Bertha Weiner's Farm

 Willow River, MN  - by Elsie Vogel 

 

Bertha Weiner gave the farm to Virginia Gardiner (my cousin) and me for taking care of her when she was alone.  Bertha Weiner’s house, barn and summer kitchen burned by vandals – no fire insurance.

 

We sold the land for $16,000 @ 8% interest with $2,000 down.  

Sold to:  Birch Creek Dairy Inc.

Stanley W. and Beverly K. Peterson

Route 1, Box 21 E. Willow River, MN 55795

Phone:  1-218-658-4355

The Peterson’s are a very nice couple – children are in college – they are big dairy farmers.  They send a check to me on April 30 and October 30 every year for $1,201.48 each time.  I deposit it in the special account at Norwest Bank with Virginia’s and my name.  (Bill Gardiner and Bert as survivors get the spouse’s share if this happens.)  We each draw out $600 at check time.  At present time (August 8, 1995), the balance in the joint account is $225.56 – this balance will be used at the time the farm is paid up and we give them the title to the farm (Passbook is in the little middle drawer of my dresser.)  Virginia’s address is: 426 N. Clay, Hinsdale, IL 60521.  Phone: 1-708-323-5032. 

 

Bertha loved the farm.  I just wish you all had seen it when it was a workable farm.  They had an apple orchard – they sold the apples.  The summer kitchen was a fun place.  Auntie Mary (Bertha’s mom) was such a good cook.  I wish I knew how to make her rye bread.  She made the best chicken dinners and I remember some family get togethers in the summer when we all took turns cranking the ice cream freezer.  I’ll always remember the Peach ice cream we made.  

 

Bertha’s dream was to get married and live on the farm.  Some dreams do not come true.