Reader comments
American History Comes to Life Through the story of a Wisconsin Dairy Farmer — Rick Ortman, Virginia
An easy read presented through a series of vignettes, each presenting a unique aspect to the story. I found "The Wisconsin Farm they Built" to be an education in an aspect of American history that's enjoyable in its own right. Corey Geiger tells the story of the evolution of dairy in the US through the lens of his grandfather's life as a Wisconsin dairy farmer. For example, the impact of the advent of the tractor on farming is well-understood, but it comes to life for the reader in a new way through the personal stories of Elmer's orange, made in Wisconsin, Allis-Chalmers tractor. He has clearly gone to great lengths and painstaking historical research to include names, dates, and other details adding richness to the narrative. Highly recommended.
A story and history of a Wisconsin family farm with emphasis on the writer's grandparents.
I enjoyed reading about this Wisconsin family farm. It was very well written and researched and gave so much rural history. Thank you, Corey, for your knowledge and excellent writing ability. I learned so much and could not stop reading. — Mary Cavanaugh, Wisconsin
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the individual stories as well as history and side notes woven throughout. Hoping there are more books coming from this author. — Cheri Oechsle, Ohio
Corey did another wonderful job capturing life on a WI family farm but also the history of our state! — Isabelle, Wisconsin
Praise for On a Wisconsin Family Farm - Historic Tales of Character, Community and Culture:
From cover to cover, your book was a heartwarming experience for me to read. You told a rich story in a very compelling fashion, and each family member came to life like characters in a good novel. Colorful family, have you! I think one of the finest effects of “On A Wisconsin Family Farm” is that it will cause many readers to reflect on their own family histories. It certainly did me.
— Andy D., North Carolina
Congratulations on the release of your book! We have been selling them steadily since the release. After giving it a read, I have found it easy to recommend - you did a very nice job with it.
— Peter Sloma, The Peninsula Bookman
A great blend of family lore and early Wisconsin history. It’s amazing what families endured to make our future bright. — John U., Wisconsin
Of all the books I have read in my 87 years, this is right at the top! — Bob M., Illinois
Great Book on Wisconsin Heritage
I really enjoyed this book and thought the history and research done was well done. I learned things about the area that I never knew before. It is a great memory of the ancestors that immigrated to Wisconsin and really provided some great history lessons as well. Enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book. — WI_Girl24
Corey is a great storyteller. From the moment I picked up the book, I found myself drawn into the lives of this family. Growing up in Brillion and having Czech heritage these stories resonated in my heart and helped me to imagine what my ancestors might have experienced making their life in Wisconsin.
As I finished the book, I found myself wanting more! I can't wait for the next book. — Amy G., Wisconsin
Everyone has a family history. Not everyone has the ability or connections to what their family history is besides the family tree. Through Corey's research and talking with family you can only imagine what took place in your own family history living on a farm or not. Corey's style kept me wanting to read more. Personally, I would have searched for the cave as an example of making me want more. I await another book! — Steve Sturtz, Wisconsin
Oh my goodness, the whole saga was so beautifully told. The history and the early families and Wisconsin farmers legacy was intertwined so perfectly. Your love of family, farming and history is very remarkable. I’m so restless to have your next book!!! — Victoria K., Wisconsin
Great research by a passionate guy. Love the family history that many of us have but don’t know. The immigrant story is not told enough. Thank you, Corey. — Sara C., Wisconsin
Well done. Well written. Tremendous project. — Ewing R., Wisconsin
I thoroughly enjoyed your most recent book On a Wisconsin Family Farm. When I first received the publication notice, I hesitated thinking: ‘This will be just another story about a Midwestern farm family.’
It was a great read and brought back so many memories from my own childhood. When I finished, I thought ‘This is a story of stories.’
My favorite story was Chapter 14: He Drove for Gangsters, and sub chapters ‘Uncle Tom is Dead’ and ‘The Copper Cow.’ I laughed so hard. My parents grew up during Prohibition which was the demise of most local breweries in Wisconsin including ones in Fort Atkinson and Jefferson. During my first visit to Germany more than 35 years ago, I was shocked to learn that almost every city and town still had their own brewery. — Richard E., Maryland
An enjoyable read that is well written and hard to put down. This would be a good read for anyone who wants to be captivated by history. — Lucas H., Wisconsin
Just wanted to let you know I just finished your book and kudos on a really well done product. I loved the history and stories and although your heritage is Bohemian and mine is Danish, it brought back many memories of my relatives and their immigration following a very similar timeline. — Kevin J., Wisconsin
On A Wisconsin Family Farm is an extremely well-written book with compelling stories that bring back memories of rural days in Wisconsin. Of particular interest are the stories of how ancestors took care of family members for the rest of their lives to the point that this even became part of the sales of their farms.
The book was enhanced by pictures of the author's ancestors. A fascinating and enjoyable book.
Can't wait for the next one. — Jim V., Virginia
Great stories and insights from previous generations. I can’t wait for the next book! — Rob R., Iowa
I learned so many things I never was aware of. I can't wait to hear the next chapter in this saga of how Elmer and Julia managed the farm going forward to when Randy and Rosalie take over. Great job! — Beth G., Wisconsin