Roger L. Welsch (1936–2022)

One of those "aw, shucks" columnists documents the restoration of an old Allis Chalmers tractor.

Entertaining enough, and a good characterization of what leads a guy to start accumulating old iron for repair and restoration, or just out of downright curiosity.

On the Internet (circa 1997):

What I mostly saw was people wasting way too much time and energy arguing about a $40 tool when they could have just bought the damned thing and gone to work in their shops.

I'm looking at you, show more Hobby-Machinist forums. show less

Roger gives his fellow gender-mates an overview of the curriculum to be found in the secret woman-school. He always makes me laugh, even when he's giving away the deepest secrets of our sisterhood. Actually it doesn't hurt anything. Even when men know what women are up to, there's nothing they can do about it!

An excellent study of the history and construction of sod houses, mostly in Custer County, Nebraska. The descriptions and explanations are clear and easy to read. The anecdotes are interesting and often amusing. Welsch made copious use of Solomon Butcher's period photographs.

By turns funny, touching, thought-provoking, tender, intriguing, and hilarious (as opposed to just plain funny). One of Nebraska's best authors - and that's saying something.