12/27/2023
The Conclusion to the Maine Christmas Tree Story...
In 1973 we had problems again. The trees had a blight and it was difficult to find good, large trees. This was one of our toughest years, it was even difficult to get good bales of fir boughs. A summer aphid infestation was the enemy. Although we had a Christmas tree farm with 40,000 trees planted we didn't have the equipment or the resident manpower that other tree farmers had. Thus, we were subject to the pests of the forests and woodland. We scouted around and found a good crop of trees up in Houlton. They were the best we could locate, free from the disease and blight. So, we made the long trip for these 300 Balsam Firs. We were lucky the weather was good. This was our smallest load of trees ever.
In November 1974 we were back in harmony to do our usual job again. Not a railroad car load like in previous years, but a trailer truckload like in 1973. To make a load, and what we lacked in trees we filled with wreaths and greens. To make a point, a railroad car could fill a much larger load than a trailer truck. Many of the trees had not improved enough after last year's blight. We bought another 100 trees from another farmer and that would make up our tree stock for 1974. The operators of the trailer truck from Cambridge raised the price a bit too high. So, the same luck and good help and advice we were able to hire a good trailer at a very reasonable price to our satisfaction. This year was a good working year, very little rain and no snow and very mild. We completed our task and we were home by Thanksgiving again. November of 1975, we were back again for our trailer load of trees and greens. 200 of our own trees and 300 very fine Douglas Firs from another farmer was our supply. Another good season, no hard rain or snow. The winters were getting milder at least this time of year. Nothing like the frigid days of the 40s.
Retirement-
1976-the Centennial year- was also an end to my working days as a member of the Emil Yedowitz Sons Corporation. 46 years working in the same establishment. Four years for my father, who originally owned the business, and 42 years as a working member of the company. My official title was secretary of the corporation and assistant manager of production. For 35 straight years, I spent the greater part of the month of November in Harmony, Maine cutting, shipping and later growing Christmas trees. After a winter's vacation in Florida, I made a decision to retire from active work and join the ranks of the retired senior citizens. We made an agreement as to my compensation for my years of work with the company and retired officially on June 1st 1976.
In early November, I flew back north to Yonkers, and this time with my nephew Joe Jr., we drove to Harmony. These were my last working days in the tree business. This was a big part of my life, 35 years with Christmas trees. I introduced Joey to my friends, familiarized him with the farmland, showed him our method of operation, cutting, bailing and storing, and introduced him to people around town. Joe was friendly and made friends quickly. He was now in charge of the Christmas Trees and the following years handled the whole operation. I served my time, nothing lasts forever. With reluctance, I had to quit - my eyes were bothering me, my back was aching and I was losing the endurance and stamina I once had. The warmth of the South was calling me and it was time for me to enjoy and relax.
In conclusion, let me say this all was a great part of my life and a very enjoyable experience. During these 35 years, nevertheless, it was not always a bed of roses. There were days of lonesomeness, days of worries and difficulties and days of weather problems. The weather was indeed a major factor while working. Later on, when we bought farmland to produce Christmas trees, many, many problems arose that I never anticipated. One has to be a realist when dealing with nature and realize this is all part of living. Time marches on, and now that I am retired, I look back and reminisce, pondering on the events of my past life. I have no regrets of the year spent in Maine. I loved my work and its challenges. If I had to live my life over again, I would relive my Maine life, but probably would like to do it a little better thank you Lord for the way it was.