Growing up in a Shotgun House: Happy Childhood on a Small Family Farm

Thinking back on that first summer in the country, it always brings such a rush of feelings – love, companionship, the cool wind on our faces as we rode our tree horses, the sheer joy of splashing in the water, the feeling of pride when Daddy said "that corn bread is almost as good as your mama's," and oh, I wish I could find some "Old Maid" zinnia seeds.

For me, the summer I was 10 held new smells, sights, sounds and the experience of having my work turn into pretty flowers or a pan of corn bread. Perhaps the joy I felt then set my heart to singing and gave me a good start on my life as a country girl.

Anna Brumback
Stilwell, Oklahoma

Back in 1955 a call went out from the editors of the then Capper’s Weekly asking for readers to send in articles on true pioneers. Hundreds of letters came pouring in from early settlers and their children, many now in their 80s and 90s, and from grandchildren of settlers, all with tales to tell. So many articles were received that a decision was made to create a book, and in 1956, the first My Folks title – My Folks Came in a Covered Wagon – hit the shelves. Nine other books have since been published in the My Folks series, all filled to the brim with true tales from Capper’s readers, and we are proud to make those stories available to our growing online community.