Episode 77: Spring Ruhls

In this follow-up to the winter farm episode, the Ruhls gather in Quentin, Pennsylvania—joined once again by Uncle Sim—to bring the story into spring. As the thaw sets in, the work ramps up fast. March means one thing above all else: manure. From hand-forking frozen piles into spreaders to racing the mud and broken chains, the crew paints a vivid picture of just how physical and time-sensitive early spring farming really was. From there, the conversation moves into prepping fields—plowing, disking, harrowing, and planting—all powered by teams of horses that were as critical to the operation as any modern tractor.

Sim shares detailed, firsthand accounts of life on a 100+ acre farm, including how different horse teams were used for specific jobs, the constant maintenance required to keep them working, and even the challenge of walking them miles to a blacksmith. The episode also dives into crop cycles—corn, oats, potatoes, and wheat—and the massive coordination required to harvest and thresh with neighbors. Stories of threshing crews, Depression-era laborers working for meals, and family cooperation highlight both the hardship and tight-knit community that defined the era.

Beyond the work, Spring Ruhls captures the rhythm of life off the clock. From softball games (and the occasional church-league brawl) to Pennsylvania Dutch traditions like pitching quoits, the episode brings out the humor and culture of rural life. Sim also shares some legendary “kid behavior”—from billboard sabotage to late-night “serenading” of newlyweds in exchange for ice cream—offering a glimpse into how farm kids found their fun.

The episode wraps with reflections on gardening, canning, and market life, emphasizing how nothing went to waste and everything had a purpose. As always, it’s a story about hard work, family, tradition, and the seasonal rhythms that shaped generations of Ruhls.

Links & More

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