An eye for an eye, an eyesore for an eyesore

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An eye for an eye, an eyesore for an eyesore

August 23rd, 2011 · 66 comments

Mim decided to take a back road to a friend’s house in Wisconsin when she spotted this sign in someone’s front yard — presumably, she says, a reaction to the two large silos that were recently erected in the corn field across the road.

related: Roadside intervention

FILED UNDER: neighbors · public shaming · small town living · Wisconsin

66 responses so far ↓

#1 tinkerjenn

…and I thought I was an asshole!

Aug 23, 2011 at 8:20 pm rating: 90

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#2 GW

Wow! Pardon those neighbors for expanding their FARM. I bet the people who painted the sign bought/built their house well after the fact that farm was in operation.

Aug 23, 2011 at 8:23 pm rating: 90

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- #2.1 Dalamara
  
  Reminds me of this area near us that has been expanding big time over the past 10 plus years. Some of the brand new homes have gone up right next to cow and goat farmers who have probably been there for 30 or 40 years, and guess who complains about the noise and the smell?
  
  Aug 23, 2011 at 10:49 pm rating: 90
- #2.2 Rattus
  
  It says “presumably”. Perhaps Mike and Jeanne parade, literally (tasselled boots, tall hats and clashing cymbals and nothing else), back and forth in front of their picture window whilst the people over the road are having tea and scones on their porch swing.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 7:56 am rating: 90
- #2.3 Anon
  
  No kidding. It’s like this guy I know, he bought property in rural area to have a farm, which is more like a hobby farm. Then he complains about the homeowners around him who use their houses as their weekend cottages. Head up the a– syndrome!
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 9:47 am rating: 90
- #2.4 The Elf
  
  Rattus, if the neighbors that lived across the street did that, I wouldn’t know whether to sell tickets to the show or call adult protective services (they’re 80+).
  
  Aug 25, 2011 at 7:08 am rating: 90
- #2.5 Rattus
  
  The Elf, if my neighbours did that, I’d leave them to it. I like a show with my tea and scones.
  
  Aug 25, 2011 at 7:36 am rating: 90
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#3 Nack

Which begs the question, just how inconsiderate are they? Besides the eyesore, what -else- has gone on that you had to put such time and effort into striking back? I want details!

Aug 23, 2011 at 8:25 pm rating: 90

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#4 Lindsey

A week later, said silos had the words “You’re” and “Welcome” painted on the side. No word yet on whether PissedNeighbor has anything else in store.

Aug 23, 2011 at 8:32 pm rating: 90

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#5 thrall

As tirades go, at least this one is short and spelled correctly.

Aug 23, 2011 at 8:36 pm rating: 90

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#6 Erin

personally I would rather have neighbors with silos. I could think of a lot worse things a neighbor could do.

Aug 23, 2011 at 8:45 pm rating: 90

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- #6.1 Citrico
  
  Two small, rounded silos and one really tall one in between?
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 6:43 pm rating: 90
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#7 Mrs.Beasley

When you live on farmland in the Midwest, it shouldn’t be a shock when your neighbors erect silos for their corn… in their corn field!

Seems to me that if the silos passed muster with local ordinances, there’s not much one can legitimately be offended about.

Maybe it’s jumping to conclusions to assume that the sign is in response to the silos. Could be anything, as feuding neighbors go.

Aug 23, 2011 at 8:45 pm rating: 90

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- #7.1 anglophile
  
  So many subdivisions are cropping up in former cornfields in Wisconsin. Four bedrooms, four and a half baths, granite counters and a pool table in the basement. 1.3 acres to mow on their John Deere lawn tractor.
  
  And they invariably complain about the smell of manure coming from the dairy farm down the road.
  
  Aug 23, 2011 at 9:00 pm rating: 90
- #7.2 Mrs.Beasley
  
  anglo, you’ve reminded me of the story of our family homestead. I’m in Michigan, grew up on a 10 acre apple orchard.
  
  Thirty years ago, the farm adjacent to my folks’ land was sold, rezoned, and replaced by a high-end subdivision. A few years later, my aging and widowed Mom wanted to sell the homestead and relocate to a simpler residence with less maintenance. The house itself was old and worth little, but the acreage in what had become a toney suburb of the Metro Detroit area was valuable.
  
  So for years Mom got offers from residential developers for her property, but the folks from the subdivision next door fought the rezoning every time – arguing to city officials that they didn’t want a subdivision next to them because they didn’t want to lose the “park-like atmosphere” they enjoyed from their decks and bay windows looking out on my Mom’s land, which my brothers worked hard to keep mowed and maintained.
  
  Ironically, the sub residents apparently never considered the fact that their own subdivision had eliminated the “park-like atmosphere” my folks used to have when there was a farm there instead of dozens of subdivision houses.
  
  After nearly 20 years and multiple attempts, local administrators finally approved a zoning change for Mom’s land. It was quickly purchased, and the subdivision residents now look out their window and see another subdivision instead of the acres of manicured grass that they succeeded so long in preventing Mom from selling.
  
  Mom lived to see it, too, and at the age of 92 she went to the bank and deposited the proceeds from selling the family homestead.
  
  But nobody erected any nasty signs.
  
  Aug 23, 2011 at 9:44 pm rating: 90
- #7.3 Quite Contrary
  
  I am having the exact same issue with my neighbors. I live in a small cottage near the beach. The small house next door to me had been razed to build a multi story four unit condo with subterranean parking, pretty much obliterating the view for anyone on either side of them. When I was in escrow for my house, the condo owners were in an absolute panic that a developer would buy my lot…and build the exact same thing they lived in…and ruining their view in the process. Yuppie scum.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 7:57 pm rating: 90
- #7.4 Team Redhead
  
  My Dad is the holdout the other way ’round.
  
  Turned down $21 million for his land in a fast-growing suburb. Told us a few years after the fact while drunk. (“I have enough to eat; I have enough to drink; I’ve traveled everywhere; I have 3 cars; what more do I need?”)
  
  He’s very lucky to be alive today.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 10:28 pm rating: 90
- #7.5 The Elf
  
  I shouldn’t applaud sprawl, but at the same time I just want to cheer for Mrs. Beasley’s Mom. NIMBYs like that and Quite Contrary’s neighbors make me want to bang my head against a wall in frustration. They don’t see the hypocrisy? Guess not!
  
  Aug 25, 2011 at 7:12 am rating: 90
- #7.6 Mrs.Beasley
  
  Thanks, Elf. Mom was a dear sweet lady who made it to 93. She lived long enough to see a lot of changes in the world and in how people conduct themselves. Definitely not all for the better.
  
  Aug 25, 2011 at 2:58 pm rating: 90
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#8 harry

very stupid sign,and more stupid message.

Aug 23, 2011 at 8:59 pm rating: 90

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- #8.1 Nunavut Guy
  
  Ugh………caveman leave comment on shiny page.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 6:30 am rating: 90
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#9 Soja

If they put up missile silos, then I could understand. Otherwise, these country-wanna-be city folks are just dumb.

Aug 23, 2011 at 9:17 pm rating: 90

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- #9.1 Dr Chalkwitheringlicktacklefeff
  
  Missile silos are underground though, and so less of an eyesore.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 7:22 am rating: 90
- #9.2 Clumber
  
  Ever seen one from topside? HUGE concrete “lid”, lots of razor wire and oddly-placed asphalt. I mean it isn’t as ugly as say, that sign they erected (snicker), but i wouldn’t call it a view.
  
  Okay, well *I* might, but normal people wouldn’t. (flashes JAZZ HANDS to distract…)
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 12:56 pm rating: 90
- #9.3 Madrias
  
  I think I’d rather have a neighbor with a missile silo. Probably would be pretty cool.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 9:32 pm rating: 90
- #9.4 Eric
  
  Ask Canadians how they feel aboot neighbors with silos.
  
  Aug 30, 2011 at 5:30 pm rating: 90
- #9.5 Xenobio
  
  Sorry to be juvenile but I can’t think of anything to say to that besides “Win”.
  
  Aug 31, 2011 at 1:21 am rating: 90
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#10 Danny

I assume that the phrase “such inconsiderate neighbors” is the sarcastic part, and that Mike and “Jeanne” (is that a real name?) are actually being incredibly considerate by not opening up a hog confinement operation.

Aug 23, 2011 at 9:36 pm rating: 90

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- #10.1 quat
  
  Given that, the silos seem laudably considerate to me.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 12:15 am rating: 90
- #10.2 makfan
  
  I have an ex-aunt who spells her name exactly that way, so yes, it is a real name.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 1:01 am rating: 90
- #10.3 Jeanne
  
  Yes, it’s a real name. I pronounce it like Jean or Gene, but others pronounce it Jeannie. It’s more of an old lady name and I believe it’s the French spelling of Jean.
  The more you know.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 10:47 am rating: 90
- #10.4 Jeanne
  
  My name is Jeanne, and has been for 56 years. It is a good name. And a very real name.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 4:56 pm rating: 90
- #10.5 The Elf
  
  It’s because of all the Katelynnes, Madysons, Destinees, Naveahs, MacKynzee, Jordyns, Makaylas, and Jazmins. We don’t recognize normal French-origin, Hebrew-rooted names anymore.
  
  Aug 25, 2011 at 7:19 am rating: 90
- #10.6 Jeanne
  
  My name is Jeanne, named after Jeanne D’arc.
  I am not an old lady, and have met several women my age with the same name
  
  Aug 25, 2011 at 12:21 pm rating: 90
- #10.7 heavan spelled backwards
  
  Elf- you are so right!
  I used to work at a children’s hospital in the deep south and we would make lists of all the hilarious names we’d come accross. my favorite story was that there were actually 97 different people registered to the hospital with the first name “nevaeh”. correction- there were 96 with the name “nevaeh” and one sadly named “naveah”…
  
  Aug 30, 2011 at 2:37 pm rating: 90
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#11 JetJackson

Maybe the sign erector is having his own erecting problems and the phallic silos are just a painful reminder every morning when he wakes up to get the newspaper off the porch.

Aug 23, 2011 at 9:47 pm rating: 90

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#12 Laura

No picture of the silos?

Aug 23, 2011 at 10:33 pm rating: 90

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#13 Canthz_B

Signs and giant phallic symbols being erected? Middle America is becoming a sexed pool.

Aug 24, 2011 at 12:25 am rating: 90

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- #13.1 emcd
  
  Sex farm woman, I’m gonna mow you down
  Sex farm woman, I’ll rake and hoe you down
  Sex farm woman, don’t you see my silo rising high?
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 7:50 am rating: 90
- #13.2 Japanese Fans
  
  emcd, you’re at number five, last week, actually. Would be interested in reforming and, uh, doing a tour?
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 8:23 am rating: 90
- #13.3 emcd
  
  As long as I get to feel like a preserved moose.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 9:06 am rating: 90
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#14 Dr Chalkwitheringlicktacklefeff

God damned farmers going around making a living off the land and feeding the rest of us! Why do they have to be such assholes!?!

Aug 24, 2011 at 7:18 am rating: 90

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#15 Sensible Madness

I go out of my way to be inconsiderate to my neighbors and no one ever thinks to thank me. What a bunch of jerks.

Aug 24, 2011 at 8:19 am rating: 90

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- #15.1 Sue
  
  I know, I am so nasty to my inconsiderate neighbors and now they are moving away after years of feuding without a single word or painted sign. I am going to greatly enjoy making their sale difficult by making my yard look like hobos live here. I wish I could rent trash to pile on the property line, like they always did.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 12:13 pm rating: 90
- #15.2 Madrias
  
  You know, Sue, I like that idea. Might have to borrow it when the next door assholes, I’m sorry, I mean neighbors, move out. I’ll make it look bad enough that it’ll sell for 1/4 of what it should.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 9:36 pm rating: 90
- #15.3 slave138
  
  Madrias – Or maybe it won’t sell at all and you’ll be stuck with them for years to come?
  
  Aug 25, 2011 at 7:54 pm rating: 90
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#16 Beesus

truly I think some kudos must be offered up, if only for the careful lettering. That is some patient, patient, rage.

Aug 24, 2011 at 8:30 am rating: 90

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- #16.1 Kel
  
  My favourite. Absolute favourite! My kinda humour. Sorry, English speaking South African, massive fan of “the droll”!
  
  Aug 26, 2011 at 12:02 pm rating: 90
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#17 Jimmy James

First thing I thought of:
http://tinyurl.com/446ncwz

Aug 24, 2011 at 8:30 am rating: 90

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#18 elephant217

I wish my neighbors would put their shirts on.

Aug 24, 2011 at 9:01 am rating: 90

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- #18.1 Rattus
  
  I bet my neighbour wishes I would put my shirt on, but then, I wish she wouldn’t talk so freakin’ loud on her cell phone in the backyard.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 9:13 am rating: 90
- #18.2 bookworm
  
  People who shout into cell phones should be pushed from open windows.
  
  Aug 24, 2011 at 12:21 pm rating: 90
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#19 pjsmom

So, am I the only one who noticed the little yellow signs along the shrubbery in the background… methinks someone has a sign fetish, and perhaps the neighbors are NOT the inconsiderate ones… just sayin’.

Aug 24, 2011 at 9:28 am rating: 90

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- #19.1 The Elf
  
  Any bets on what the signs say? Probably just “Please Clean Up After Your Dog”, but I’m secretely hoping they placed “Please Don’t Erect A Silo Here” every 10 feet on their lawn.
  
  Aug 25, 2011 at 7:23 am rating: 90
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#20 divaandwriter

Don’t move into someone else’s neighborhood, then expect them to change their ways to suit you! If you live across the street from a FARM, you are likely to get a couple of silos! Sheeeesssshhh!

There goes the neighborhood!

Aug 24, 2011 at 10:13 am rating: 90

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#21 Yolanda

Looks like neighbour relations have broken down! I am truly thankful that these are not my neighbours.

Aug 24, 2011 at 10:51 am rating: 90

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#22 Ethel

Well, at least they didn’t erect a pig barn and dig out a waste pond for the pig-crap so they can benefit from all that corn instead. I prefer a silo to pig-fecal matter.

Aug 24, 2011 at 12:12 pm rating: 90

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#23 bookworm

Oh no! Farm-like things on the farm-like land near us! Quick, erect a sign!

Aug 24, 2011 at 12:18 pm rating: 90

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#24 pony girl

Their use of a comma instead of an ampersand is making my ass itch.

Aug 24, 2011 at 3:08 pm rating: 90

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#25 fitzy

This reminds me of the people who lodged a formal complaint in my town after a subdivision was built beside a ski hill — you know because the hill had lights on/groomed snow/made snow in the middle of the night so they could, y’know, make money during the day.

I can’t imagine why, if you are moving into a new area with a very large feature (such as a farm or a ski hill or a meat-rendering plant) you wouldn’t consider doing some research.

Aug 24, 2011 at 7:52 pm rating: 90

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- #25.1 The Elf
  
  Or like Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins, who cut down trees in an environmentally protected area to improve his view of the Potomac river? Yeah, a little research might have prevented a lot of heartache. If he has a heart.
  
  Aug 26, 2011 at 6:39 am rating: 90
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#26 unsatisfied

BAD FARM YOU!!!!

Aug 24, 2011 at 8:13 pm rating: 90

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#27 Soja

It really burns my biscuits when my inconsiderate neighbors let their silos run loose around my property, too. Someone should call Silo Control to report a violation of the leash laws.

Aug 24, 2011 at 9:15 pm rating: 90

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#28 ISpy

True story: new residents arrive from the ‘burbs and move into a lovely rambler on our little rural hill. The day after they move in they call their new neighbors who have been living here for 25 YEARS to complain about the rooster waking them up in the morning. Threaten to call, ummm, I’m not sure who, to file a complaint. (Knock yourself out.) They lasted 3 years. I think it was the aroma of manure and the addition of peacocks to the neighbor’s flock that sealed the deal.

Aug 25, 2011 at 12:25 am rating: 90

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- #28.1 Xenobio
  
  I would have moved TO your neighbourhood for the roosters.
  Peacocks…shades of Flannery O’Connor.
  
  Aug 31, 2011 at 1:47 am rating: 90
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#29 Crissy

But, I mean…silos in a corn field? That sounds charming. And also quite appropriate.

Sep 1, 2011 at 10:32 pm rating: 90

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