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Quick answer: Richard Rush shares his family history, growing up near Sheridan and Stanton, Michigan. His family ran Rush and Sons Dairy, delivering milk locally. His mother later operated the Sheridan Café, and his brother Alvin founded Rush Forestry, advocating selective cutting. Richard’s narrative highlights community support and his personal journey of faith in Montcalm County, Michigan.

Key Takeaways

Richard Rush grew up near Sheridan and Stanton, Michigan, where his family operated Rush and Sons Dairy.
Rush and Sons Dairy started by delivering milk in canning jars to local towns like Sheridan, Stanton, Crystal, and Greenville, later pasteurizing it.
Richard’s mother eventually ran the Sheridan Café, and his brother Alvin established Rush Forestry, promoting selective cutting over clear-cutting.
The agricultural community in the past fostered mutual support and collaboration among farmers during critical seasons.
Richard’s return to the area has deepened his faith and appreciation for the caring community in Montcalm County, Michigan.

Richard Rush growing up around Sheridan and Stanton, shares his family history episode 51

Growing up in Sheridan and Stanton Michigan

Richard Rush was born and raised just north of Sheridan and south of Stanton. His dad had a farm there called Rush and Sons Dairy. He started by putting the milk in canning jars and delivering it to Sheridan, Stanton, Crystal and Greenville. As they grew they began pasteurizing milk. They had our own cows and raised crops to feed them.

Mutual support and collaboration

In times gone by, the agricultural community thrived on a profound spirit of mutual support and collaboration among farmers. Back in the day, when technology was limited and resources were scarce, farmers would come together in a heartwarming display of camaraderie to assist one another during critical periods such as planting and harvesting seasons.

Neighbors would gather to share their expertise, knowledge, and physical labor, transforming arduous tasks into communal celebrations. This tradition not only facilitated the completion of essential agricultural tasks but also fostered a deep sense of unity and interdependence among rural communities, leaving an enduring legacy of cooperation that continues to inspire today’s farming practices.

His mom would later run and buy the Sheridan Café’. When Richard moved away his brother Alvin started a business call Rush Forestry. Alvin would do work all over the state and taught people how to do selective cutting, instead of clear cutting, so one would always have a forest to come back too.

Implement Selective Cutting of Michigan Forest

Selective cutting, also known as selective logging, involves the careful removal of specific trees within a forest while leaving the majority of the ecosystem intact. This method offers several advantages over clear-cutting, which involves the complete removal of all trees in an area.

it is essential to note that select cutting requires careful planning, monitoring, and adherence to sustainable forestry practices to ensure its long-term effectiveness. Balancing human needs with ecological preservation remains a key consideration in managing forests for the well-being of both present and future generations.

Upon being back in the area Richard has become familiar with the old Meijer north of Greenville and the Jesus Loves Store. Finding there is a purpose in life through a relationship with Jesus. Through the years his faith has grown and with what he was taught by his father and growing up in Montcalm County that we all cared and helped each other. Life in Montcalm County is a great place to discover.

About Discover Montcalm Podcast

Discover Montcalm Podcast is produced by Duane Weed. He started DW Video & Multimedia https://www.dwvideo.com in 1984. Today he runs the business and teaches Digital Arts at the Montcalm Area Career Center. Connect with Discover Montcalm to tell and share your story. Call 231-250-9624 to learn more and schedule an appointment. Check out all our past episodes https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/.

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Richard Rush growing up around Sheridan and Stanton, shares his family history episode 51

by Discover Montcalm Podcast

Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast

Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan.

Sources & Methodology

This article is based on an in-depth interview with Richard Rush, a lifelong resident of Montcalm County, Michigan. His firsthand account provides invaluable historical perspective on local farming practices, community collaboration, and sustainable forestry efforts in the Sheridan and Stanton areas. The interview was conducted as part of the Discover Montcalm Podcast series, produced by Duane Weed.

Duane Weed, owner of DW Video & Multimedia, LLC since 1984, and the dedicated producer of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, brings decades of experience in media production and local storytelling to this platform. As a long-time resident of Howard City, Michigan, and an educator in digital arts at the Montcalm Area Career Center, Duane is deeply connected to the community. His work is driven by a commitment to preserving local histories and sharing the unique narratives of Montcalm County, ensuring the authentic capture and presentation of these important regional stories.

For general information regarding sustainable forestry practices like selective cutting, and historical agricultural contexts in Michigan, readers may consult authoritative sources such as:

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Forestry Division: https://www.google.com/search?q=Michigan+DNR+forestry+selective+cutting
USDA Forest Service: https://www.google.com/search?q=USDA+Forest+Service+selective+logging
Michigan State University Extension (for agricultural history): https://www.google.com/search?q=Michigan+State+University+Extension+agricultural+history

This post was originally published on August 20, 2023. Last updated: August 20, 2023.

Connecting with Montcalm County’s Rich Heritage and Resources

Richard Rush’s story beautifully illustrates the deep roots and community spirit found in Montcalm County. To truly appreciate this heritage, we can look to broader resources that champion Michigan’s agricultural and natural history. Organizations like the Michigan Farm Bureau have long supported farming families, echoing the mutual support Richard described. Similarly, the principles of sustainable forestry, highlighted by Rush Forestry’s work, are central to the mission of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which oversees the health of our state’s forests. For those eager to delve deeper into local narratives, the Montcalm County Historical Society serves as a vital guardian of the past, preserving stories like the Rush family’s for future generations.

Beyond historical preservation, Montcalm County also benefits from educational outreach through institutions like Michigan State University Extension, which provides invaluable knowledge and support to local farmers and communities. And for those who wish to experience the beauty of the region firsthand, the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail offers a wonderful way to explore the landscape, connecting communities and reflecting the enduring spirit of discovery that defines Montcalm County.