Embracing the Sweat: A Country Boy's Summer Hustle

Growing up in the countryside, a young Donnie Johnston discovered that the summer heat was no match for his entrepreneurial spirit. From bagging grain to stacking hay, he embraced the challenges of manual labor, turning every opportunity into a chance to earn a few hard-earned dollars.

Seizing Summer Opportunities: A Childhood Hustle

Bagging Grain: A Dusty but Lucrative Endeavor

At the tender age of 9, Donnie landed his first paying job, working as a bag boy for a neighbor who was threshing wheat. Earning 50 cents an hour, he could make up to in a single day, a substantial sum for a child in those times. The work was arduous, with the fast-flowing grain accompanied by a cloud of dust that clung to his sweat-soaked skin. Yet, Donnie persevered, driven by the allure of earning his own money.

Hay Stacking: Battling Heat and Wasps

From the age of 10 until he secured his first regular job, Donnie spent his summers helping neighboring farmers with their hay harvests. While he didn't mind the physical labor of picking up and loading the square bales, he dreaded the task of stacking them in the barn loft. The stifling heat, often reaching 110 degrees, and the constant threat of wasp attacks made this job particularly unpleasant. Donnie recalls the relief of escaping the loft, where the air was still, and finding solace in the gentle breeze outside.

Painting Fences: A Lesson in Perseverance

One of Donnie's least favorite summer jobs was painting his uncle's fence, a task that stretched over 200 yards and required painting both sides. The work was arduous, and the long walk to and from the job site only added to the challenge. Donnie and his brother, who were 12 and 10 at the time, were tempted to give up, but they persevered, determined to earn the promised payment. Their dedication paid off, and they learned the value of keeping their word, even in the face of grueling work.

Blackberry Picking: A Fruitful Endeavor

While not all of Donnie's summer jobs were physically demanding, they all required a certain level of grit and determination. One such job was picking blackberries in the thickets, a task that left him bloody and sweaty. However, the payoff was worth it, as he could earn a dollar per gallon of berries. One summer, he managed to pick and sell an impressive 56 gallons, a testament to his hard work and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Rewards of a Country Boy's Hustle

Donnie's experiences as a child laborer in the summer heat taught him valuable lessons about the value of hard work and the satisfaction of earning one's own money. While the jobs were often dirty, hot, and physically demanding, he embraced the challenge, recognizing the opportunity to supplement his family's income and gain a sense of independence. These formative experiences shaped Donnie's character, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a resilience that would serve him well throughout his life.