Gilbert and Viola's second house was only three years old when they rented the farm. Surprisingly, the house had running water from a "supply tank" pumped full by windmill. There was a stool in the basement, but no other plumbing. There was no electricity. Gilbert would read the daily paper in the evening by the light of an Aladdin lamp.

Houses in that era were not insulated. It was not uncommon in winter to pull the kitchen table over next to the cook stove in order to remain warm while eating the evening meal.