“However small it is on the surface, it is four thousand miles deep; and that is a very handsome property.” ~ Charles Dudley Warner ~
Your dream might well be my dream come to life. In order to speak to the direction this blog is taking, you should read something about the back story.
If you’ve read My Story, you know how Dave and I met but what you may not know is we moved to the Appalachian Mountains, were married on the front lawn, and immediately began restoring an 1860’s homestead and farm. (All while living in the house…not recommended for the faint of heart.) The land was a grant from King George II (although Dave and I appeared almost 250 years later) and was acreage given to a band of hunters, including Bowen, Peery and Harmon, who agreed to act as scouts for the western part of Virginia.
Ours was the smallest farm, 30 acres, in a large valley, Ward’s Cove, and our small acreage nestled amongst thousands of acres of privately owned land which stood between Thistle Cove Farm and the Jefferson…or was it Washington?…National Forest. Then, the most recent claim to fame was Lassie, Best Friends Are Forever, movie was filmed in this valley.
The original brick house, near as I could research, was built around 1860 or 1870 with sturdy barns and outbuildings coming later. Around that time, the house and farm of, then, several thousand acres was purchased by Abednego White for $300.00, the back taxes owed. This was after the Civil War and land in the south could be hand for the proverbial song. The newer clapboard structure was built Spring 1900 to replace the brick house which burned to the ground Christmas 1899. When his hired man rode to Joe White’s Store to tell Abednego White his house was on fire the reply was, “I’ll build a bigger and better one!”
Dave and I came along in 1995 and the rest, as they say, is history. We knew we couldn’t use traditional farming methods…meaning farm like the other folks were doing. They had so much more land, acquired generations ago, while Dave and I bought our small piece of earth and began pouring money into renovations of house, outbuildings and land. I farmed from the cold side of the window while Dave farmed from the warm side. He offered the deal, “You can do anything you like, have any animals you want but I’m only available in emergencies.” I started with two Angora Pygymy goats, Agatha and Esmeralda, The Fabulous Goatini Sisters then moved to breeding and raising American Curly horses
and then to sheep.
Dave’s deal was the best deal I ever made (humanly speaking) and I set about increasing farm income using non-traditional (some said crazy) methods. I opened the farm for tours aimed at home/school children, Sunday School groups, seniors, special needs, tourists (hosted Russians, Armenians, Georgians, English, French and others), soap making classes and so much more! Each spring, Sheep Sheering Day on the farm
was opened to wanna be farmers, spinners, weavers, fiber artists, families and everyone who wanted to spend a day on an Appy Mtn farm.
The Appalachian Heritage Day in the Cove hosted a thousand people the first year and we all made money…the community center (all eight of us) sold food and drink, other artisans demonstrated lost arts of smithy, re-enactment, basketry, spinning, crochet, knitting, a Kool Aid dye pot and a plethora of other activities and demonstrations to showcase farm life in the Appy Mtns.
Are you still here?
Those halcyon days are gone, it’s a different season of life and my vision now is to help YOU achieve your dream of “your handsome property”. In order to make that happen, the Concord University course I taught (also in Russia, conferences, workshops, fiber festivals, etc.) will be placed on this blog. You’ll receive a syllabus, handouts, homework and help to find and buy your own farm (large or small), make intelligent decisions regarding crops, livestock or both, how to increase farm income, partnering, networking, using Agri-Tourism and, along the way, be given recipes for lip smacking shortbread, how to churn butter, make an easy quilt…all those things that our Great and Grand’s did to make a house a home and to keep body and spirit intact. Because home, hearth, and heart cannot be separated; they all work toward making a life worth living.
My goal is to post every other week; this gives you time to nourish yourself with the information and me time to write it. Having said that, let me add…I’m north of Medicare, still farm (solo as Dave died) and it takes me a tad longer to “git er done”. Trust me, the information is worth the wait!
If you’ve always wanted to homestead or increase your farm/ranch/small business income, this is the place to start!
“The greatest fine art of the future will be the making of a comfortable living from a small piece of land.” ~ Abraham Lincoln ~
Oh wow! Your story is fascinating! How exciting to have brought that farm and farmhouse back and fully operating! You are a fascinating person!
Oh Amy, I’m not really fascinating but I’ve done some wonderfully interesting and fascinating things. God has been good to me; in all times, in all ways, He has been so good to me. My biggest concern is, should I stop saying “yes” to God, He’ll stop giving me such incredible opportunities. So, I push down the fear and go forward. He’s always there just ahead of me, sometimes beside me, sometimes carrying me but He’s always there.
What a legacy, wow!
Doreen, God has given me a rich heritage; I am grateful. Thank you for visiting Thistle Cove Farm; greatly appreciated!
Very interesting article and an even more interesting life! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for visiting Vanessa; I’m hopefully God has a lot more in store!
Love this, so interesting. I would love to see a video or a virtual tour of the home you restored and the land. I love all the history. Great Post.
I no longer live on that farm but I do have some photos on this blog; a search “Thistle Cove Farm” will find some photos. Also, on Pinterest under Southwest VA farm there are photos.
This is such a great blog and story! While purchasing a farm/ranch is not in my future, I look forward to your next post!
Totally understand Susan; farm/rural life isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time.
Wow! You really are amazing and I’m sure you have a lot to offer. Haha, north of Medicare!
I love this and shall look forward to your posts!!! I have previously shared my Japanese-American background with you as a granddaughter of flower farmers (1930’s-1950’s) here in the Los Angeles area. I continued to honor my grandparents by planting a vegetable garden in my city digs. I write you today with the astonishing news that my husband and I may be purchasing one acre of land with a 2,000+ sq. ft. home on it. It was damaged by the So. California wild fires in the last few years and the family just wants to dump it. We were brought into this vision by our pastor son and his wife, a missionary kid who grew up on a farm. They have four kids and we’d love to give them this future. A grandparents flat can fit on the land. There’s a seasonal stream, oaks, and leftover vineyard and fruit trees. Can’t believe that the Lord would open this door for these city-slickers!!! Have had the counsel of Godly men and members of our church family who are home inspectors and realtors. We are waiting on the sale of our home. Checking into the water and a need for a rebuilt bridge. My! My! My! The County Planning Office now recognizes my blonde DIL and Japanese-American husband and their lists of questions. They are very helpful.
Would covet all prayers for wisdom! Would love the Lord to open OR close the doors. We are open to His Will in all of this. Resting in His Peace and great gift of His Son on this Easter Eve. I consider your change of blog perspective to be an open door as my beloved DIl just asked me what I thought about Nubian goats and ducks vs. chickens. Hoping that the Lord is laughing with me!!!
Happy Easter Charlene; He is risen! I cannot tell you how this thrills me…both your wonderful plans and you letting me know. God knew I needed encouragement on this new direction…and sent YOU. Many, many thanks!Your new lands sounds marvelous, simply perfect for all of you. Then, to have Godly counsel…it sounds like you know but let me say…such a huge blessing! Take it from someone who has almost no Godly counsel (since Dave’s death); to have someone who is “on your side”…not just a blessing, also a gift. Feel free to ask any question, if you think I can help, send a private note if you want. Nubians are good milkers and great for soap (value added sales item); most people will buy chicken eggs but balk at duck eggs. If you could get in with a restaurant as a specialty item, duck eggs would, probably, be more profitable. Just remember…with either in a few years there’s a hard decision to make unless they’re pets. Again, congratulations to you all and praying God’s best!
Hello, thank you for sharing your wonderful life story, talents and experiences. You have lived my dream. Alas, it was not to be for me, but sharing your life vicariously has been a blessing and a joy for me. I look forward to your future posts. Have a blessed Easter and sending hugs!!
Ah, thank you Debbie! It’s been a wonderful life, halcyon days past but hopefully still something left to live and give. Any time you need a farm vacation, come on here. My shovels, rakes, tractor eqpt fit all shapes and sizes. LOL
I can’t wait! And will wait however long it takes. Obviously as a dyed in the (shop bought) wool city girl I’ll not actually do any of it save think about making the easy quilt, and might get around to the shortbread eventually, but I’ll be loving every word!
Mags, the shortbread has 4 ingredients…easy peasy and delish! See you soon…woohoo!
I’ve been reading your stroy for a long time now, and today’s post fills in a lot of small details. My husband began life as a farmer in Hampshire (UK) and often talks longingly about land. Sadly he is no longer able physically, otherwise I can imagine he would jump at the chance to begin again, at 86!
Hello Barbara – I’m glad to fill in some details! In May 2005 I began journal blogging and last year took steps to turn it into a “business blog”…meaning I want to do a “brain dump” and get the information in front of a larger pubic. It’s slow going, I’m a few years younger than your husband and still plugging along with the farm.
May I encourage your husband, if he’s able, to write down his early day history? He has SO much information, knowledge and experience to share; younger folks farming would truly appreciate it! I know I’d love to read what he wrote.
Thank you, Barbara, for both your kindness in reading my blog and your comments. I’ve said before and will say again, you’re both on the prayer list. (hmmm, can’t figure out how to reply directly…apologies)
Thank you Sandra. I will suggest to Malcolm that he shares some of his early farming memories, growing up in the 19 30s and 40s. All very different now. If he is happy, then I will send you some notes on a Farming chidhood in England.
Wonderful! Please give him my best!
Sandra, it has been a long while since I visited. It is good to see you here. You have such a unique story to share. I am very happy I stopped by. Have a blessed and beautiful Easter weekend. Take care HUGS
Hello Anne, so glad to see you again, thanks for visiting and commenting. He is Risen…blessed Easter to you and yours. We are Sunday people.