Exodous of Iowa Youth Cuts Farm Population
Ames dispatch reports that Iowa has seen a two fifths drop in people per farm over the last fifty years as young residents move from farms to cities, reshaping rural demographics.
01 Feb 1923
Page 1
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Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Feb 01, 1923
Page
1
Ames dispatch reports that Iowa has seen a two fifths drop in people per farm over the last fifty years as young residents move from farms to cities, reshaping rural demographics.
The text argues that while some students attribute part of the reduction to a general birth-rate decline, the reduction cited by the Ames investigator is evident and not to be disputed.
Census reports show farm sizes expanding in Iowa while the rural population declined in the first twenty years of this century. The apparent contradiction highlights a shift in agricultural structure and settlement patterns, prompting attention from policymakers and farmers alike.
W H Lancelot, head of Ames state school vocational education, calls for a rural-ward reform in schooling. He notes many rural graduates return to farms, while some communities keep far fewer, attributing the gap to attitudes toward farm life and ambitions rather than course offerings.
Mr. Lancelot argues that many high schools foster strong love for country life without harming breadth or culture, suggesting the lure of the city cannot entice graduates. He implies the problem may be unsolvable, while the speaker counters that if disagreement is allowed, Iowa might be the place to depart, yet still sees the issue as an educational one.
The piece argues that directing rural youths to city schools at public expense exposes them to urban environments that attract them away from farm life. It warns that even excellent teachers would be recruited by state schools, reducing local inspiration to return to farming.
The Iowa agricultural college shapes farming by teaching market timing for pigs, boosting output per animal, promoting soil conservation and crop rotation, and expanding farm bureau work to ease farm economics. It notes ten years of progress with potential for further gains under leadership.
An Ames agricultural college conclusion cites a strong correlation between cityward movement and higher education attainment among high school and college groups, as observed by the local professor. The finding highlights education as a driver of urban migration trends and signals implications for local planning and policy.
The text argues that rural migration correlates with high school expansion and rural enrollment. It urges Iowa to ensure rural youths receive education that respects and supports country life, opposing teachers detached from rural realities and city-focused schooling. It calls for one-room rural schools to be taught by instructors with rural understanding.
The author contests Professor Lancelot’s claim that schoolmen shape pupils’ life views. He argues rural-to-city migration stems mainly from economic factors, not education. Improving rural economic conditions could offset social drawbacks and attract youth back to farm life. The writer, a former Iowa farm student-teacher, emphasizes radical rural changes are needed beyond sympathetic teachers.
The piece argues that despite improvements in telephone and auto access, farm families remain socially isolated from towns and neighbors. It calls for stronger farm community activities to attract residents, offset city allure, and reduce rural drift. It stresses the need for variety of activities to counterbalance urban pull.
The article argues that schools and churches both shape life, noting churches should serve broader neighbor needs beyond Sundays. It criticizes the cutback country church, laments its vanishing presence, and recalls a pastor’s preference for city ministry over rural duty while avoiding judgment.
The text argues that population drift from Iowa farms must be halted by strengthening weaknesses, while avoiding divisive church politics. It urges service to others and cites biblical guidance on humility and mercy as guiding principles for unity and better ministering to neighbors.
The author argues land ownership tied to occupancy would curb speculative farming. Large holdings create tenant dependency and yearly contracts, reducing investment in community building and local social life. Replacing tenure with ownership of improvements could free land for homes, attract stable rural populations, and deter city investors.
A clipped remark by Mr Grampson criticizes the notion of being rock ribbed while cautioning against assuming a rigid mindset. The line plays with contrast between toughness and practicality in a witty, period voice.
A fragment reflecting on love vows and confidences, noting how oddly they read. The lines echo a mood of introspection and personal distance, with a hint of whimsical quotation about affection and truth.
A collection of editorial asides and community notices references political controversy around Mr Bryan and tariffs, wage talks in coal, and public perceptions of price pressures. The item also reprints quips from Nebraska and Iowa papers on local foibles, plus a Pella club report praising past year’s civic improvements and Red Cross aid.
A collection of vintage recipes and kitchen notes describes English rusks with a milk sponge, venison cutlets broiled simply with butter or oil, and old fashioned butterscotch. It also covers molasses candy and popcorn crackle with step by step directions and measurements for home cooks.
The first Chrysanthemum Show in Tokyo highlighted Japan's national flower and its enduring garden traditions. Though not the oldest event, the display drew participants at a noted imperial residence garden, tracing years of horticultural showcases.
The column highlights student events including Nicholas Gosselink’s junior piano recital on February 6 at 7 30 pm, and the Boys Glee Club performing Indian Love Songs. It notes a Glee Club Banquet at Sunnyside with red carnations, a Dean hosted Senior Class dinner, Rex Van Westen Berg’s chapel talk, and ongoing basketball games. The Ladies Glee Club sang at chapel, and the Penn-Central game pleased fans with a strong score.
The Scout Chronicle reports a social oyster supper at the Baptist church replacing the usual meeting. Thirty three boys and five men attended. Dr Aschenbrenner spoke on fitness and Mr Cochrane followed with another talk before the group attended the Penn Central basketball game.
Notice seeks return of a truck chain belonging to the Scouts. Mr Brunia offers a one dollar reward. Readers with extra paper or information asked to contact Mr Brunia.
Quotations provided by the Farmers Co operative Exchange in Pella Iowa list current buying and selling prices for farm grains and livestock. The notice offers farmers market guidance and reflects the exchange’s daily quotations for corn oats wheat and hogs.
The London Opinion reports a sexton speaking to a tourist about the churchyard. He expresses hope to be buried there if spared, noting it as a fine old churchyard and reflecting on the place’s quiet endurance.
A fragment reflecting on title pages in a human volume, noting that one favors the heralding of contents while others confuse or mislead. W. Matthews comments on how titles can puzzle or fail to convey purpose, highlighting variability in early page labeling.
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