2008 Woodie Awards
Farming in the Arkansas Delta, 1848 to 2006
Book Review
Timothy Baghurst
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Life & Style
Using her family knowledge and data collected over the period of five generations, Margaret Bolsterli tells the story of the Jones family farm located on the Arkansas Delta from 1848 to 2006. "During Wind and Rain" is an insider's account of the successes, failures, hopes and sadness that encompasses the farmer's quest to fight nature and economy in order to produce a successful harvest.
Bolsterli relies upon carefully kept records, especially in the early development of the farm, to explain how difficult and brittle is the task of keeping a farm functioning during the Civil War and the Great Depression, as well as through the many attempts of nature to destroy it.
Although there were times of happiness, the book tells of the back bending work, the constant threat of foreclosure and bankruptcy and the difficulty in keeping up with changing technology. It wasn't until the later generations that the farm began to appear prosperous. Sadly, with the profit margin constantly decreasing, the farm was closed and a catfish farm has since replaced the fields of cotton and soybeans.
Although "During Wind and Rain" is factual, it is highly readable. This text should provide those interested in Arkansan history with a unique insider's view. In addition, those working or studying agriculture will appreciate the transformation in farming that has occurred over the past 150 years.
Bolsterli, an emeritus professor at the UA, will have a book signing May 1st at Nightbird Books.
Bolsterli relies upon carefully kept records, especially in the early development of the farm, to explain how difficult and brittle is the task of keeping a farm functioning during the Civil War and the Great Depression, as well as through the many attempts of nature to destroy it.
Although there were times of happiness, the book tells of the back bending work, the constant threat of foreclosure and bankruptcy and the difficulty in keeping up with changing technology. It wasn't until the later generations that the farm began to appear prosperous. Sadly, with the profit margin constantly decreasing, the farm was closed and a catfish farm has since replaced the fields of cotton and soybeans.
Although "During Wind and Rain" is factual, it is highly readable. This text should provide those interested in Arkansan history with a unique insider's view. In addition, those working or studying agriculture will appreciate the transformation in farming that has occurred over the past 150 years.
Bolsterli, an emeritus professor at the UA, will have a book signing May 1st at Nightbird Books.
Be the first to comment on this story