Clara lived on a small farm in Maryland she helped Feed the chicken  she helped mama cook stew she helped take care of little Hans and baby ann.  

In the spring side-by-side with papa planting corn Clara did not go to school there were no school for farm children. 

But Clara wanted to learn. She wanted to learn about the sun and stars.  she wanted to learn how corn grow from seeds.   But most of all she wanted to read once after church Reverend strong showed Clara his Family bible. What a big Bible said clara and wonderful stories. Said reveand strong. 

Clara loved to hear stories she loved to hear Them told in church every Sunday. Sometimes she likes to make her own stories some were About animals some were about families some for about a Farmgirl like her self if I could read stories she thought. If I I only had a story of my own.    But there was no money for extra things Sometimes in clara got tired from doing farm work 

Then she would lie in the grass or rock in the rocking chair father Had carved a dream. 

One day cara was helping mama making  bread Clara asked how does the bread rise I don’t know said Ma she open the door to take a peek.  

The kitchen Doors open it was Pa he looked hot and tired his boots were dusty are you dreaming again he asked Clara yes papa she said there is no time for dreaming on the farm said papa everyone must help or we will have no food on our table yes Papa said Clara. 

Little Hans ran into the kitchen eat eat he cried it’s is not dinner time yet said mama come Hans said Clara we will set the table then I will tell you a story and I will go out to chop some wood said Papa good said  mama by the time dinner will be ready. 

Clara and mama for scrubbing Clothes.  Mama Clara Papa called I have to go to into town we need more corn seed we need flour and sugar to Mama said can I go with you ask Clara  I promise to help.  Papa smiled come along then he said.     Clara helped papa pitch the horse to the wagon. 

Town was a long way off almost 7 miles we will be back by sundown Papa told mama oh waved goodbye Hans waved goodbye baby ann cried. Club club club the horse plugging along Samuels word the spring air smelled good Clara and Papa road till they came to stream this looks like a good spot to rest said papa he pulled the wagon to a stop Clara ran to the stream she clupped her hands to drink the clear cold water.  

How good this taste Papa said Clara Papa took a drink and splashed water on his face it feels good to be sad then Papa gave the horse a drink you know what else would taste good Clara asked what said papa A peppermint stick! A trip to town would not be the same without a candy treats Papa said

Clara and Papa climbed back in the wagon and they rolled on it last they came to town Mr. holzer  greeted them at the store Nice weather we are having he said yes said papa good weather for planting

Clara looked around the store there was threads pursuing there was pots for cooking there was tools for building then Clara saw the books a shelf full of books Clara took down one book and opened it there were so many letters there were so many words it made her dizzy

Well well said Mr.holzer so you want to borrow a book clara look up how much does it cost she asked does not cost to send it’s a library book said Mr. holzer my store is a book station it does not cost anything to borrow a book ask Clara that’s right said Mr. holzer  the books are free of charge. 

Clara ran to papa  bubba look she said I can borrow a book free of charge I can learn to read Papa did not smile arm around Clara books are for rich people he said farm people like us do not have time to read papa put the book back on the shelf. Claras eyes filled with tears. 

Papa handed Clara the peppermint stick here Clara he said you almost forgot your candy treats it’s time to load the wagon it’s time to  start for home.