Love- The Odessa Record; "By Your Relative"

Odessa Record subscriber Larry Fisher of Spokane continues his series of articles on the history of the Batum/Lauer area (where his wife, the former Joyce Kiesz, grew up).

Hi, here I am again.

Last week the article was about some of the grain storage structures at the Steve Fink farm. This week we continue on and learn about the house in the trees. The picture was in The Odessa Record in 1956.

Before 1914, the Conrad and Anna Fink family lived in a structure constructed by John Smith. In 1914, a new house was built by the Conrad and Anna Fink family. Over the years, the structure has been remodeled, remodeled and remodeled. Alvin told me that today it's a nice home and a portion of it is on the foundation of the 1914 home.

When the house was constructed in 1914, a tree was planted near the rear of the house and many years later during a remodel that extended the back of the house in a southerly direction, the tree was removed. Alvin said "I wish the tree could talk, because it had become historic and it sure would have had quite a story to tell, but remember - trees can't talk."

(Note: The 1-03-1956 issue of The Record provided information about the "Fourth Generation on Fink Ranch." In it was stated, "Originally the John Smith place, it was bought by Conrad Fink in 1907. Conrad farmed the place from 1903 to 1939. The farm was bought by Reuben Fink in 1939. Conrad relocated to Odessa. During recent years the farm place has been improved with a quonset hut, grain elevator and other buildings as the need required.")

(Note: The 1911 and 1934 maps indicate Conrad Fink connected to the land. The 1943, 1956 and 1960 maps indicate Reuben Fink. The 2009 Lincoln Co. tax data indicates Alvin Fink. So the land has remained in the Fink family for over one hundred years

During my discussion with Alvin Fink, many other things were talked about. Three of them are presented hereafter:

(a.) About 1931 to 1936 or 1937, the Odessa Trading Company had big horse sales at the Foster farm which was north of the Schibel farm where the Kagele farm is today.

(b.) In the "old days" when his father demolished a building, "us kids" had to save the nails and straighten them out so they could be reused. Also, the wood was saved for reuse.

(c.) In the days of the horses, the horses were called "straw burners."

Until next time. Your Relative

Spokane