The pioneer homesteaders of North Dakota were accustomed to adversity and extremes of weather, but 1936 tested the mettle of the heartiest residents. February was exceptionally cold. Temperatures in the State dropping below minus 50 degrees. Trains were halted by cold and snow leaving many towns isolated while herds of livestock froze to death. A few months later in the summer of 1936, nature unleashed additional disasters of biblical proportions. Severe drought, the hottest temperatures of the century, and plagues of locusts destroyed an estimated three quarters of the grain crop.

Only the Federal government had the resources to help.  It sent emergency relief for North Dakota farmers and ranchers, driven by desperation to accept assistance, despite their ingrained aversion to handouts. The US Works Progress Administration initiated projects to build dams and roads. Many families left their homesteads and moved into town in search of jobs or assistance. Some found work on government projects.  Unfortunately, the faltering economy could not support marginal businesses like Mr. Huffman’s store.