About the Farm

In 1973, a pair of starry-eyed optimists decided that dairy farming would be an ideal way to raise a family. They purchased a small farm.

The neighbors lent equipment and watched as the young couple made every conceivable mistake. Miraculously, the newcomers survived the first year; after that, things got a little easier.

The nearest neighbors, David and Alice, were a childless husband and wife. David said he didn't care for children. Alice smiled and didn't say much. Over the years as the children grew, David, their adopted grandfather, renewed his interest in things long forgotten - 4H projects, leaf and tree identification, animal tracks. Alice smiled and baked cookies.

David and Alice sold their milkers and retired; the younger family took over some of their chores. David died and Alice lived on in the house his grandfather had built. When she passed on, she left the farm to her adopted family.

We were the young, starry-eyed optimists, of course. Now we are starry-eyed grandparents. The house, parts of which had not been lived in for a hundred years, needed enormous amounts of work and we asked ourselves many times how our dear friends of so many years would want their farm to be used, and finally decided to share it with other families.

We have both restored and renovated the house. While we put in new wiring and bathrooms, structural beams were exposed so that youngsters can appreciate the skill of past generations. We continue working and in May, 2006, the new patio will make it possible for guests in wheelchairs to come up the path, go through the whole first floor, and onto the porch.

There's still a lot to do on the outbuildings and we welcome your suggestions. Meanwhile, there's a farmhouse to enjoy and a glorious farm to explore. And remember: if you need help, we're the neighbors one farm up the road.

Edward Lincoln