Arnold

(submitted by Evelyn Arnold)

Eugene (Gene) and Evelyn Arnold moved from Mount Brydges in Caradoc Twp., Middlesex County, to a farm in Warwick Twp., on the west ½ of Lot 4, Con. 5 SER, in July 1978. Previously, Eugene had worked in London in the accounting department of the London Free Press for 17 years. Evelyn taught elementary school in Lobo and Caradoc Twp. Although both had been born and raised on a farm, it was a big decision to return to farming. Kari was only six years old and Terry was nine, so it was a complete
change of lifestyle for them. They missed their friends and activities when they left Mount Brydges.

Mary Reid Shaver and husband Orville Ramsay. Courtesy E Arnold.

Evelyn is the granddaughter of Orville and Mary (Reid Shaver) Ramsay. Mary Reid was born in Scotland and came to Canada as a Quarrier Home child in about 1895. She was adopted by Philip and Barbara Shaver, who moved to Watford in the 1885 to 1900 era. After Philip died in 1899, his wife and daughter moved to Wanstead.

The Warwick Twp. farm was a 50 sow farrowing operation, with about 68 workable acres and some bush. Neither Eugene nor Evelyn knew much about pig farming, and there were no records or tags on the sows, so it was “guess which ones will farrow first”. They had to learn quickly. With help from Evelyn's father and brother, Burt and Dennis Ramsay, they fixed up the barns and developed records on the computer. This was Evelyn's job.

The early 1980s brought rising interest rates and lower commodity prices. Farmland dropped from $1,500 to $500 an acre. Banks foreclosed and farmers lost their land. Farming was changing fast. Bigger was necessary to survive. The Arnolds built another barn and went to a 125 sow farrow to finish operation.

In 1996 the Arnolds sold the farm in Warwick and moved to Wyoming. Evelyn continued her business from her home office and Gene rented land for cash crops. In 2008 both are retired.

Chapter 24 of 25 - Arnold Family

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