OH those many days walking or running down the driveway to catch the school bus. Our farm was very peaceful and serene. Not many visitors or salespersons came around. Our summers were spent doing all the farm work necessary to keep the operation going. On the farm, we had milk cattle, hogs, and chickens. Daily chores were a never-ending battle. Being a small child, farm chores, seemed as though we had to cut our fun short and start working again. Field work, was another matter. As boys, operating the tractor, was great fun. Dad did not have any problem getting us to drive for various duties.
One event that comes to mind, I was dragging a field cross ways. The neighbor was out preparing a joining field across the main road. He went home for dinner and Karen operated the tractor during his absence. She has a sun top and shorts on. I remember speeding up and showing down the tractor so I would be at the closest spot for a better look. Looking back now, all I should have had to do is go over and talk to her. However, fieldwork needed to be completed and we both kept right on working to finish the fieldwork.
Traveling to town for supplies, we passed the Kato Brewery. This brewery was closed long before I was born. Today the stone structure is being restored slowly. There were sandstone caves in the hill for storing and aging the beer. If I recall correctly the brewery closed during the prohibition.
One of the favorite hang outs for young boys and girls was at the mill pond dam. Fishing for bullheads and carp, fun, exciting, and often brought home dinner for many a kid. I went a few times and the catch was small. The local kids had many more chances to go while they were biting and tell stories. Here again the mill buildings were gone only the remnants of the pond and dam used for power remain.
The pond is used in winter for skating parties and hockey. Summer a little fishing for the kids and walks around for everyone else. Quiet place to relax and enjoy the summer sun and breezes.
Town's store's, the toy store, how can I forget that store. Best one in town when your were a kid. Dry Cleaners on the right and furniture store on the left. These stores have changes owners and contents over the years. However, the memories remain.
The next photo is the feed mill. Farmers brought their corn and oats, it was ground, and other ingredients added to make chicken feed and hog feed. They also sold supplements to the farmers to add with their own grindings. One place we always stopped when we went to town. Today it is a restaurant. I am sure the hammer mills are silent now.
Oh the school days, the good OLE school days. Some teachers good some bad. I am sure we all have experienced the same feelings and memories. The school still stands today. Some changes in size of the classrooms. This school is known as St. John the Baptist School of Jordan.
Attending grades one through 12, making friends that do last your life time. Things really do not change, friends you make during your school years, last all your life. There is Jerry, John, Franky, and James just to name a few. In addition, there were the girls, Jeanette, Doris, Sharon and Karen. Then, and then, there were the kids that were not nice to you. Those names I will leave off this list. We all have those names on our lists, don't we? It is all part of growing up.
The next photo is our church. Every morning before school we attended a service, along with regular Sunday Mass. As children, we had to sit in front with the teachers. I am not sure why but I think they kept us in line from making to much noise. I remember we really had to sit upright and not move around. They were not very forgiving at all.
The church still stands today as it did then. Some small remodeling but for the most part very beautiful both inside and out. People come from miles around just to worship here. The beauty and splendor of it all, says more then I can in words.
Behind the church of my childhood, up on the top of the large hill is the cemetery. This is the resting-place for Mom and Dad. I visit this place very often over the years.
The view from the top of the hill over looking the town is spectacular. 
The houses look small and well protected. Jordan was built along side of a small river and two railroad tracks in different directions. While in school the train track adjacent to the school used diesel engines. On the other track off in the distance, they used steam engines for years. I still can hear the whistles and chugging of the engines as they traveled through town. Only one track remains today and the rail traffic on this track is one of the lasts of the die hard's.
My high school years were very memorable. Our school had a small enrolment of 53 or so. You knew everyone in your class. In addition, in the four upper grades. Amongst all the children, you always have the best of friends, with similar likes and backgrounds. There was Duane, Dan, Jerone, Duane V, Alan and many others.
In addition, of course there were girls that we would spend our time with on most outings. We were all pals and friends. They were Doris, Jeannette, Joyce, etc. We all together had fun and excitement, traveling to school events, games and just hanging around together.
After high school, we slowly drifted apart and going our own way. Doris married a long time acquaintance, Duane married Jeannette, Joyce and I, well, Joyce went to California shortly after school ended.
The next photo is my first apartment in town. I could not stay to long; cause it was expensive, but still it was my first home.
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