1902

Of note is Josef’s work on the foundation and floor of their family home.  Perhaps in the initial construction he had used whatever lumber was available to get the house finished and qualify for the deed to his claim.  Evidently he had no idea he would soon be making plans to build a new home located over the bank and closer to a more reliable source of water.

He continued to work on the county road and at various neighboring homesteads.  Work at home also continued: “Slashed, made shingles”, “bored stumps”, “cleared”.  Hay and grain crops were grown and harvested.

May 31: “Hoed potatoes, 3.2 o’clock p.m. Joseph born.” Note for August: “hot and smoky, much timber fire”.  And the weather didn’t help: “hellish hot”, “infernally hot”.

During the year there appeared to be a good harvest of berries, cherries, prunes, apples and pears.  He noted “roued with Dad” a couple of times, but did many chores there during the year.

“Went to Kilby’s about signboards”.  Then “cut out and painted fingerboards”, “lettered fingerboards”. 
“Sendoff for the year 1902.  The year 1902 (the year of worry) has been financially good, extreme in rain and fire.  Fine crops of hay, grain, fruit and vegetables were raised.  Slashed brush on 5 acres for pasture; cut down 20 snags, fenced clearing east of the house, cleared ½ acre of an acre; grubbed ½ of an acre, made shingleroad; took observing station, got rid of 6 acres of timber.”