William J. Maynes, Salt Lake City, Utah: an interview by Winston P. Erickson, June 19, 2000: Saving the legacy tape no. 42

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William J. Maynes June 19 2 0 BIL: At one time or another we had to perform the fo llowing chores: Tak kindling and coal from the woodshed into the house every evening during the winter months to start the fire in the coal stove for cooking and heating the house. As I matured I was assigned to feed the chickens, gather the eggs, and see that the chicken coop was locked each evening to keep the skunks and other predators out. I also had to prepare the feed and slop the pigs. I fed and milked the cows, and fed and watered the horses. I also had to pitch the manure out of the bam. These activities don't exactly come under the heading of chores, but they had to be done when the season was at hand to do them: The land had to be fertilized during the fall and winter months, and the orchard had to be pruned. During the spring the ground had to be prepared and the seeds planted. The orchard had to be sprayed to keep the insects out of the fruit. During the spring and summer months the garden, orchard, berries, alfalfa, and oats had to be irrigated. The orchard, berries, and garden had to be cultivated and weeded. I was involved in all of these activities, as well as harvesting the crops. WIN: You had threats to the chickens then? BIL: During the summer months we were plagued with skunks, weasels, and sometimes badgers. These animals were a threat to the chickens and eggs. WIN: Oh, the eggs? BIL: Yes. Most of them would help themselves to the small chickens and eggs if given a chance. Coyotes roamed the hillsides and could be heard howling practically every night. I am sure they would have been grateful for a chance to fill up on the chickens. 2