This issue of the "Goldfinch" focuses on the family farm of the past. All aspects of farm life are covered: what was grown on farms, how the chores were done and who was responsible for them, what the houses were like, and what tools and equipment were used. Comparisons are made between modern farms and farms of 50 or 150 years ago, and the changes are discussed. The living history farms near Des Moines are described, and excerpts from letters, diaries, and magazine articles that describe Iowa farm life are included. The issue also includes activities for readers such as a board game called "Do Your Chores," and a guessing game in which the reader tries to guess which farm implement came first when presented with two photographs of implements being used for the same process. Numerous black and white photographs illustrate the issue. (JB)