At the end of the 19th century, Michigan was still a rural state, even though it was fast becoming industrialized. Sixty percent of Michigan people still lived in rural areas.

Large workhorses powered and pulled the mechanized and labor-saving machinery to plant new diverse cash crops.

Family cooperation was essential for daily life on the farm. Women and children helped in the fields, fed the animals, preserved food and kept house. With the convenience of mail order catalogs and Rural Free Delivery (R.F.D.) in 1896, families ordered new merchandise which was delivered to their mailboxes.

Villages grew along transportation routes, at county seats and marketing centers. Farmers socialized with townspeople at schools and churches, opera houses, Masonic Temples, Grange Halls and Grand Army of the Republic halls. They participated in local fairs to showcase their farm products and livestock.

Visit a bit of rural Michigan by taking a tour of the Rural Michigan gallery:

Fairs and Towns

The Heyday of the Horse

Home on the Farm

Return to the Farm and Factory Menu Page

Go to Kids' Stuff and Teachers' Stuff activities for the Rural Michigan Gallery.