Mary A. Shafer, Author

Book excerpt:

Soon the air rung with the ping, ping of the milk streams hitting the sides of a metal bucket, playing a familiar tune with an easy, regular beat. When the udders were empty and the pails full, the excess was emptied into lidded cans for later processing and stored in the milk cellar, which remained cool in warm weather. During very hot weather when even the deepest fruit or milk cellar was invaded by warm air, milk cans were often set into the edges of fast-running streams to prevent spoilage...

Review excerpts:

"Enthusiasts of rural decorations and living will appreciate having a sampler of American small town life, with photos outlining homes, farms, and interior decorations while accompanying descriptions provide lively reviews of country life, from simple weather forecasting techniques to coping with country routines. The excellent nostalgic guide will appeal to a wide audience." --Midwest Book Review

Award:
Rural America won 1995's "Best Photographic Book in One or Two Colors" distinction from the Mid America Publishers Association.