John and Eva Becker Schroeder: The Great Depression 1922-1934

The stock market crash that heralded the Great Depression was still years away. But when John and Eva Schroeder left Montana in 1922 and returned to South Dakota, they were already facing difficult times. The droughts and crop failures on their Montana homestead left them with few possessions. They were starting over.

They returned to their childhood home of Marion, South Dakota. For several years John worked in town, first at a blacksmith shop and then at a creamery. They also had a business on the side selling chicken feed and sunflower seeds. They managed to save up some money and rent a farm nearby, but had to move after a year when the landlord rented the farm to a relative. Now they had another daughter, Lillian (in 1924). 

John and Eva Becker Schroeder: Minnesota Years 1934-1959

The cool green of northern Minnesota refreshed the soul. Towering forests of pine surrounded the Schroeder's new farmyard. Behind the house meandered the St. Louis River. "Here you don't have to pray for rain," the neighbors told them.

The Minnesota farmhouse and barn.

The railroad agent had been right about the gardens. Every year they raised a big vegetable garden and harvested hay from their meadow.

Back row: Wanda, Ed, Emma and Olivia; Front: Lillian, Eva, Leroy, John and Loyd.

Eva Becker Schroeder: Growing Old 1960-1996

For many years, John and Eva Schroeder had wished they could visit their children, Emma and Loyd, and their families, who were missionaries in Ecuador. In 1960, the long-wished-for trip became reality. John and Eva were going to Ecuador! They wanted to experience everything in this Latino country --and they did!

A Dozen Egg Whites: Angel Food Cake

An egg is a beautiful thing. Smooth ovals in shades of browns, beiges and whites contain a wholesome array of essential vitamins and minerals. It is a protein powerhouse. In the hands of an experienced cook, they are useful in dishes savory as well as sweet. In the hands of an inexperienced cook, you can't go wrong with scrambled eggs! 

  

You Don't Forget Your Wedding Gifts

Aunt Clarice arranged the gifts at the wedding.

The the day after our wedding, before we left on our honeymoon, we stopped by my parents home to open gifts. There was a big pile of them. On no day, before or since, have I opened so many gifts. Friends and family had been generous, providing much of the basics we needed as we started our new life together.  Most were practical, a few were extravagant.  And now, so many years later (39!) I feel like I still remember them all.