The Life and Work of Edward R. Murrow an archives exhibit

Agriculture & Farming

Speakers with experiences in agriculture and farming.

Danforth, William H. (William Henry), 1870-1955

Businessman William Danforth describes how, when he was a sickly farm boy, his school teacher challenged him to live healthily; from that, Danforth developed a life philosophy to stand tall (through exercise and healthy eating habits), think tall (through education), smile tall (through friendliness and kindness) and live tall (through character development).


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Dodineau, Arthur

Educator Arthur Dodineau talks about the foundational experiences he had as a boy growing up on a farm in rural Michigan, and his faith in teachers, religion, and the future of the United States.


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Fowler, Burton P. (Burton Philander), b. 1887

Burton Fowler, Principal of the Germantown Friends School, states that the fundamental principles of his beliefs (God, Jesus Christ, and the brotherhood of humanity) derive from his early years on an upstate New York farm.

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Guard, Samuel R., 1889-1966

Samuel Guard, editor of Breeder’s Gazette, tells the story of a young boy becoming an excellent farmer through dedication and faith in himself, a capability that Samuel Guard says lies within everyone.


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Long, Sylvester, 1875-

Businessman and lecturer Sylvester Long recounts his experiences growing up in an Ohio farming family, and describes his belief that he is merely a “window” through which to reveal God’s light to others and God’s “subcontractor” whose work is done ultimately for and with God.


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Mellard, Lyn

Lyn Mellard, a graduate student at the University of Arizona and the wife of a Texas rancher, talks about the dynamic and changing nature of life and describes an analogy in which God is a banker from whom people make deposits and loans to, or from, life. Ms. Mellard concludes by explaining why the responsibility for her happiness rests at her own feet.


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Nilson, Alfred

Radio engineer and sailor Alfred Nilson describes how, as a harvester in California, the only way to keep his balance while traveling on foot along the railroad ties was to focus his eyes on the distance, and he explains how this lesson in farsightedness has helped him to balance the rest of his life.


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Nottingham, Karl D.

Indiana legislator and farmer Karl Nottingham explains our duty to adjust to society and some ways in which to do so such as observing the Golden Rule, treating others with kindness, helping those less fortunate, and earning trust through friendship.


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Palmer, Paul, Mrs. (Georgia)

Homemaker Mrs. Palmer describes the environment in which she grew up and the values and faith she acquired as a result, and why this faith might help others navigate through a confusing and “unpredictable era.”


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Wooten, Ben

Ben Wooten, Director of the East Texas Chamber of Commerce, describe his belief that a divine designer rewards the hard work of individuals devoted to a worthy cause, and describes how, despite being the son of poor Texan farmers, he succeeded in his career choice as a banker.


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