
- Elroy
- 1:2, 00:40
- Enge, Carl
- 3:2, 13:05
- Equity Cooperative Livestock Shipping Association
- 6:2, 03:05, 05:25-08:30
- Ethnicity, Witwen Area
- See Religious and Ethnic Characteristics, Witwen Area
- Excelsior Cooperative Creamery (Baraboo)
- 1;2, 19:20
- Evjue, William
- 7:1, 30:35
- Fabricius, Nick
- 1;2, 00:40; 2:1, 14:40
- Farm Financing
- 3:1, 13:55; 7:2, 03:00, 04:20, 07:55, 09:15
- Farm Implements
- 3:1, 25:00; 3:2, 07:35; 5:1, 03:20, 14:55, 17:10, 26:00, 29:30; 5:2, 00:30, 15:05; 6:1, 15:30, 21:15, 31:25; 7:2, 12:20
- Farm Labor
- 3:2, 16:55; 5:2, 30:10; 6:1, 00:30, 03:10, 04:30, 06:10, 07:30
- Farm Life
- 3:1, 23:35, 29:30, 31:25; 5:1, 19:10; 5:2, 05:00, 05:55, 06:55; 7:1, 28:20, 28:40
- Farm Power
- 3:1, 25:0o; 5:1, 10:00
- Farm Wives
- 5:2, 05:00, 17:55
- Federal Land Bank
- 7:i, 04:20
- FELCO
- 2:1, 16:25, 20:05; 2:2, 15:40
- Freeman, Orville
- 2:2, 12:35
- Froker, Rudolph
- 1:1, 26:15; 1:2, 00:40; 2:1, 11:50
- Genoa City
- 2:1, 26:20, 2:2, 05:30
- Hardin, Clifford
- 2:2, 22:50
- Harris, Floyd
- 1:2, 05:20
- Hawthorn-Mellody Company
- 1:2, 20:25
- H.C. Christian Co.
- 2:1, 21:10
- Hiawatha Valley Dairies Cooperative
- 2:1, 24:30
- Hillpoint Cooperative Dairies
- 1:2, 16:20, 19:20
- Hillsboro
- 1:1, 16:45
- Honey Creek Valley Dairy Cooperative
- 1:1, 00:30, 08:55; 3:2, 21:15; 6:1, 19:35
- Hough, Francis
- 1:2, 08:20
- International Resource Fund
- 4:1, 26:35
- Iowa
- 2:1, 16:25, 26:20
- Lake Delton
- 1:2, 00:40
- Lake-to-Lake Cooperative
- 1:1, 26:15; 2:1, 10:10
- Land O' Lakes Cooperative (LOL)
- 2:1, 08:05, 10:10, 11:50, 13:50, 14:40, 16:25, 18:40, 20:05, 21:10, 22:05, 24:30; 2:2, 13:40, 15:40, 22:50; 4:1, 00:30, 02:20
- La Valle
- 1:1, 16:45, 21:45
- Litscher, Leroy
- 1:1, 22:00
- Lodi
- 3:1, 00:30
- Lucia, Floyd
- 2:1, 02:25
- Madison
- 7:1, 26:35; 7:2, 00:30
- Mauston
- 1:1, 16:45
- Milking Machine
- 3:1, 25:00
- Milk Marketing
- 1:1, 02:55, 08:55, 11:10, 15:55, 26:15; 2:1, 27:50; 3:2, 21:15; 6:1, 19:35, 24:15, 26:05, 27:05, 30:20, 31:25
- Minnesota
- 2:1, 16:25; 5:1, 21:20
- Mississippi River
- 2:1, 26:20
- Mount Tabor
- 1:1, 16:45
- National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
- 2:2, 15:40
- National Farmers Organization (NFO)
- 1:2, 12:20; 2:1, 13:50; 3:2, 26:25, 30:35; 4:1, 00:30, 05:30, 12:00, 15:25, 16:10
- National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)
- 2:2, 13:40, 22:50
- Nebraska
- 2:1, 16:25
- New Lisbon
- 1:1, 21:45
- Nixon, Richard
- 2:2, 22:50
- Oakdale
- 1:1, 16:45
- Ontario
- 1:1, 16:45
- Oscar Mayer Co. (Madison)
- 6:2, 03:05, 10:20
- Parr, David
- 2:2, 19:25
- Pigeon Falls
- 2:1, 24:30
- Politics, Witwen Area
- 7:1, 19:25, 30:35
- Portage
- 1:1, 26:15; 1:2, 00:40
- Powdered Milk
- 1:1, 08:00; 2:1, 03:20; 2:1, 05:35, 21:25
- Prairie du Sac
- 3:2, 30:35; 6:2, 26:55, 27:40; 7:2, 04:20
- Pure Milk Association (PMA)
- 1:2, 22:00, 2:2, 19:25
- Reedsburg
- 1:1, 26:15; 1:2, 16:20
- Religious and Ethnic Characteristics, Witwen Area
- 7:1, 06:40, 10:45, 12:30, 15:05, 17:10, 18:35
- Richland Center
- 1:1, 26:15; 1:2, 12:20; 6:2, 03:05
- Sauk City
- 1:1, 26:15; 1:2, 05:20; 3:1, 03:30; 6:1, 27:05; 6:2, 26:55, 27:40; 7:1, 06:40, 26:35, 30:00
- Sauk City Farmco Cooperative
- 5:1, 25:10
- Sauk County
- 3:2, 26:25; 5:1, 21:20; 6:2, 24:45, 26:55
- Sauk County School Consolidation Committee
- 6:2, 14:35, 20:25, 24:45, 28:10, 28:45
- Sauk County Schools
- 6:2, 22:50, 23:55, 24:45
- School Consolidation
- 6:2, 14:35, 18:15, 26:55, 29:00, 29:30, 30:15; 7:1, 00:30, 04:05
- School Transportation
- 7:1, 02:35, 05:50
- Social Life, Witwen Area
- 7:1, 19:25, 23:10, 25:55, 26:35, 29:30
- Spencer
- 2:1, 10:10
- Sprecher, Della
- 3:1, 10:20, 25:00; 5:1, 19:10
- Sprecher Family
- 3:1, 13:05, 29:30; 3:2, 10:55; 5:1, 11:45; 5:1, 17:10; 5:2, 00:30, 00:50, 03:00, 13:00, 19:10; 6:1, 13:55; 7:2, 00:30
- Staley, Oren Lee
- 4:1, 18:35
- State Historical Society of Wisconsin
- 7:2, 00:30
- Sumpter (Sauk County)
- 1:1, 16:45
- Swanton, Milo
- 2:2, 17:35; 3:2, 30:05
- Thomsen, Louis C.
- 1:1, 21:00
- Union Center
- 1:1, 05:20, 08:00, 15:55, 17:45
- U.S. Department of Justice
- 2:2, 25:55
- U.S. Food Policy
- 4:1, 22:45
- U.S. Government and Agriculture
- 4:1, 00:30, 20:50, 25:40
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 1:1, 21:00
- Washington, D.C.
- 4:1, 18:35
- Westfield
- 1:2, 00:40
- Whitewater
- 2:1, 26:20
- Wisconsin Association of Cooperatives (WAC)
- 2:2, 18:20
- Wisconsin Cooperative Creameries Association (WCCA)
- 1:1, 05:20, 11:10, 13:00, 16:45, 20:00, 26:15; 1:2, 05:20, 08:20; 2:1, 02:25; 2:2, 13:40
- Wisconsin Cooperative Milk Pool
- 4:1, 12:00
- Wisconsin Council of Agricultural Cooperatives (WCAC)
- 2:2, 17:35, 18:20
- Wisconsin Dairies Cooperative (WDC)
- 1:2, 08:20, 12:20, 16:20, 19:20, 20:25, 22:00, 25:50; 2:1, 00:35, 10:10, 21:25, 22:05, 24:30, 26:20; 2:2, 05:30, 19:25, 25:55; 6:1, 27:05
- Wisconsin Dairy Federation
- 6:2, 11:20
- Wisconsin Dells
- 1:1, 16:45
- Wisconsin Dells Cooperative
- 1:2, 20:25
- Wisconsin Department of Agriculture
- 1:2, 08:20
- Wisconsin Farm Bureau
- 3:2, 25:20; 4:1, 20:50, 22:45; 6:2, 06:50, 08:30
- Wisconsin Farm Bureau Livestock Marketing Cooperative
- 6:2, 06:50
- Wisconsin Farmers Union
- 4:1, 20:50, 22:45
- Wisconsin Public Service Commission
- 6:1, 27:05
- Wisconsin River
- 2:1, 26:20
- Witwen
- 3:1, 00:30; 6:2, 27:40; 7:1, 17:10, 19:25
- Witwen Creamery
- 1:1, 00:30
- Wonewoc
- 1:1, 16:45, 21:45
- World War II
- 3:2, 06:55; 5:2, 08:55
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