Illinois Farmer

Illinois Farmer

This short book, the history of a farm, concerns my cousin Alvin, his family and their farm at Island Grove. Alvin, now retired, tells me how he managed the farm for 60 years, sharing his constant concerns and a farmer’s enduring perspectives as he describes how his...
Island Grove Afternoon

Island Grove Afternoon

A ‘first person’ essay, Island Grove Afternoon was published in Illinois Issues, November, 2001. Alvin later told me he thought the story needn’t seem so sad. My original text, more complete, follows below. It is the church standing alone in the...