Cornerstone
Last April I decided to dive into writing – something I’ve wanted to do for years, but the time wasn’t right until now. My kids are now old enough to be more independent, so I have an hour here and there for myself. Yes, it’s great! When I first started writing I shared a story about my parents buying the family farm. The way my parents acquired the farm, and the connections they discovered still amaze me and give me the chills when I think about it. We continue to uncover stories and discover connections, thanks to my great-grandfather’s (Roy Falk) memoirs. Because of this, life on the farm has turned into a cornerstone of my writing. Just recently, another unbelievable connection was made when a visitor spotted a story about my great-grandfather’s 1914 Ford Model T.
Farm Displays
Many people have toured the farm in the past few years. Visitors are transported approximately 100 years back in time as they view displays that contain antique objects, old pictures, and informative plaques throughout the property. For example: The display below contains a photograph of the Falk children digging potatoes (my great-grandfather is in the center), a direct quote from my great-grandfather’s memoir, and an old potato bucket. These artifacts are hung in the old granary that was built by my family in 1919.
This particular display is about potato farming, which was one of the main sources of income for the Falk family. My great-grandfather wrote in his memoir:
When I was 15 years old, my father gave me two acres of potatoes in the spring as my wages for my summers work. As it turned out, by fall, my two acres of spuds did very well. I remember they were a variety called Kings, a high-producing red potato.
Potatoes were high-priced that fall and I received $350.00 for my summer wages. Well, being 15 years of age, I wanted a car and bought a 1914 Model T with brass lamps, radiator shell, etc. Beautiful!
I took this car out without any instruction the first time I drove it. Florence [sister] was the only one who dared ride with me, and I drove it to Gearge Widells in South Pine Lake and back without mishap. Today, in 1977, that Model T would be worth quite a bit of cash.
This story has filled my mother with determination to find a 1914 Ford Model T that can be displayed at the farm. I’m sure my father is just thrilled at this prospect as he has always wanted a classic car. I know my son is. He has had a fascination with the Model T since he was a tiny tot of four-years old. Coincidence?
A 1914 Ford Model T in Sweden
“You’ll never believe what happened when the Swedes were here”
The tone in my mother’s voice told me that I was in for another chill-inducing connection
It was Thursday, August 17th, 2017, and a group of 80 visitors (many from Sweden) had come to tour the farm. During one of the tours, a distant relative from Sweden swiftly walked up to my mother and took out his cell phone. “That story about forking up potatoes?” he said excitedly. “I have a picture to show you. I have that same car in Sweden – a 1914 Model T Ford!” My mother looked at his cell phone and there it was, a 1914 Ford Model T. She looked up at him incredulously and exclaimed “You wouldn’t believe it, but connections like this have been happening weekly here on the farm.” He replied, “When you and your husband come to visit us in Sweden in a couple of years, I will bring you on a ride in my 1914 Model T Ford.”
How is it that a distant relative from Sweden has a 1914 Ford Model T? The same year, make, and model that my great-grandfather bought when he was 15-years old? Everything happens for a reason.
Chills.
Another connection made.
My parents are now looking forward to taking a ride in the 1914 Ford Model T when they visit relatives in Sweden for the next reunion in two years.
I wonder “How many more connections will be made in the future?” Only time will tell.
Erin: I have so enjoyed your blog. My Grandma Vina was your great aunt, Roy and Russell’s sister. When we were out to your farm (before it was your farm) a few years ago, I toured the barn and found many scratchings from my dad, Kenny Erickson, on the wall. Keep up the blog. I’m enjoying every minute of it. Jill Erickson Norlander
Dear Jill,
First of all, thank you so much for communicating and taking the time to write! I really do appreciate it, and I’m so happy you’re enjoying the farm stories. We would love for you to come out to the farm again so we could meet you and hear stories that you may have.The barn and granary have been cleaned out and my parents have unearthed even more etchings, drawings, and artifacts. Anyway, you are always welcome to come again. Thanks so much for reading and reaching out! All my best, Erin
Your story is perfect – thank you!
Thank you so very much for your kind words!
Erin, The 17th of August was Roy & Venzora’s wedding anniversary. Cool that the Swedes were there that day.
Carol
Carol, I did not know this! And yes, that is really cool! Thank you for letting me know. I’m going to make note. See? Another connection! As always, thanks so much for reading and communicating. I really appreciate you. Best, Erin
Good job Erin 👍 It is nice to see you are doing something you like to do and are passionate about 😁
I love all the different stories about the North Shore veg gardening birding And your families pass History to name a few keeping everybody’s interest little bit of everything awesome job !
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. Your kind words are much appreciated! And, yes, I am so grateful that I have the time to do a bit of writing each week. It does my heart good. 🙂
This is Cool!
Thanks, Ritu! 🙂
Thanks, Ritu!
What are the odds? I love how the farm continues to share its secrets both in history and how it fosters connections all over the world (or at least Scandinavia). I also like reading the comments from readers of your blog, distant family members and others, who feel connection and continue to flesh out your family and the region’s history. Wonderful!
Connecting with relatives has been so much fun! It’s with these relatives that we’ve found so many of these connections. I’m excited to see what else we uncover in the future! Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment, Angela. 🙂
Interesting! It always fascinates me when random connections are made/realised. What a small world we live in 🙂
And, I find myself saying that exact thing quite a bit since I started researching the family farm. It truly is a small world. There are connections everywhere! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and respond! 🙂
I love these cars so much. I would love to have one but I would never get anywhere on time!
Ha! Yes, the way the world works nowadays, the Model T wouldn’t quite suffice. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment.
I just love reading about all your amazing connections you’ve made recently! It is incredible how things just work out in amazing ways sometimes!
Hi , McKenna! Yes, we’ve had so much fun up at the farm, happy tears have been shed, and we do feel like it’s a small world. 😊 As always, thanks so much for reading and commenting. x