A Flower for Martha: A Dust-Bowl-Days-Novel: The Cole Family Series, #1

By Marvin Ramsey

MARTHA COLE is the oldest of four children. She and her family live on a farm in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Martha loves the peaceful life on the farm. She especially loves flowers. Each spring she plants and cares for her own little flower garden.

As Fall approaches in 1930, Martha is looking forward to her last year in junior high and seeing what the decade of the thirties will bring. Little does she know that she and her family will face the greatest challenges they have ever encountered.

As the dust bowl era drags on, Martha experiences numerous fears, heartaches, and even love. But how will love fit in with all that she and her family must endure during the period known in the Midwest as the dirty thirties?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marvin Ramsey
• Release date: May 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386211440

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

GIRLS, IT’S TIME TO get up, Mrs. Cole called as she knocked on the door to Martha and Sarah’s bedroom.  Martha and Sarah were the two oldest children of Henry and Alice Cole. As the girls started stirring, Mrs. Cole went down the hall to awaken the other two children—Benjamin, ten years old and Robert, age nine. 

Martha, who at thirteen years was the oldest child, rubbed her eyes and slowly rose up to a sitting position.  After slipping on her house shoes, she sighed as she realized her feet had almost outgrown them.  That fact would not make her mother happy.

Thinking about her growth spurt, Martha recalled a day recently when she had noticed how close she was of reaching her mother’s height of five feet six inches.  Her best estimate was about two more inches and she could stand eyeball to eyeball with her.

Looking out the east window Martha noticed the sky just beginning to lighten up.  Another early start on the Cole farm, she told herself.  And with it being a Monday, it was also the start to another week. Being the second week of September, there were only a few months left until the end of 1930 and the start of a new year.  Martha wondered to herself what the decade of the 1930’s would bring, especially since she would be starting high school next year.  Lowering her feet to the floor she called to her sister who was still sleeping. 

Sarah Faye, it’s time to wake up.  Come on or we’re going to be late getting our chores done and late getting our breakfast.

Can’t I sleep just five more minutes? Sarah implored.  At twelve years of age Sarah was the second oldest child.  She was always slower than her sister at getting up and moving each morning.  She too was going through a growth spurt.  She was now just an inch shorter than her older sibling and had her sister’s slim frame.  Her hair, however, was raven-colored like her father instead of brown like Martha’s.

Sorry.  The chickens are waiting to be fed, the eggs must be gathered, and the cows have to be herded up to the barn, so they can get milked.  Let’s go.  Besides, maybe there are some flowers left in the field we can pick this morning.

Of all the things Martha liked about living on the farm, flowers were her most favorite thing.  She loved to plant and to grow them all summer long as well as pick the different wild flowers that grew on their land.  She took pride in filling the vase on the dining room table and the one in the living room with colorful flowers she picked either from her little garden or from what she found out in their field.  Now that it was approaching the middle of September, there were few flowers left in their fields and none in her garden.

Like other children who lived on a farm, Martha and Sarah Cole had their share of chores to do, so their day always started bright and early.  It was the girl’s responsibility to feed the chickens each morning and gather the eggs.  Then they had to make sure the cows got up to the barn, so they could be milked.  Plus, Martha had to help take the milk up to the house, so it could be stored until their mother could separate the cream from it in order to make the butter they sold.  And this was all before breakfast.  As soon as breakfast was over, the girls had to make sure their two brothers got to the bus stop, so they could get to school safely and on time.

After helping Sarah fill the bucket with chicken feed, Martha set about gathering eggs, gently placing them in her basket.  She was careful not to disturb the nests with eggs that were designated as ones allowed to hatch.  These new chickens would replace those that were slaughtered for food.

When the eggs were gathered and taken into the house, Martha hurried out to the field where the cows were.  Pausing on the top fence rail, she scanned the fields to the west and north for signs of any flowers that might still have blooms.  The wide-open vistas were one of the reasons she liked living in the Oklahoma Panhandle.  She spotted a few yellow flowers and made a mental note of where they were located so she could pick a few later.  Then she began the task of rounding up the cows, so they could be taken to the barn for milking.  Reaching the first cow, she began calling to it and heading it toward the barn.  A few minutes later she heard Sarah talking to a second cow.  Directly the two girls had the milking herd in the pen next to the barn.  By then their father had joined them and had begun easing the first two cows into the barn.  As soon as the cows were in their stalls, Martha prepared the feed for the brothers to give the cows.  Soon the sound of milk hitting the pail filled the barn.

Once the milking process began, the children divided the chores associated with it.  Martha and Benjamin took turns giving feed to the cows being milked as well as sharing milking duties.  Sarah would direct the milked cows out to the pasture and Robert would herd the next ones into the barn.  And Martha would always help milk the last two cows while talking to her father.  When she had finally learned the secret of milking by hand, she used that time to talk to her father about whatever was on her mind.  Even though Martha’s father was a very imposing person who stood at six feet one inch tall with a slender but muscular build and dark black hair, she had developed a close relationship with him.  Therefore, she had come to cherish that special time in the morning when she could have her father all to herself.

Today Martha was especially thankful to have the opportunity to talk to him.  She had something on her mind and needed to find a way to speak to her father about it.

How’s school going? Mr. Cole asked, breaking into Martha’s thinking.

It’s going well.  I got an A on my last math test.

Good.  Let’s keep it up.  Math is very important, her father commented.

I know.  My teacher reminds us all the time about it.  She’s always giving examples how people use math everyday.

She’s right.  For example, your mother uses it each time she makes butter in measuring out the proper amount of cream to use.

That’s right.  I’ll have to mention that to my teacher.  Uh, speaking of numbers and all—I was wondering...

Wondering what? Mr. Cole quickly asked as he peeked around the end of the cow he was milking.

Do I still have to wait until I’m sixteen to start dating? Martha asked hesitantly.

You mean until you’re eighteen, don’t you?  And the answer is yes.  Why are you asking?  Is some boy trying to ask to you out?

No, not yet.  But there is this guy at school who sits across from me named Harold.  Harold Timmons.  His folks have a farm over by the Scott’s place.

Yes, I know of the family.  So, what about young Harold? Henry Cole inquired as he shifted positions.

Well, he’s very cute and very nice and has been acting as if he likes me.  He always sits next to me at lunch time and talks to me a lot before and after school.  I would like to be able to see him sometime . . . besides during the school day.

Well, like I said you’re too young to start dating.  Maybe he and some of your friends could come here for a social or a party some time soon.

Oh, that would be nice.  How about a Halloween party?  It’s almost October.  A Halloween party would be fun.  Could we do that Daddy?

Possibly.  We’d have to check with your mom.  If she’s agreeable to it then it would be okay with me.

Oh, thank you Daddy.  Thank you very much.  Martha had jumped up off her milking stool and was now hugging her father’s neck as he tried to keep his balance on his stool.

Okay, okay.  Let’s finish the milking so you won’t be late for school, Mr. Cole told his daughter with a chuckle.

HEY MARTHA.  WAIT UP.  Martha’s best friend Nancy trotted over to where Martha and her siblings had gathered to wait for the bus after school.  Nancy and her family lived on the farm next to the Cole’s.  Their friendship had begun in elementary school and continued to the present.

I had almost given up waiting for you.  What held you up? Martha asked.

I was talking to Miss Roberts about our family history assignment after school.  I really dread doing it.  Nancy frowned.

Why is that? Martha inquired.

Because my family is so boring.  My parents were both born and raised here.  There is nothing interesting to write about.

Now Nancy, I’m sure after you start researching you will find something interesting about your family.  Maybe your grandfather killed a wild bear once or went hunting for buffalo or something. Martha was trying her best to be reassuring to her friend.

Maybe.  Do you ever wonder what it would have been like to have experienced some of the things many people did back when our parents were kids?  I mean here it is almost at the end of 1930 and we have things like ice boxes and automobiles.  And most folks even have electricity.  I have heard stories about people who came out here to this part of the country in covered wagons and all.  It must have really been exciting.

Perhaps.  Many of them may not have thought of it as exciting but rather hard and dreary.  Anyway, did you see Harold when you came this way?

Ah.  Your dream beau.  Well he was in front of the school talking to some of the boys when I walked out, Nancy informed Martha.  He’s probably still there if you want to go say hi to him.  Sarah and I can watch your brothers.  The bus shouldn’t be here for a few more minutes.

How about we go with you and tell Harold hi also? Benjamin volunteered.

Yeah.  That would be fun, Robert said.

No it wouldn’t, and no you’re not going to do such a thing, Martha quickly told her brothers.  We’ll all wait for the bus home then get our chores done before it gets late.

Oh, all right, Benjamin said reluctantly.  We never get to have any fun.

You’ll have lots of opportunities to do fun things.  Just not now.  Anyway, our bus is coming.

Once on the bus, Martha and Nancy conversed about several things, letting Sarah join in their discussion from time to time.  Before they knew it, the bus was approaching their farms. 

They arrived at Nancy’s place first.  After a quick ending to their conversation, Nancy told the sisters bye and exited the bus.  As soon as the school bus stopped at the Cole farm, Martha and her siblings trudged up the drive to their house.  After putting their school books away and saying hi to their mom, they headed out to do the evening chores.

WOULD YOU PLEASE PASS the peas? Martha asked her mom.  The family was seated around the dinner table, and Martha was enjoying one her favorite vegetables—peas.

Sure.  As Mrs. Cole picked up the bowl of the requested vegetable, she took note of Robert’s plate.  Robert, you don’t seem to have eaten very many of the peas on your plate.

Ah Mom, why do we have to eat stuff we don’t like.  You know I hate peas.

Robert, instead of moaning about not liking something, you should be thankful you have it.  Some people hardly have enough food to eat at all.  Here we’re blessed to have all sorts of things to put on our plate.

I know.  You’ve told us many times about those less fortunate than us.  But that doesn’t change the taste of peas.  Robert frowned as he stared at the pile of green colored vegetables on his plate.

Well, if you don’t eat your peas, there’ll be no desert for you tonight, Mrs. Cole warned.

Say Dad, did you know that the Pearson family has a new car? asked Sarah.

No, I didn’t, Mr. Cole replied while spreading butter on a piece of bread.

Do you think we could get a new one now that the harvest is finished? Sarah inquired expectantly.

No, not this year!

But why?  We had talked about it earlier in the summer.  Sarah frowned as she waited for an answer.

For several reasons.  For one thing our country is still in a depression.  Plus, we didn’t make any money off the last wheat harvest.  And if we don’t get some moisture soon, it will be hard for the winter wheat to grow properly because the ground will be too dry.  We need to save back the money a new car would cost in case things don’t go well again this next season.

Oh, all right, Sarah replied dejectedly.

Let’s finish our meal so we can try that peach cobbler I baked today, Mrs. Cole said, trying to turn thoughts to a happier topic.

Oh boy.  I like peach cobbler.  Benjamin’s face beamed as he spoke.

MARTHA STEPPED OUT the back door and was greeted by a cold north wind.  She pulled the edge of her scarf that was wrapped around her neck up higher onto her cheeks.  As the lantern sent a white glow ahead of her she noticed a white sheen on the ground.  The season’s first frost had arrived.  Winter was officially not far away even though it felt like winter this morning.  Martha ducked her head against the cold wind and jogged toward the chicken coop to begin her morning chores. 

Sarah entered the chicken coop just as Martha finished pouring the feed into the bucket.  Noticing Sarah rubbing her arms to try and keep from shivering, Martha handed her the egg basket.  You gather the eggs today and I’ll put out the chicken feed.

But putting out the feed is my chore, Sarah remarked.

I know, but since it’s so cold, I’ll do it so you can stay out of the wind as much as possible, Martha explained.

Okay.  And thanks.  Sarah took the egg basket and started gathering the eggs.

AFTER TENDING TO THE chickens, Martha hurried over to the barn to help with the milking.  On the way she adjusted her scarf trying to keep her cheeks as warm as possible. She arrived just ahead of her brothers.

Nice weather this morning isn’t it? Benjamin remarked as he walked into the barn.

Yeah if you’re an Eskimo, Martha replied.  Hope it hasn’t bothered the cows.

Who knows?  They might give frozen milk today, Benjamin said with a chuckle.

Sarah came rushing in rubbing her hands together in front of her.  Wow it’s chilly today.

Yeah, just a tad.  Sis, you stay in here and help Robert with the feed.  I’ll go out and help Martha bring the cows up to the pen.

Okay.  And thanks.

No problem.  Benjamin gave his sister a smile then headed out to catch up with Martha.

SAY MARTHA, HAVE YOU seen the new girl? Nancy came over to Martha just as she was hanging up her coat.

No, I haven’t.  Who is she?

I heard her father is the new bank president.  I think her name is Elizabeth.  Come take a look.  She’s got all the boys drooling over her.  Nancy moved to where she was standing at the opening of the coat closet peeking out at the classroom.  Martha came up behind her and peered out to get a look at the person Nancy had been describing.  Sure enough, there was the new student standing halfway down the aisle right in front of them with a group of about five or six of their classmates surrounding her.  Of course, the majority of those around her were boys.  

Martha eyed the new student closely.  She was approximately a couple inches shorter than Martha.  She wore what appeared to be a new blue store-bought dress and a new pair of shoes.  This girl had blonde hair that hung down to her shoulder blades and curled at the end.  Her blue eyes twinkled from the enjoyment she seemed to be having at being the center of attention, often smiling or giggling at what one of the boys said.  To Martha’s displeasure, she suddenly spotted Harold in the group surrounding this new female student.  How dare he! Martha thought to herself.  She looked down at her well-worn shoes and her dress that her mother had sewn for her three months ago. She felt her naturally curly short brown hair that often had a mind of its own and sighed.  How could she compete against a cute blonde with store-bought clothes?  Well, she vowed to find a way.

AS MARTHA WAS PLACING the dinner plates around the table, she posed a question to her mother.  Mom, how can you keep a boy from liking another girl?

Why do you ask, Martha?  Mrs. Cole set the meat platter on the table and turned to face her oldest daughter.

Because there’s a boy at school I like and he acts as if he likes this other girl better, Martha explained, placing one hand on her hip, looking practically eye to eye with her mother. Martha was proud to share her mother’s slender build as well as the same brown eyes and hair.

Well unfortunately there’s not much you can do except to try and be friends with him, show him your best side, and hope he ends up preferring you to any other girl.

Goodness, that doesn’t sound very encouraging, Martha said with a sigh.

Unfortunately, it’s not, as you will find out when you get older.  Anyway, you’re still way too young to start getting interested in having a boyfriend and such.  Let’s finish getting the food on the table before everyone thinks they’re starving, Mrs. Cole said as she picked up a bowl and headed toward the table.

Mom, do I really have to wait until I’m eighteen before I start dating?

And what has your father told you? Mrs. Cole inquired.

That I have to be eighteen, Martha replied with a sigh and a long face.

So why are you asking me?

Just hoping that maybe you would let me start earlier. Martha’s voice had a wishful note to it.

Well, sorry to disappoint you.  Go fetch your brothers and sister while I find your father.  Make sure they wash their hands before sitting down at the table.  Mrs. Cole slipped on her coat and went out the back door.

GIRLS, YOU READY TO go? asked Mrs. Cole as she knocked on their bedroom door.  Father is ready to bring the car around.

I just need to finish brushing my hair, Martha called out.

I’m buckling my shoes, Sara explained.

All right, I’ll go check on the boys.  Come on around to the front door when you come out.

Sunday mornings were always a bit hectic thought Martha as she set her hairbrush down on her dresser.  She decided to go see if her mother needed help with the boys.  For some reason, they never could seem to hurry on Sundays, so everyone had to scurry around for them to get to church on time.  And being on time was something her father always prided himself with.

As she entered the hallway, she saw her mother leading her two brothers out of their room.  Naturally they were fussing about something.  Noticing Sarah walking past her, she fell in step with her family as they headed for the front door to pile into their car and head to church.

Attending church on Sunday morning was a long-time tradition for Martha and her family.  When she was younger, Martha did not enjoy coming to church.  For one thing, there was the issue of putting on her best clothes which were often uncomfortable.  Another thing was having to sit quietly on the hard wooden pew until the service was over, which seemed like forever when Martha was little.  Now that she was older Martha looked forward to attending church.  She was starting to learn more about spiritual matters and having questions answered that she had wondered about when she was a young girl.  Plus, she got to see many of her friends and have a nice visit with them after the service.

Robert’s squirming interrupted Martha’s thinking just then. Since Robert was sitting next to her this Sunday, it was her responsibility to keep him quiet.  Martha reached into her small bag she had brought along and pulled out some small sheets of paper and a pencil and handed them to Robert.  He smiled a thank-you at her and began doodling on the paper.

When the final prayer had been voiced and everyone had exited the church, the people gathered in small groups outside and began visiting.  Many used that time to catch up on family news.  The men usually assembled to discuss the weather, politics, or how things were going on each other’s farm.

As Martha passed by the group her father was visiting with, she managed to hear one of the men speak in a very discouraged voice.

Yep, if we don’t get any decent rain or snow this winter, we’re all going to be in a world of hurt.  This dry spell has gone on far too long already.

Shoot, not only that but if the wheat market doesn’t get better, we’re going to be in bad shape.  I hear that my neighbor to the north is close to losing everything if he doesn’t make any money on his next harvest.

Things sure are looking bad all right, another man said.  Martha noticed that her dad gave a solemn nod of agreement.  As she eased away, Martha wondered how this was going to affect her family.  Hearing her name called, she went over to talk to one of her friends and for the time being pushed the bad thoughts aside.

UMM, I SMELL COOKIES, declared Benjamin as he walked into the kitchen.

Yes, you do, but you have to wait until the party to have any, Mrs. Cole told her son.

Ah shucks.  Can’t I just sample one? Benjamin pleaded.

Sorry.  These are for tonight’s party.  Are the apples on the porch yet?

Yes, they are.  And Father and Sarah are finishing carving the last jack-o-lantern.

Good.  When you see Martha, tell her the cake is cool enough to spread the frosting on now.

Okay Mom.  Benjamin strolled out of the kitchen.  A short time later she heard him hollering at Martha to go frost the cake.  Mrs. Cole sighed and wondered if her kids would ever get out of the habit of yelling at each other.  Then she began her next task in preparing for tonight’s Halloween party.

A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS.  Alice Cole had come out to the front porch and found her husband standing and looking up at the night sky.

I was hoping for either some rain or snow.  But with that clear sky, we’re not going to get either anytime soon.

Is it getting bad out in the fields? Alice asked as she placed a hand on her husband’s arm.

It’s getting pretty bad.  The wheat sprouts are few at best.  We’ll be lucky to get half of what we harvested last season at this rate.

The sound of young people’s laughing caused Alice to pause.  The kids are having a good time.  It was nice of you to let Martha have a party.

Well, she’s a good kid.  Always does her part around here and hardly ever complains.  Did that young guy she’s got her eye on show up? Henry Cole inquired.

Oh yes.  But I’m afraid she’s got some competition from that new girl.  I believe she’s the new banker’s daughter.

Is that a fact?  Maybe I should go talk to that boy.  Help open his eyes to what a nice girl Martha is.

Now Henry, let’s not go overboard about this.  I think it’s best they work it out themselves.  If it was meant to be, young Harold will see for himself what a fine girl Martha is.  By the way, did you tell her she had to wait until she was seventeen to start dating?  Alice avoided looking at his face while waiting to see if he corrected her on the age.  She smiled to herself when she heard his answer.

Yes, I did.  I would really like her to wait until she’s twenty-one, Henry Cole stated as he stared at the sky again.

You sure you couldn’t change your mind and let her start at sixteen? Alice Cole inquired with a smile on her face.

Nope.  It’s best if she waits.  And I think we had better go check on those young people.

Yes, you’re probably right, Alice replied as she slipped an arm around her husband’s waist.

While carrying the mail up to the house, Martha noticed a letter to her parents from someone in Beaver, Oklahoma.  Looking at the name again, she realized it was her Uncle Louis, the youngest of her dad’s brothers.  Martha broke into a run.  She couldn’t wait to find out why he was writing to her parents.

Look.  It’s a letter from Uncle Louis! Martha bounded into the living room. 

Well, well.  I wonder what he’s writing about, Mrs. Cole pondered as she laid aside the garment she had been sewing on.

Open the letter and find out, instructed Mr. Cole from around the newspaper he was reading from the comfort of his chair.

Oh please hurry and open it, urged Martha as she handed the letter to her mother.

All right.  Everyone keep their shirts on and give me a minute.  Mrs. Cole began the process of opening the letter.  Martha sat on the edge of the sofa as she waited for whatever news the letter might bring.

Well I’ll be.  Louis and his family are coming to pay us a visit, Mrs. Cole announced.

Really.  When might that be?  Mr. Cole laid his newspaper down then and looked at his wife.

He’s coming the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and staying until that Friday.  And he says he’s bringing a turkey with him.

Good old Louis.  Leave it to him to not show up empty handed, Mr. Cole commented with a smile.

Oh goody. We’re going to have company for Thanksgiving.  I’m going to tell Sarah and the boys.  Martha sprang from the sofa and headed for the front door to find her siblings who were playing outside.

This is a pleasant surprise.  It’ll be nice to celebrate Thanksgiving with kinfolk, won’t it? Alice asked her husband.

Yes, it will.  It’ll give us a chance to catch up on what’s been happening with Louis and his family.  I guess I had better try to catch a turkey also in case the one Louis is bringing is not big enough.  We had also better stock up on butter and cream.  I wonder if we’ll have enough eggs to make some eggnog?

What about Christmas?  We usually wait until then for eggnog, commented Alice.

"Ah, we’ll worry about that after Thanksgiving.  We may not have any relatives here at Christmas.  Yes, this