House by the Side of the Road: Stories of 20th Century Farm Life Beside Illinois’ Lincoln Highway

Mrs. L. A. Abbott
Pines Publishing (2005)
ISBN 0976682001
Reviewed by Ellen Hogan for Reader Views (3/06)

Mrs. Abbott's book gives us a glimpse at life on the farm from the early 1900's until the late 1980's. The book is based on her memories and stories told to her by other farm families. She tells of traveling salesmen who stopped to peddle their wares. Of people stranded and looking for a place to rest their head and a good meal. It was a kinder, gentler life. The big events were barn raisings and corn carnivals, when rural families got together to help one another or celebrate.

Life on the farm then and now is very different. Each task has been improved by better farm equipment or just the addition of air conditioning so the house doesn't get too hot from canning.

Anyone who ever lived on a farm would be interested in this book. Its simple stories will touch the heart of many a country folk.

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