Signs of Spring
Spring brings mud season and those of us that have lived our entire lives with dirt roads understand it to be both a blessing and a curse. While the inconvenience of having to drive (or attempt to) on rutted, muck roads is apparent it is also seen as a rite of spring.
The frost is coming out of the ground and water is released into the air. This is when the robins and the red winged blackbirds return and our morning walks are blessed with the unmistakable sounds of spring. Relief from the wind, cold and snow is here and you take everything that comes with it.
In bulletins past, small articles were republished that had originally been seen in local papers. The articles of the time were interesting because of the personal information in the content, something that is far removed from today. One such article follows:
Bad Roads Discourage Buyers
Rowe – April 26, 1913
There have been a good many people come this spring to look at the “Hill Craft” Farm, known as the Robert Wells place (now the home of Jim Williams at the top of Middletown Hill Rd.) Each prospective buyer was disheartened before he got to the place by the terrible roads. That road has been bad for some time, but we have had an unusual winter. The road makers and repairers are working hard every day it doesn’t storm to make the roads what they should be. The Browns have put a hard weeks work on the county road. It is badly washed and impassable for a time, but is now in good condition. Mr. Maxam has charge of the road through the village to Zoar, and he is doing a good, thorough job as far as he has gone. So much wind has dried the mud and makes plenty of dust. Right here I think I will be pardoned for quoting from another paper, ‘A philosopher is reported to have said, “Life is mostly made up of prayin’ for rain and then wishin’ it would clear off.”
Text by Joanne Semanie. Photos from the Museum archive.