A Thousand Acres

While there are larger farms out west, Larry’s farm is one of the biggest in the area. Larry and his ancestors were very smart about acquiring land, often buying land from their neighbors when they needed money. This has angered some other farmers, who think Larry has taken advantage of people or engineered ways to get more land. As time went on, more and more of their neighbors moved away after struggling to make life work on their farms.

Ginny remembers when their neighbors the Ericsons sold their farm to Larry after her mother’s death. Ginny was upset and told Mrs. Ericson she wished they could take her with them, and Mrs. Ericson returned the sentiment. When they left, Larry boarded up their house and only took down the boards when Ty and Ginny moved in. Ginny realizes that while it appears like nothing changes on the farm, she knows that more ambitious farmers are rewarded more than less ambitious farmers.

Caroline announces her marriage to Frank in the Pike Journal Weekly. Rose finds out when she goes shoe shopping in town, and someone mentions the wedding after reading about it in the newspaper. Rose is furious that no one in the family knew or was invited.