The Citino Family Farm
We had a happy and wonderful time growing up on the farm: all kinds of vegetables, corn and potatos to eat, and corn for the animals. [There were] pumpkins, etc. and plenty of fruit trees, berries and a beautiful vineyard, and lots of tomatoes to can, which we did!
What I loved the most: we had German Shepherd dogs. The first was named Peggy because her pedigree name was too long to remember. All were named Peggy's, first, second and so forth. We had a horse named Bill, a riding horse named Dolly and a mule. We rode Bill and Dolly bareback, no saddles, just a rope around their necks. I loved riding them all the time. We didn't do much with the mule, as he was a bit mean and Pop told us to stay away from him. I am the one who rode Bill when our cousins from Cleveland came to spend the summer with us. I always put them on Bill, of course I rode with them all around the farm. We would stop to eat Mom's home made donuts, and then ride on to home.
How I wish those good old days were back a little while.We had a milk cow who was examined by the vet every year. He then attached a tag on her ear stating she was healthy. The best milk ever! My mom made cheese, ricotto, whipped cream, butter unlike any you buy today. I must stress my mother's pastries, cookies, apple pies and peach pies. I always made a raisen pie for my brother Tony. He loved it. Then there were my mom's custard, coconut pies and her angel food cake and all the Italian goodies, I still make her angel food cake now and then, and some of the others.
We also had sheep, geese, chickens (eggs the best) and turkeys. We would butcher a hog and make sausage, pork chops and roast. Of course by then we had a freezer.
My father made wine; we had a vineyard. He also bought grapes from Philadelphia to use. I wish you could have tasted the wine: out of this world, a beautiful red. And dear Michael, we also brewed our own beer. To this day I still love a glass of wine or beer.
We all grew up healthy, and [I have] many vivid memories of what was once. I'll carry these until the day I die.
Your pictures are marvelous, just like yesterday, and Michael, I just can't believe the crop of hair Uncle Mike had. I believe when he and Aunt Emma visited, his hair didn't look that thick....
Lots of good wishes in your search.
Love, Helen C. Citino
