Meeting Tom

Esther began teaching in September 1930 at District 93 School, a country school with students in grades 1-8 in one room. She lived with her parents and brothers and drove their car to school. First she drove their 1917 Buick and later a 1932 Chevrolet that she helped them purchase.


During Esther’s first year of teaching, it was a tradition at country schools to put on a Christmas program on a December evening. It was always an exciting time for the students as they prepared the plays, songs, and readings they would perform. The school would be full of people from the neighborhood to enjoy the holiday program. Miss Hansen, the teacher, wore a store purchased dress! Her mother had always sewn all her dresses. After the program, a woman Esther did not know approached her. She said, “Miss Hansen, I want you to meet my son, Tom Rinkob.” (name later changed to Ringkob)
In January 1931, Tom stopped by the school late one afternoon and asked to borrow the book, “Tom Sawyer”. When he returned it, later in January, he asked Esther if she would like to go to the movie “Tom Sawyer” in Jackson. She accepted and that was their first date. Esther remembers being impressed with Tom – he was intelligent, he liked to read and discuss things.


Thomas Rinkob (later changed to Ringkob)

In spite of the depression, they had many happy and good times. On their weekly dates, they would visit friends, attend a movie, go roller skating, or swimming. They also enjoyed attending meetings of a Literary Society that met once a month. They usually met in homes of members – other young people that enjoyed programs, debates, banquets, entertainment, lunches, and picnics.
Tom was farming the home farm plus some rented land together with his brother Freel. Early in 1931, banks were closing and people withdrew money from their accounts. Farm income was cut because of low prices. Also 1931-1934 were hot and dry years and crop yields were poor. It was a tough time to be farming – but dating the local teacher put a spring in Tom’s step.
In the spring of 1931 after teaching one year, Esther bought a piano and took eight lessons from Mrs. Grottum in the summer of 1931 – something she had always wanted to do!
In the summers of 1931-1934, Esther and 4 other girls spent a week at a Spirit Lake cottage – a fun time for the single working girls. Beach pajamas were the style!
However, times were tough in the United States. New President Franklin D. Roosevelt closed all banks in March 1933 until the banks could be checked. Farmers were told to hang on to their animals and crops until they could get better prices. After another hot and dry year that resulted in poor crops, Esther’s parents lost their farm. It was nice to be dating Tom and have someone to talk to and be reassured that there were better times ahead! -Marita