Reminiscences: Chapter 8

Reminiscences of Early Peoria
by Odillon B. Slane

Chapter 8
page 21

PLANTING GARDENS

IN the early thirties the Peoria settlers used to plant gardens in the Spring, out on the prairies. It was not necessary to own the land, for there was more than enough for every one. They used always to plant more than they needed for themselves.

They planted not only for summer use, and for the long winters which were to follow, but they planted also for those pioneers who were sure to come from the east sometimes during the summer or fall, too late to plant their own gardens. They were always glad to welcome newcomers in those days to the little town of several dozen families. When the new settlers came, all the neighbors would gladly lend a hand at helping to build the new cabins of logs, and at furnishing them with crude furniture, also built of logs.

Then, with the autumn harvest the new settlers would be given a share in the provisions for the winter.

Chapter 7 Chapter 9

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