Illinois Farmer

Illinois Farmer

This short book, a family farm history, is about my cousin Alvin, his family and their farm at Island Grove. They have farmed this land for four generations. Alvin, now retired, farmed for 60 years. He’ll be the last of the family to work the farm. He tells me...
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...