Old Farm: A History

I was delighted to find this author and his books since I am a transplanted fellow Midwesterner.Old Farm: A History is satisfying on many levels. It has many beautiful photographs that support the storylines of a particular section of land in Waushara County, Wisconsin, from the settlement that followed the Homestead Act, and the presence of the Menominee Indians preceding that. The effects of Ice Age glaciation are described.The most applicable aspects of the book to a wide readership are:-the stories of the hard work and difficulty of running small family farms though the mid 20th century. These stories are fascinating and will stay with you.-thoughts on wildlife and land conservation, which will encourage readers to be thoughtful about their contribution to the betterment-or degradation-of our beautiful planet, wherever you may live.-the importance of exposure to the natural world for children and adults.Highly recommend.

This book was definitely not what I was expecting. Based on the descriptions and other customer reviews, I was expecting a celebration of traditional farming activities, chores, and livestock; it was billed as an account that anyone with a rural upbringing could appreciate and relate to. Instead, I found almost none of it had to do with what the average Joe (city slicker or country boy) associates with memories of the family farm. The clear majority of photographs were of birds, butterflies, and close-ups of native trees and grasses. Most of these photographs would have been much more appropriate in a book about ornithology, entomology, ecology, or biology, not a book about "the farm." Along those lines, a great deal of the book was focused on such eco-warrior projects as "grassland restoration" and building "butterfly habitat." That is not what I'm looking for when I buy a book about an old farm! The book is presented from much more of a "greenie, back-to-the-land" perspective. Yes, wildlife and plant conservation is vitally important, but if that is to be your focus, you should title your book and bill it accordingly. Even when the author touched on traditional farming skills or tasks, his knowledge of them came across exceedingly elementary.Mr. Apps also has some problematic worldview issues that creep into his writing: "I am constantly searching for my own truth, my own take on matters, my perspective, my way of understanding the world. I resist the blank acceptance of others' truths as my own." (Page 195) The author fails to recognize that truth, by its very definition is exclusive, not variable based on your perspective. It is my opinion that Mr. Apps' rejection of ultimate truth colors most of the book and ties in with a very earthy, ethereal focus.In short, the book would be much better titled, "My own efforts to turn 65 Wisconsin acres into a nature preserve." I am surprised that the Wisconsin Historical Society chose to publish a book with such a focus on pure and simple ecology.I gave the book a second star because it is laid out very well. The editor/publishers produced a very attractive book with fonts, chapter headings, photographs, and organizational divisions that are very pleasing to the eye.

as a farm wife of over 45 years, enjoyed the way the author and his family started from scratch establishing their farm and what all the memories meant to them. Interesting life lessons for all.

My husband loves this book and refers to it often. We've been born and raised in WI, so my husband felt right at home. His family farmed when he was very small. Jerry Apps relates a very good, humorous, and truthful story about famrming in WI in the old days! Who knows! The way things are going in this country, we may very well be thrust back into that way of life which would be harder but more beneficial for young kids that they learn responsibility and benefit from the fruits of hard work!

Jerry Apps is a great storyteller! It is wonderful to hear about times past and all of the hard work he and his family have put into the Wild Rose land they have. Even found a relative of a friend that worked for him at one time! A small world indeed! Thanks to Mr. Apps for sharing his family history, love of nature and getting to know the "old school" folk.

I enjoyed the description of rebuilding the farm buildings and how the hard work was shared in the family. Mr Apps pictures and vivid descriptions of the land gave me a feeling of walking the land with him. It was an enjoyable read!

My husband isn't a book reader. He loves Magazines but has never been a book reader. He absolutely LOVES Jerry Apps books. I no more than order 2 or 3 and he has them read and i'm ordering more.

The photography in this book is excellent. The writing comes from the heart. Anyone who has ever been a landowner or associated with farming and a farming community will enjoy this book. I gave it as a gift, but I am going to buy one for myself. I highly recommend this book.