Finlandia University - Yearbook (Hancock, MI)

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l YALRIISTAVA OSASTO FEW FACTS ABOUT DAKOTA. ws . 9 X presented 'Ihere were students from Maine , on the east and from California on the west Most of them, previous to their coming here, ?'1SS-eygja-' had not been outside and, therefore, knew very little about other states. To my surprise, there was some Who thought that, Dakota, being a prairie was a wild country fstatel, inhabited by half civilized people, etc. Therefore I am glad of the opportunity to say a fevv Words here about Dakota. The particular place which I have taken as my subject is in the eastern part of South Dakota. It is considered, by all Who visit there, a very beautiful place in the summer time. The many lakes which are in this part of the state make it attractive. South Dakota's largest lake, called Lake Poin- sett is situated in this locality. The shores of this lake af- ford an excellent summer resort to a great many people from When I first came to Suomi College I did not I realize how many different states were re- 25

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Another instance which I remember ever so well was the day we took pictures. Up to this time no class pictures had been taken. One day when excused from history recitation, we wandered towards Portage Lake, where we took snap- shots, both in the snow and on the ice. Unfortunately, Bill, one of my classmates, lost his rubber in the depths of the snow. We searched for it, but in vain, and at last gave up with the hope of recovering it in the spring. The latter part of May we all departed for our respective homes, only to return in the fall to resume our work as dig- nified seniors. At the first chapel exercises in the fall, we noticed that our class numbered twelve in all. Gladly we welcomed Sigrid, our new member. Inspired by the speech of Dr. Nikander, we faced the enormous work before us with light and cheery heart. Now we were busy with our work, and so our amusements were less numerous than in the previous year. This probably caused the spirit of friendship to diminish. A class party, at which a selected program was rendered, proved that the ties of friendship were as strong as before. At one of our parties, we decided to meet in Finland after twenty years. That reminds me, Mada, that the reunion will be in two more years. I hope I shall again see all my old classmates in my native land. Our last few months at the college were all excitement. Especially was this true the last few weeks when parties and banquets were so numerous. At last came the day of our graduation. Our relatives and friends came from far and near for that important event. I remember very well the last advice and encouragement given to us at our graduation by the worthy Doctor Nikander, I can picture it as clearly as if it had happened only yesterday. So attentively had Mada listened to her mother's story, that without noticing it, the fire had burnt down, the wind had ceased to moan, and the storm had abated. S. L. R. wif ? 24

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the surrounding towns. Throughout the whole summer one sees tents dotting the shores of this lake and other neighbor- ing' lakes. Perhaps, my good reader, you think that the campers get baked in the hot sun, because there are no trees under which one can find shelter from the hot sun. Oh no,-that is not the case. There are plenty of wild trees on the lake shores, and beautiful ones at that! And the best part of it is, that most of these trees are cherry trees! The campers have all the berries that they desire. I Fishing is another amusement for the good-time-hunters. With regard to this, I am sorry to say that I am unable to go into detail. Many are the travelers who come to this part of the country for both fishing and hunting. Frequently visit- ors from Chicago, New York and many other places spend several weeks in this locality. The hunting season opens in September and lasts for one month. Those who live near the lakes do not get much sleep while the hunting season is open and are very glad when the hunters depart. Being a farmer's daughter, I shall tell you something about the farmers. The farmers are a hard working class of people. They have to work for every penny they get. The majority of the farmers are quite well-to-do. Every farmer has at least one hundred and sixty acres of land and some have as much as nine and ten quarters. These, of course, are the wealthiest. The chief products grown here are: wheat, barley, and oats. Cattle raising is practiced very little. The reason for this is that all the land is under culti- vation. Very little land is left for pasture. Of course, all the farmers have cows, for they make their own butter and sup- ply the town people with butter, cream, and eggs. Perhaps, many a reader, who has never visited Dakota can see in his mind's eye a farmer and his wife slowly driv- ing, with a team of oxen or with a limping horse and a wagon to a distant town to sell butter and eggs. That used to be the way twenty or thirty years ago but not any more. Now the farmers use automobiles. Every farmer has one-at least a Ford. The towns are not far, because a railroad called the Da- kota Central passes right through this country so you see we are fortunate and have more modern conveniences than one would imagine. H. E. O. ' 26