1922 Industrial Survey of Ben Gardner

"We believe that it would be better to have a well than to support an automobile. Ben Gardner is a mixed blood. He received a Policy Patent. He evidently disposed of the land and bought the Ford and it is not recorded just how he gets the gasoline. He is living on inherited land belonging partly to his wife. We can hardly hope to encourage them to improve their home conditions very much when they live on inherited land. They were not at home, but were camping in a little cabin they have near the Catholic Mission, where they usually camp for the winter for convenience in having the children in school. This custom is pernicious and one we have tried hard to break up and have succeeded very largely. We called at this camp and Ben was away working on the irrigation ditch with a team. The land where they live is very good land and should make him a good living, but they do not work. There are no particular tears to be shed in this case. He is an able-bodied young man. His wife is able-bodied. They could make a good living on the land where they live and if they go hungry, it is their own fault. They both talk good English, have been in school considerable and should know the result of their indolence. It may be that if they get hungry, they will sell their automobile and save the gasoline money for flour and, having no way to run around, they may stay at home and work next summer."