Sacrifices for Survival

Evelyn Wheeler riding a cow being fed from a bucket,1922.

Many children in rural areas had to balance school with the responsibilities of farm life, often missing class to help their families. As Dave Neukirch remembered, “My dad he went to school, but he missed a lot of school. I’ve seen old report cards of his and you know, ranch chores means you don’t go to school. Now they don’t allow that.”[1] For many families, farm work had to come first, and children were expected to contribute. Even so, parents encouraged their kids to attend school whenever they could, knowing that any education, even if inconsistent, was better than none. 

Two men posing with two children in a sheep pen with sheep feeding in the background.

Sometimes, even when children wanted to attend, the demands of the land or the risks of rural life intervened. Charles Volz, for instance, was absent from school after his horse fell on him, injuring his ankle. On another occasion, he missed school because he was needed in the roundup—a common situation for many boys whose responsibilities on the ranch temporarily outweighed their time in the classroom.[2] 

Willis A. Baker and two boys in Jefferson, Colorado.

This constant balancing act meant that children sometimes had to make tough decisions. Some delayed their education, while others left school entirely to support their families. The sacrifices were difficult, but many former students later reflected on the valuable lessons they learned—not just from their studies, but from the discipline and responsibility of their daily routines. The hard work, perseverance, and resilience they developed shaped them into capable adults, carrying those same values into their future careers and lives.