| ludwig magnani
farm
The Ludwig Magnani Farm of 100 acres was
owned by Chamberlain and Barclay of Cranbury. Ludwig was the tenant
farmer and brother of Joseph. A tenant farmer is one who has use
of the farm and has an agreement with owner on how the profits
are divided. This farm is now part of the Plainsboro Preserve.
Chronology of the Ludwig Magnani Farm.
1925 Ludovico (Ludwig)
and Gughelmina (Willamina) Magnani with daughter Louisa aged 12
years and son Louis aged seven move to the farm on Scotts Corner
- Monmouth Junction Road located just beyond the Public Service
power line and trolley tracks. They moved from a rental farm in
Union Valley.
1925-1930 Wheat, rye,
and potatoes are the main crops on this farm bordering "Turkey
Island".
~1931 The large red barn
for horses and crop storage in blown down in a hurricane. Fortunately
the team of horses and the cow named "Bessie" are rescued.
1932 Construction for
another barn in the same location was immediately begun and a
new white barn with gambrel roof and sliding doors was completed
within a few months.
1933 This year, one of
the Great Depression years, brought great tragedy to the family,
with the deaths of son Louis and Mrs. Magnani (mother - wife).
1934 During the Depression
years (1929-1934) the crops were harvested by hobos who were men
out of jobs from Trenton or Philadelphia. Horses were still used
for plowing, planting and harvesting crops.
1935 Migrant workers (people
of color) from Florida were used ot pick potatoes.
1936 The team of horses
was sold and a tractor, an "Oliver 70" with rear steel
wheel and front rubber tires was purchased. That tractor was the
only one used on the farm until Mr. L. Magnani retired in 1948
following a stroke.
1937-1946 Potatoes were
the main crop of the farm.
1946-1947 With contracts
obtained for Campbell Soup Co., tomatoes became the main crop.
1948 Retirement from farming
comes for Ludwig who moves into a new home in Princeton Junction.
Left to Right:
Louis Magnani, Lousie Magnani, Nina (mother)
and Ludwig (father). House in background. Taken in summer of 1929
Ludwig Magnani digging potatoes with 4
hourse team in early 1920's
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