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Verna and I felt very comfortable with the people in the Fairbury community. I joined the Chamber of Commerce and Verna was soon a member of the PEO chapter. I had received invitation from both Kiwanis and Rotary. The community put on dances and parties for the camp boys, and on many occasions took them into their homes. When the New York City boys started to come to the parties, and date the girls, the attitude of the townspeople changed, many refused to let their daughters come to the parties.
As Superintendent, I was getting complaints from some very unhappy people. I had no authority over the men after they left the work project, but I did feel that I should go to the commanding officer with the complaints. This didn't help my standing with Gidinsky, and with much gusto, he demanded to talk to the accusers. I didn't want to expose my source of information, but he insisted, and I had no choice but get him in my car and take him to town. I was embarrassed and frustrated. I didn't know what to say, so I said nothing. Before we arrived at the City Hall, Gidinsky suggested we pull over to the curb and talk it over. From that time on, the situation did improve.
Lesson learned: If you don't talk too much you might win your point. Gidinsky didn't like me any better after that but he did listen to me.
In March 1937 Soil Conservation Service took over the camps in Nebraska. All personnel in the CCC camps that had technical training were to be transferred to Soil Conservation Districts, and given Civil Service Classifications.
We were moved to the District at Syracuse Nebr. I worked as a field conservationist in charge of personnel training for CCC camps, that were working on water development projects.
We remained in Syracuse for three years. I was then assigned the task of establishing water development projects in Rushville, Chadron and Scotsbluff [sic], mainly flood control and irrigation. When the Soil Conservation District was established in Scottsbluff, I was assigned as District Conservationist. We lived in Gering, which was just across the river.
There was much to be done in soil conservation and irrigation, but I was tiring of the red tape and restrictions of government employment, and resigned in November 1943, and started our own business. We established MIDWEST FARM SERVICE, a farm management, real estate and insurance business.
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Metzger Memories
