The Auction

February 22nd, 2021

I was young when there was the Depression and its aftermath.  Farmers lost their farm and everything was auctioned off.  Sometimes the auction was after the farmer had died.  I asked my mother if I could go to one at the next farm.  It was safe and I could walk there.  I took a quarter tied in a clean hanky.  I sat on the fence.   Women might have been in the house cooking food if the auction lasted all day.  A big black barrel came up.   I bid a quarter and no one else said a word.  Everything had to be removed by sundown.  I ran home and got my big brother.   He drove the tractor and wagon over when the auction ended.  I felt like crying because the bottom of the barrel had some rust holes. I could not be mad at the farmer’s family.  Everyone had time earlier before the auction to look things over.  I didn’t!   My brother made me feel better when he said “everyone can use another burn barrel”.  Everyone should have a big brother like I did.