Like most communities, in the early days, Shelby County was almost totally self-sufficient, with farmers producing enough for their families, but little more.  Even town people had gardens, raised stock and learned to prepare foods that could be easily transported.  Unlike now, early food was often coarse and scant.  Farmers in those days endured hardships that we of today have but little conception.

• 19th Century Sidney had its Share of Livestock...Residents...Engaged in Farming
• Shelby County Burr Oak is Biggest East of Mississippi
• Grain Mills Were one of Shelby County's Earliest Businesses
• Meat to the Table -- No Trip to the Grocery Required
• Open Air Market Has Long Tradition in Downtown Sidney
• Sauerkraut Is A Part of Our Heritage
• Sights, Smells Evoke Memories of Sausage
• Threshing: A Neighborly Thing to Do