Marge Reynolds of Preeceville was no stranger to working with a team of horses in her younger years but has not had the opportunity to drive a team of horses in approximately 50 years.
She got her wish when her family surprised her with the opportunity on October 19.
"She has always talked about the past when she was a kid and she had to transport her siblings to school with a team of horses and a wagon," said Arlee Thideman, son.
The family secretly told her they were going on a road trip to buy a harness from Walter Hughes who lives approximately 10 miles southwest of Preeceville. Reynolds was excited when they arrived and she noticed a team of horses hooked up to a wagon. When she realized she was going to get the opportunity to relive some childhood memories she was extremely excited and leaped onto the wagon.
"Throughout the entire trip with the horses she kept telling us stories of her past experiences," said Thideman.
After the trip the family was invited into the Hughes home for coffee and refreshments.
"It sure was a huge surprise for me to get to drive a team of horses again. It has been 50 years since I last had the opportunity and the best part was that my family managed to pull off the surprise right up to the last minute before I realized what they were up to," laughed Reynolds.
Reynolds will be celebrating her 89th birthday on November 24 and her family has already presented her with a dishwasher for her home. The previous dishwasher had stopped working and she needed a new one for her busy life. She resides on a farm 12 miles north and one mile west of Preeceville, farms 100 head of cattle in the summer but only retains 50 head for the winter months. She also keeps busy with a large garden, flowers, and loves to bake her own bread, buns and meals for herself, family and her hired hand who helps her on the farm.
"I have done a lot of things in my life," said Reynolds. "I grew up in the Hazel Dell area where I was the oldest of 10 children. I was my father's helper in the farming business. We used horses for lots of things from cleaning out the barn, for field work and riding. When I got older I got married and we farmed mink and some cattle by Hazel Dell.
“In 1962, we moved to out current farm where we milked cows both for industry and food for a combined 40 years. We also raised chickens throughout my farming career. Keeping busy is what has helped keep me young at heart. I still drive my own vehicle for short distances.
“I continue to help with the daily chores and have chickens on the farm along with the cattle. I believe in keeping busy and active." she concluded.
