the old homestead

 

Atop a broken windmill stand, amid overgrown weeds, a tattered flag flutters in the breeze-- a sad memorial.  This had been the family farm for over 100 years, since Grandpa moved here in 1911.  Then a new house was built in 1939 -- at the top of the rise and eventually surrounded by stately elm trees.  The farm was passed along, until Mrs. E, who was the last family member to run the place, became too infirm and had to move to the rest home. The place was rented to tenant farmers.  The house, which was a county showplace in its time and site of many socials, fell further into disrepair.  The once-proud front lawn was now grazed by cattle.  Weeds and trash overtook the backyard; the swing and toys lay abandoned not to be enjoyed by future generations.  And thus ends another tale of the family farm.

 

Lubbock County, Texas