Publisher's Synopsis
Details of daily life on a twentieth-century Wisconsin farm come to life as 92-year-old Ruth Basse Klussendorf relates childhood memories of her parents, William and Rose Meyer Basse. The family history begins in Germany and ends with the Guernsey Grove farm in Muskego, Wisconsin. Join the Basse family as Ruth recounts growing up in the 1930s and '40s and describes how World War II affected daily life. Discover why the U.S. government forced the Basse family to move from their Milwaukee farm. Taking a look back, you realize the incredible changes that have taken place in daily life in the past 90 years. Over 142 photos and 20 family recipes are included, so you can picture life on a farm right down to the delicious desserts that were served. The simple farm life was difficult and labor-intensive. Farming practices and daily routine have changed, but what remains constant is a belief in God. The community spirit was essential to thrive in farming; from supporting each other in times of illness, to selling of goods to neighbors and city folk, to educating each other on best farming practices. William became a leader in his church, the Emanuel Church of Hales Corners, as well as the Golden Guernsey Dairy Cooperative and other farming organizations still serving their members today. "The Life and Times of William and Rose Basse" provides a historical record from a personal perspective not found in history books. Their lessons from the land offer much insight and wisdom for all of us.
