Pioneers in the 20th Century

Pioneer Life in the 20th Century is the true story of how one remarkably determined woman raised six children in a one room house built with her own hands. Each vignette captures life as it really was, be it experiencing the joys of an outhouse commandeered by a skunk or attempting to sting popcorn garland for the holiday season. Children racing on piglets or attempting to catch headless chickens will leave readers in stitches while the frantic race to save an allergic child stung by bees will leave them breathless. Whether coping with marauding bears, downed chimneys, or snow storms, this commanding story focuses on the positive without watering down the reality of their existence far from neighbours and modern amenities. Without running water or electricity and very little money, the family lived off the land and carved out uncommon solutions for survival that will keep readers in awe. Her common sense approach to schooling children beyond book learning lends a uniqueness to the children's' upbringing not found in normal halls of education. Although their struggles for survival were many, they were met with common sense, appreciation for beauty, honesty and always, always humour. Pioneers in the 20th Century covers twenty years in the life of this modern pioneer family as the children grow from infancy to adulthood. With nothing more than a can-do attitude, the family meets and overcomes challenges unheard of in modern life. In the final chapter, the now grown children share their thoughts and memories of how this life has lead them to be who they are, and what they have become. It will inspire readers to persevere against all odds and meet life's obstacles with faith and good old fashioned hard work.