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Audio Recording Diane Andrews and Robert Andrews interview conducted by Hannah Harvester, 2013-01-07

Audio recording of interview with Bob Andrew and Diane Andrews. Part 1 of 4.
Audio recording of interview with Bob Andrew and Diane Andrews. Part 1 of 4.

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Audio recording of interview with Bob Andrew and Diane Andrews. Part 2 of 4.
Audio recording of interview with Bob Andrew and Diane Andrews. Part 2 of 4.

Audio recording of interview with Bob Andrew and Diane Andrews. Part 3 of 4.
Audio recording of interview with Bob Andrew and Diane Andrews. Part 3 of 4.

Audio recording of interview with Bob Andrew and Diane Andrews. Part 4 of 4.
Audio recording of interview with Bob Andrew and Diane Andrews. Part 4 of 4.

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[ Transcript of interview with Diane Andrews and Robert Andrews. ]

About this Item

Title

  • Diane Andrews and Robert Andrews interview conducted by Hannah Harvester, 2013-01-07

Summary

  • Robert "Bob" Andrews and Diane Andrews run an 80-cow dairy that has been in Bob's family for over 80 years. They discuss the history of the farm, economic difficulties for small farmers, plans to reduce their herd and increase efficiency, their registered dairy herd, why they have remained "small," the joys and pleasures of farming, changes in technology, changes in land usage in St. Lawrence County, and stewardship of land and water. Interview is recorded in 4 parts. Malfunction at beginning lost Bob explaining that the farm is "mineral rich" and how they literally farm between the rocks; the soil is a heavy clay and can be excessively wet. Other than cutting firewood, he is not doing much with the woodlot right now. The Andrews have 345 acres of cropland and 749 total acres--the rest is pasture, woodland and rock. He explains that as children, they were very involved on the farm, helping with haying, doing chores; he remembers driving a tractor at 5 or 6. He and his sister started buying animals for 4-H projects in the 1960s. Since 1964, their dairy has been 100% registered, meaning every animal has a pedigree. He is the only sibling who went into farming: he always liked the land. He graduated high school in 1970 and went to Canton College, earning an associate's degree in agronomy and applied agricultural sciences. He worked in a hardware store for a year before joining the Navy. Diane was more eloquent off-record, explaining that although farming is a very hard life, she likes the animals, being outdoors, and being her own boss. Even on Christmas day they got up at 2:00 am to do the chores before leaving at 7:00 am to visit their daughter in Boston. Diana, who is responsible for the milking, is more tied to the farm than Bob. Bob uses the word "commitment": "It'd be nice to go spend the night with my children or the weekend with our grandchildren. But you can't do that with cows."

Names

  • Andrews, Bob, 1952- interviewee
  • Andrews, Diane (Dairy farmer), interviewee
  • Harvester, Hannah, 1983- interviewer
  • Cooper, Martha, photographer
  • Occupational Folklife Project, sponsor

Created / Published

  • 2013-01-07

Headings

  • -  Andrews, Bob,--1952---Interviews
  • -  Andrews, Diane--(Dairy farmer)--Interviews
  • -  Children
  • -  Supplementary employment
  • -  Technology
  • -  Work and family
  • -  Work environment
  • -  Education
  • -  Families
  • -  Hours of labor
  • -  Income
  • -  Job satisfaction
  • -  Job stress
  • -  Armed Forces
  • -  Non-formal education
  • -  Part-time employment
  • -  Quality of work life
  • -  Self-employed
  • -  Small business
  • -  Saint Lawrence County (N.Y.),--event place

Genre

  • Sound recordings
  • Digital photographs--Color--2010-2020
  • Interviews
  • Oral histories
  • Personal narratives

Notes

  • -  See also interview 2012033_00499. Interview with Robert Andrews. Following recording the Andrews, the interviewer toured the main barn with Bob. It is L shaped. The oldest part dates from 1837; additions were built in 1902 and 1978. There are stanchions and tie stalls. All the cows have names: part of their ID for registration. Today, not all the stalls are full. "I have to do better with less," he says. Shredded newspaper is mixed in with the bedding, which is especially good for calves: if one scours (gets diarrhea) she "eats the bedding and binds right up." Soiled newspaper bedding is used to enrich the fields and it increases earthworm activity. He goes through 1,200 pounds of newspapers per week. He get newspaper from neighbors, who drop it off, and picking up undistributed papers from the "Gouverneur Tribune's" office. He is also involved in developing a recycling program for ag plastics, especially the white plastic used for wrapping bales.
  • -  Recorded at Bob and Diane Andrews's home, Fowler, New York, January 7, 2013.
  • -  Dairy Farm Workers in New York's North Country : Archie Green Fellows Project, 2012-2013 (AFC 2012/033: 00489) Archive of Folk Culture, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
  • -  To honor the memory of Archie Green (1917-2009), a fellowship program was established at the American Folklife Center in 2010. Archie Green Fellowships support new research in the contemporary culture and traditions of American workers.
  • -  Related Items: afc2012033_00499.

Medium

  • 4 sound files (wav) (0:46:00) : digital, sound.
  • 36 photographs : digital, tif, color.
  • 1 manuscript : docx, jpg, text file.

Source Collection

  • Dairy Farm Workers in New York's North Country : Archie Green Fellows Project, 2012-2013 AFC 2012/033: 00489

Repository

Digital Id

Library of Congress Control Number

  • 2020655440

Rights Advisory

  • Duplication of collection materials may be governed by copyright and other restrictions.

Access Advisory

Online Format

  • image
  • audio
  • pdf

Additional Metadata Formats

IIIF Presentation Manifest

Rights & Access

The Library of Congress is not aware of any U.S. copyright protection (see Title 17, U.S.C.) or any other restrictions in the material in this collection, except as noted below. Users should keep in mind that the Library of Congress is providing access to these materials strictly for educational and research purposes. The written permission of the copyright owners and/or other holders of rights (such as publicity and/or privacy rights) is required for distribution, reproduction, or other use of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use or other statutory exemptions. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of an item and securing any necessary permissions ultimately rests with persons desiring to use the item. See our Legal Notices and Privacy and Publicity Rights for additional information and restrictions.

The individuals documented by the Occupational Folklife Project retain copyright and related rights to the use of their recorded and written testimonies and memories.  They have granted the Library of Congress permission to provide access to their interviews and related materials for purposes that are consistent with the agency’s educational mission, such as publication and transmission, in whole or in part, on the Web. Project participants’ written permission is required for any commercial, profit-making distribution, reproduction, or other use beyond that allowed by fair use or other statutory exemptions. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of an item and securing any necessary permissions ultimately rests with persons desiring to use the item.

The American Folklife Center and the Occupational Folklife Project fieldworkers who carry out these projects feel a strong ethical responsibility to the people they have visited and who have consented to have their lives documented for the historical record. The Center asks that researchers approach the materials in this collection with respect for the culture and sensibilities of the people whose lives, ideas, and creativity are documented here. Researchers are also reminded that privacy and publicity rights may pertain to certain uses of this material.

Researchers or others who would like to make further use of these collection materials should contact the Folklife Reading Room for assistance. 

Credit line

African American Nurses: The Chi Eta Phi Sorority: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2021-2022 (AFC 2021/009), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Agricultural Aviation: Crop Dusters in Rural America: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/007), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Baton Rouge Small Businesses and Trades: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2014-2015 (AFC 2014/023), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Beyond the Breakwater: Gulf of Alaska Small-Boat Fishermen: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2021-2022 (AFC 2021/007), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

The "Big Top" Show Goes On: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2011-2012 (AFC 2012/003), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Boeing Aircraft Factory Workers: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2012-2013 (AFC 2012/036), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Cement Workers in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/008), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Commercial Bookbinders: Occupational Folklife Project, 2017-2018 (AFC 2017/021), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Community Health Workers in Downstate New York: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2021-2022 (AFC 2021/008), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Cultural Traditions of Ironworkers in America's Upper Midwest: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2011-2012 (AFC 2011/062), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Custodians and Janitors in Colorado: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2021-2022 (AFC 2021/012), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Dairy Farm Workers in New York's North Country: Archie Green Fellows project, 2012-2013 (AFC 2012/033), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Doctoring: The Occupational Folklore of Physicians: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2019-2020 (AFC 2019/030), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Domestic Workers United: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2015-2016 (AFC 2015/027), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Ethnic Grocers in the Urban Midwest: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2014-2015 (AFC 2013/016), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Finding Roots: Asian American Farmers in Contemporary America: Occupational Folklife Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/014), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Fixing, Mending, Making New: North Carolina's Repair Professionals: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/009), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Food Processing and Food Legacy Trades: Occupational Folklife Project, 2016-2017 (AFC 2015/042), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Fresh Produce Workers in Arizona: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2015-2016 (AFC 2015/028), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Funeral Services Workers in the Carolinas: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2016-2017 (AFC 2016/037), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Grass-Roots Agriculture in Vermont: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2014-2015 (AFC 2014/022), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

The Green Book--Documenting African American entrepreneurs: Archie Green Fellows project, 2018-2019 (AFC 2018/029), Archie Green Fellows Project American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Hairdresser and Beauty Shop Culture in America: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2011-2012 (AFC 2012/035), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Homeless Shelter Workers in the Upper Midwest: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2016-2017 (AFC 2016/034), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Hope for Recovery: Peer Support Workers in Kentucky: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/010), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Illuminating History: Union Electricians in New York City: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2016-2017 (AFC 2016/035), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Immigrant Women Artists in Oklahoma: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/011), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Independent Professional Wrestlers in Central Appalachia: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2019-2020 (AFC 2019/029), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Kitchen Workers in Central Ohio: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2017-2018 (AFC 2017/020), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Midwives, doulas, and birth workers in North Carolina: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2019-2020 (AFC 2019/027), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Multigenerational African-Descended Farmers of the Midwest: Surviving Erasure: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2019-2021 (AFC 2019/028), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

National Press Club collection: Occupational Folklife Project (AFC 2012/004), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Nursing America's Veterans: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/012), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Occupational Lives of Religious Workers in Kentuckiana: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2022-2023 (AFC 2022/022), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Personal Home Health Care Aides in Michigan: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2017-2018 (AFC 2017/018), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Poultry Workers of North Carolina : Archie Green Fellows Project, 2022-2023 (AFC 2022/021), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Production Potters of the Midwest: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2018-2019 (AFC 2018/030), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Psychiatric nurses in Wisconsin: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2018-2019 (AFC 2018/032), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Ranger Lore: The Occupational Folklore of Park Rangers: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2013-2015 (AFC 2013/014), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

The Ransomville Speedway: Dirt Track Racing in Western New York: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2020-2021 (AFC 2020/013), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Recent Immigrant Workers in Iowa's Meatpacking Industry: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2015-2016 (AFC 2015/026), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Rural Free Delivery: Mail Carriers in Central Appalachia: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2021-2022 (AFC 2021/010), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Stable Views: Voices and Stories from the Thoroughbred Racetrack: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2011-2012 (AFC 2012/034), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Taking Care--Documenting the Occupational Culture of Home Care Workers: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2014-2015 (AFC 2014/021), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Teaching in Wisconsin Classrooms: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2013-2015 (AFC 2013/017), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Tillamook: Cheesemakers in Coastal Oregon: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2021-2022 (AFC 2021/011), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Tobacco Workers of the Connecticut River Valley: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2014-2015 (AFC 2014/020), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Training the Troops: Military Role-Players of Fort Polk, Louisiana: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2017-2018 (AFC 2017/019), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Trash Talk: Workers in Vermont's Waste Management Industry: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2018-2019 (AFC 2018/031), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Washington State Workers: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2012-2013 (AFC 2012/032), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Western Folklife Center Occupational Folklore Project: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2011-2012 (AFC 2011/064), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Winery Workers in Virginia: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2017-2018 (AFC 2017/017), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Women Architects: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2019-2020 (AFC 2019/031), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Working the Port of Houston: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2011-2012 (AFC 2012/006), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Working the Waterfront, New Bedford, Massachusetts: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2016-2017 (AFC 2016/036), American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Cite This Item

Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.

Chicago citation style:

Andrews, Bob, Interviewee, Diane Andrews, Hannah Harvester, and Sponsor Occupational Folklife Project, Cooper, Martha, photographer. Diane Andrews and Robert Andrews interview conducted by Hannah Harvester, -01-07. -01-07, 2013. Pdf. https://aj.sunback.homes/item/2020655440/.

APA citation style:

Andrews, B., Andrews, D., Harvester, H. & Occupational Folklife Project, S., Cooper, M., photographer. (2013) Diane Andrews and Robert Andrews interview conducted by Hannah Harvester, -01-07. -01-07. [Pdf] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://aj.sunback.homes/item/2020655440/.

MLA citation style:

Andrews, Bob, Interviewee, et al., photographer by Cooper, Martha. Diane Andrews and Robert Andrews interview conducted by Hannah Harvester, -01-07. -01-07, 2013. Pdf. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <aj.sunback.homes/item/2020655440/>.