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Hendren Township ~~Changes~~ Clark County, WISCONSIN
Berry Picking Time, Willard, Wisconsin (circa 1915)
The group photographed above had camped out and had picked eight bushels of blackberries. Not the gun that was used to hunt for some of their food while camping. Pictured from L > R: Mrs. Will (Martha) Catlin, Mrs. Everett (Edith) Homes, Mae Homes (now Mrs. Dedgar Warner), Pearl Catlin, Will Catlin, Evert Homes, C. M. Taylor, Grant Welsh, and Lynn Catlin.
Source: TRG, Turs., 31-Jul-1975.
Life Before Supermarkets
Before supermarkets came on the scene, food was obtained whenever it was available, and much food could only be gotten when it was in season, and with a great deal more work involved than it is today.
Berry picking was one of the best ways of getting fruits into the meals and also getting variety in them. After picking the berries, they had to be cleaned which was usually a long slow process, and then they were canned for winter meals.
Berry patches were abundant in the early 1900's as much of the wooded area was still not cleared away. Families would prepare for a day of berry picking in protective clothing, and slipped handles of the pails over their belts so both hands could be used for picking and holding back the bushes. The protective clothing was to prevent bites from mosquitoes and other insects, and from scratches from brushes and branches. Sometimes the underbrush was fierce and the blackberry bushes were treacherous.
There was an expectant and exited feeling when going berrying, especially if the berry patch was some distance from home. Sometimes the berry pickers camped out while the berries were picked. The preparation, the change of pace, and change scenery in those days involved work. nowadays most people who go camping are looking for relaxation.
Although berry picking was a lot of work, it gave them a sense of accomplishment and worth, while the pails filled as thoughts of those good meals in the coming winter ran through their minds. Many people enjoyed picking berries and finding a new berry patch would fill them with excitement.
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