Butch Was a ‘Tag-along’ Farm Kid

   When I was a youngster, I didn’t realize how fortunate I was that my Dad was a farmer. It wasn’t just that I lived on a farm, which was a great life for a kid back in the day, but it was the fact that I got to spend time with my father much more so than other kids whose fathers worked at jobs in town. I think farm kids and their fathers form a unique bond . . . a closeness of shared responsibility. Of the 18 boys in my high school graduating class in 1966, 13 had fathers who farmed. And most all of these boys spent many hours working side-by-side with their dads during the day, and tagged along with them during the times away from the farm. Seven of the 16 girls in my class also lived on farms, and a few of them also worked right along with their fathers. My wife is a prime example!

   Many of the boys imitated their fathers in mannerisms, habits, speech, and dress. It was not unusual to see a farm boy wearing a seed corn cap, bib overalls, and work boots . . . with a pocket leather “holster” of pliers hanging from his belt. One such boy lived the next road over from us. He was the spitting image of his Dad, and he was with his Dad from morning to night helping him with all of the farm chores. When his father died unexpectedly at age 39, he was devastated. A few days after the funeral, the boy rode his bike to our house and asked my Dad if he could help him on our farm. The boy showed up every morning to help, staying with Dad the entire day. After about two weeks, the boy’s mother hired another fellow to do the work on their farm, and the boy began helping him. It was a sad time for that family, and the boy eventually worked through the psychological aftermath of his father’s death.

   Working alongside a parent provides hands on training and skills which are passed on from parent to child. And for me, the time together left me with many fond memories. I had certain chores and responsibilities that were expected to be completed. Sometimes Dad paid me for certain jobs, but most of the time it was because I had “to earn my keep.” Yes, I may have complained a few times when it was time to clean out the hog barn, load the truck with ear corn, or feed the livestock, but I actually enjoyed doing those jobs and was proud of myself after the chores were completed. Dad let me drive our Farmall tractor to disc the fields when I was 13 years old, but I knew other boys who were driving tractors when they were 11 years old, like they had been doing it all their lives. I began plowing fields when I was 14 years old. By then I was able to reach back and pull the rope to trip the plow without falling from the tractor seat!

   Dad often made trips to town . . . taking grain to the elevator, getting something repaired, etc. but many times just to take a break from working. I accompanied him to many places . . . the restaurant, filling station, drug store, pool room. I was his “tag-along” boy. And I can truthfully say that I learned a great deal when I went with him, especially how to interact with adults, and of course . . . if you knew my Dad . . . how to play a good joke on others. And Dad always provided a lot of good advice which has been beneficial to me throughout my life. He never pushed me, and rarely criticized me, but he did punish me a few times when I really did something stupid or dangerous. I am glad that he did! A strange thing though . . . I played baseball and basketball all through my school years. During that time, he attended just about every game, but he never offered advice or criticism, as he believed that was the coach’s job. I was grateful for that, too!

   Yes, I was quite lucky that I was able to be with my father during my growing-up years. He instilled in me a good work ethic, taught me about life, and was a great mentor. My personality is a reflection of my father . . . devoted to family, dedicated to my work, serious when I need to be, but always have a sense of humor and be able to enjoy life and appreciate everything I have.

   There are very few kids who live on farms today compared to the past. But fathers, no matter what they do or where they live, can still spend quality time with their children. A close relationship can shape youngsters into becoming strong and independent individuals who are prepared for what life presents them.

   “Be more than his Dad, Be a chum to the lad; Be part of his life, Find time to talk with him, Take time to walk with him, Teach him the things you want him to know . . . Father and son, Must in all things be one— More than a Dad, He was the best pal you had.”

   I am so glad that I was one of those “tag-along” farm kids in the 1950s . . . Thanks, Dad!

John “Butch” Dale is a retired teacher and County Sheriff. He has also been the librarian at Darlington the past 37 years, and is a well-known artist and author of local history.