by Henry Slotemaker

Part Six---1918-1964

1918: the family was growing up. Neal reached the age of 17; Otto, the youngest was 8. However, he didn’t hold this spot in the family role for long as on Feb. 15 we welcomed another baby sister – and daughter – to the family circle, just 4 days less than a year after the departure of Jessie. It seemed almost as if Jessie was with us again so quite spontaneously she was also named Jessie. Our response of joy and gratitude was put to a test by mother’s illness. Though less than 3 months earlier the "flu" epidemic did not touch her, now following child birth she had a severe case of pleurisy. Her life hung in the balance for a few days. As in the previous crises the family was joined together in prayer. Mother recovered. However there seems to have been a side effect relating to this latest child birth in the form of a chronic leg ulcer. This greatly restricted her activity. Looking back, I marvel at the efficient way in which she handled her many responsibilities as a homemaker. To us as a family it was an incentive to greater mutual helpfulness. This ulcer never healed.

She also suffered from gall stones for several years. I do not remember when it started but my best guess is about 1920. At that time surgery was apparently not recommended except as an absolute emergency. When a stone was passing the pain was excruciating. The attacks usually came at night, and her screaming and moaning kept the family awake. In the morning she was completely exhausted and looked the part. From an acquaintance we learned of a remedy developed by a pharmacist in Grand Rapids, Mich. She started using this medication and continued using it as prescribed until the attacks stopped. Apparently the existing stones passed, and no new ones formed. Anyway, she was relieved of this malady and we were all thankful for it. This medication continued perhaps 2 years.

Except for Mother’s chronic leg ulcer, and Dad’s hernia which caused discomfort at times they enjoyed good health during the remainder of their lives, until their final illnesses.

During the latter part of World War I and for some time thereafter there was an acute shortage in the labor force in the country. This was evident on the farm too. Consequently many teen age boys were doing men’s work. Much was hand work. Neal and I contributed our share in supplying the need in our neighborhood. Horses provided the power for field work. Except for occasional off the farm jobs in the neighborhood the family had all remained pretty much at home. Much of the farm was wooded. The trees were marketable only as firewood; and this market was mostly supplied by the lumber mills, and the few who made wood cutting their business. Our farm was unique in that it had 22 old growth fir trees that had somehow survived the forest fires that devastated many thousands of acres in the area leaving fallen trees and black stumps. These 22 survivors ranged in size from about 3 ½ feet to 6 ½ feet in diameter at about 5 feet above the ground; and from about 150 to 220 feet in height. Most of the burned over area was covered with a new growth including a few clumps of fir, an occasional cedar, and generally alder and birch, and various other species of trees and brush. When we arrived on this place in 1912 there was about 30 acres of clear farm land; about 20 acres partially clear and suitable for pasture. The other 50 acres was all wooded and could serve as pasture for young stock. So there was always work to be done.

Perhaps I should explain why those old growth trees were not suitable for lumber. They stood singly (not in a forest). This made them vulnerable to all the winds. In a strong wind the tree top could sway perhaps 20-25 feet or more from side to side, breaking the wood fibers in the center of the tree killing it. The tree would die from the top down and rot from the center out. Looking at a tree one could not know how much good wood it contained. Most of the fences on the farm were built with split cedar rails. As these fences deteriorated they were replaced with barbed wire fences; the best rails being used for posts, the rest was cut up for firewood. This indicates the abundance of material at hand to keep the home fires burning.

Increased farm production depended on the additional acres that were slashed and burned and seeded to grass. This provided pasture for cattle for several years. But not until the land was fully cleared and plowed would good production be attained. Land clearing was costly, time consuming hard work. So, the larger stumps were left in the ground and we plowed around them. Many of these large stumps remained firmly rooted in mother earth until the advent of the bulldozer. Land clearing included burning of the debris. Sometimes during the dry season these fires got out of control, which required fire fighting. Many buildings were destroyed by fire in those early days. Our only loss by fire was parts of rail fences.

Post World War I years were a time of fast emergence from the "horse and buggy" days to the "machine age". Many automobiles were kept in storage during the winter due to road conditions. This necessitated a general road improvement program. When the funds appropriated by the Township ran out, the work was continued with voluntary labor. We contributed our share to both paid and volunteer labor. This meant shoveling gravel onto a wagon by hand.

It soon became evident that Neal’s ambitions for a livelihood were not directed toward farming.¹ His first off the farm employment – except for occasional jobs as mentioned in the foregoing – was for a wholesale and retail meat dealer. This introduced him to the butchering and meat cutting trades. Other jobs included poultry dressing and logging. He also spent three seasons working in the wheat harvest in southern Alberta. During this time the family farm remained his home; until at the age of 25 he married Sylvia Nieveen, and they established a home of their own.

Our first automobile was a used Chevrolet purchased in 1920. As Neal and I were the main beneficiaries, (Dad never learned to how drive) we felt responsible for a large part of the operating cost. The horse and buggy were still held in respect and it was quite some time before they were fully retired. Our bicycles continued to be a valuable mode of transportation, as Dick and Otto used them to and from school as the two younger brothers were able to assume an increasing share of the farm chore load, it gave Neal the opportunity to look elsewhere for employment.

Recreation and social life for young people in the 1920’s was not basically much different from the 1970’s when this is written. Football had not yet gained enough popularity in grade and high school to have a place in interscholastic activity. Interscholastic basketball, baseball and track filled a  large place in the athletic programs of the schools; basketball only on the high school level. Baseball and softball, then as now was a popular summer activity for the entire community. Wiser Lake (not yet polluted) and Birch Bay were popular swimming and boating resorts. The Mt. Baker recreating area had not yet been developed as a ski resort. Mountain hiking was a popular activity.

It must be taken into account that this was when radio was still in its early stages of development, and T.V. was perhaps still in science fiction state; or a dream in some inventors mind.

²Social activity by young people stimulates friendships, many of which continue through life. This general response was also evident in our family circle. The automobile served to broaden this social circle as distances became a steadily decreasing barrier.

So it was that when sister Agnes and a young man from Everett, named Joe Estie found in one another a mutual attractiveness, Joe found his Model T to be a convenient instrument in covering the distance separating them. This stimulated their affection to the point where it was evident that they were convinced that they had the necessary ingredients for matrimony. The wedding took place at the farm home on Sept. 28, 1925; Agnes’ 20^th birthday. Their first home was in Seattle, where Joe was a clerk in a Western Auto Supply store.

As previously indicated, the post World War I industrial development had a large influence on the general economy. It had a profound effect also on farming, especially as farming was almost exclusively carried on by family units.

One morning in the summer of 1927, when we got up to do our regular chores Otto’s bed was empty. He hadn’t come home that night. He left a note stating in effect that he thought it best for all concerned that he leave home and find employment elsewhere. He left with a companion, and urged us not to notify authorities to have him returned home. He promised to keep us informed as to his whereabouts. Needless to say, this was a shock to all of us, especially our parents. This new experience called for introspection and prayer for wisdom to do what was best. In trying to determine why he left home the way he did we came up with the following: He being the youngest of the brothers was not given his share of responsibility. This could leave him with a demeaning, frustrating feeling, to which he responded by asserting himself the way he did proving that he could take care of himself. But whatever his motives, his action left a deep impression on the family. A few days after he left we received a letter from him informing us that he had a job in the Yakima valley picking peaches. From there he went to Burns, Ore. where he worked on a ranch.³ When winter came he went to a place near the Oregon coast where he found a job. I do not remember how long he was away from home, which I think was less than a year. It was a happy occasion for all of us when he returned. Otto was a quiet person. Although he could carry on an interesting conversation, he was not talkative. If one would comment on his silence he would likely reply: "I learn more when I listen than when I talk".

I think Dad had a fond ambition to place each of his sons on a farm. That this was not to be realized soon became evident. Neil quite early in life indicated that his interests lay in other directions. Being second in age, I assumed an increasing amount of responsibility, both as to the work and management of the farm. This in turn led to Dick and Otto to go elsewhere for employment. The depression of the early 1930’s extinguished the last spark of that ambition. We somehow weathered this economic storm, although it left inevitable scars.

Gradually emerging from the depression, social life also returned to a more normal course. Dick met his life partner in the person of Ann Sebens, a neighbor girl whom he married on June 12, 1934. Later that same year Otto entered the marriage state with Nellie Cook on Sept. 4 in Wenatchee, Washington. The family was growing again.

About at this time Mother’s brother Martin died in Iowa, leaving a sick widow and two children: Alleta and Henry. Mother and Dad were asked to serve as guardians of these children, which they consented to do. They stayed about 3-4 years when they were through grade school, and their  mother had recovered sufficiently to make a home for them again.

During all these years I had invested my time and labor in the farm, living with Mother and Dad, and sister Jessie who is 15 years younger than I. Moreover, a friendship with a young lady named Fanny VanderMey blossomed into a love that could be fully realized only by way of marriage. This took place on Oct. 2, 1936.

We continued to operate the farm together, Dad helping to the extent of his ability. We built a new small house on the farm, Mother and Dad continuing to live in the old farm home.

While our country was recovering from the "Great Depression" black war clouds were again threatening to engulf Europe. On Sept. 1, 1939 Germany, under dictatorship of Adolph Hitler, invaded Poland. The war soon spread to other European countries. Germany had allied herself with Italy and Japan, intending in this way to gain world domination. On Sunday  morning Dec. 7, 1941 Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, thereby involving us in another global conflict. Although no one in our immediate family was called into military service, no one could escape the consequences of a world at war.

Jessie, now 22 was clerking in a store in Bellingham. While helping at a U.S.O. "United Service Organization", a place where service men were fed and entertained, she met a young soldier from Illinois named Mervin Figenbaum. This acquaintance led to a mutual interest in one another. He was sent to France. He was wounded in combat.⁴ After sufficient recuperation to travel he came back to see Jessie. Their interest grew into love and on Nov. 15, 1945 they were married, and have made their home in Bellingham.

Mother and Dad continued a deep interest in and concern for their posterity. There is no way of estimating the time they spent in prayer on our behalf. Dad had a habit of thinking audibly. Many a time I came upon him unaware and heard him talking, and almost invariably it concerned religious-spiritual matters. Both continued to have a deep interest in the work of the church. Mother remained active in the Ladies Aid to the extent of her ability, as well as being of help to fellow men. They enjoyed good health until Dad was  nearing 80 years when he developed prostate trouble. On Nov. 26,  1950 they celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary. On Dec. 10 he was taken to the hospital for surgery but it was too late. Uremia had poisoned his system. Death came on Dec. 16, 1950. His eternal home was ready to receive him.

Mother continued to live on the farm for some time. Joe Estie had converted his garage to an apartment where their daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Warren Yonker, lived until they needed more room. This proved to be an ideal arrangement for mother. She lived in this apartment for some 12 years. She was within walking distance of the church, rest home, and the homes of many of her personal friends, as well as a convenient place for us to stop in.

Except for her leg ulcer which limited her activity she continued in excellent health. Much of her time was occupied by needle work, especially knitting. She must have knitted thousands of garments of various descriptions in her  lifetime, as she learned to knit at the early age of 8 years while still in the Netherlands. She was also an avid reader, but she was able to knit and read at the same time, so there was no conflict of interest between the two activities. She also kept up a correspondence with family members and other relatives in distant places, thereby keeping contact by which all of us benefited.

About a week before her 86^th birthday she had a mild heart attack. She was taken to a Bellingham hospital, was treated and discharged a few days later. She was taken to our home on the farm for care and convalescence. While with us she suffered a stroke from which she did not recover. On Jan. 29, 1964, just one day after her 86^th birthday she had a second stroke which was fatal.⁵ Fanny and I were present with her when she breathed the final breath of her earthly life. Absent from the body, present with the Lord, and with loved ones who had preceded her.

1. Perhaps the following information, related by Neil's sister Agnes, helps explain part of Neil's aversion to farming---According to Agnes, Neil was hit by lightning; it was in the Fall, the men and boys were out in the field, shocking the hay when a storm came up. They continued to work, hoping to get as much hay shocked as they could. Neil was using a pitch-fork to throw the hay, and the pitch-fork was hit by lightning. He was thrown backwards and landed on the ground. They all came in for the day. 

compiler's note:
 It is not known if Neil ever helped with the hay again.

2. Anyone growing up in Lynden would hear the phrase 'Dutch Parade' which referenced the phenomenon of a large number of cars going up and down Front Street. Most Generation 5 age group Lyndenites and Dutch descendants likely think that this is all the 'Dutch Parade' phrase refers to, a local colloquialism. However, according to Generation 4 Dutch Lyndenites there is more to it than that. There was no evening Church service on Sunday evenings, however on Sunday there would be a meeting of the 'Young Peoples Society' and after the meetings of these young people, girls would walk on the Front Street side walks and young men would drive by in their cars offering rides to the young ladies in the 'Dutch Parade'. According to Generation 4 Slotemaker descendant Howard Spaan, who as a teenager grew up in Lynden, the 'Dutch Parade' practice was common in other Dutch towns in America as he remembers as a teenager visiting a family in a Dutch town in Iowa where his uncle was a constable, and that Iowan Dutch town had the same 'Dutch Parade' tradition as Lynden, although with a slight twist; you couldn't go around town more than three times or you would be ticketed.

3. Otto Slotemaker wrote of his Oregon ranching experience in a typewritten document which he waited 40 years to create, finally committing his story to paper in 1969. This document has recently resurfaced and has now been transcribed to this venue. Anyone with additional details about Otto's tale, please share.

4. Mervin Figenbaum was transferred overseas to Europe to take an active part in the fighting in Europe. He landed at Normandy (Utah Beach). He joined the 3rd U.S. Army, commanded by General George S. Patton. Mervin was a Combat Engineer Specialist. Normandy was his first campaign. Next he was on the Rhineland Campaign; then the Ardennes Campaign, better known as the "Battle of the Bulge"; then not the least was the Central Europe Campaign. After being wounded, the doctors at the Evacuation Hospital in Germany told him that he had million dollar wounds and they were sending him home. He arrived back in the United States during the summer of 1945.

5. Visit the final resting place of many of those you've read about in the Slotemaker Story