Published in 2011, the late John Eddie Vogt’s book, Witches, Bitches, and Other Small Town Folks, brings to life the quirky, unforgettable, and entertaining tales of growing up and living in Kendall County from the 1930s through the 1960s. Thanks to the gracious permission of his family, The Kendall Gentleman is honored to share excerpts from his book for your enjoyment.
When I was not yet four years old my Uncle Willie bought me a donkey from Mr. Schrader—I think for fifty cents, but I know for sure it was less than two dollars.
Uncle Willie had a small farm to the west of Boerne at the end of San Antonio Street, and besides cattle and horses he raised oats, corn, and sweet potatoes. He also did some “truck farming” and raised tomatoes and string beans that he sold on Market Square in San Antonio.
Willie built a small two-wheel cart that he hitched the donkey to and would let me help him and the other hands harvest the crops. I wasn’t even four yet when I was driving the donkey and cart all by myself.
When the workers were “row-binding” the oats, I would, with the donkey, take them a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. After a couple of days, I was fired from the job because if the workers were not right there when we arrived, Mikey and I would eat up all the food.
More from John Eddie Vogt: For another childhood scene from the same era, read Felipe and the Schwarz Field, where Felipe Leal drives a young JEV down what is now Lohman Street. A few years later, H.O. Adler and the Boy Scouts finds JEV grown enough to lead Troop 102.
