SEGMENT: FARM HOUSE, FAMILY FARM, & FARM BUSINESS
Stephen Black>ISM Interviews A-L>ISM Interviews A-L, Segment 4
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- FARM BUSINESS
- Hired men in early days because there was a lot of hand work.
- FARM HOUSE
- Researched history of his farm, buildings, to meet National Register in 2005. The architectural style is called federal style. Two rooms on each side of hall. Has fan lights over doors. 1850s put on columns, wash house, Greek Revival elements. Farm buildings are from 1800s. Describes the National Register designation. Gives it a cachet and some protection. Mother was interested in history. In the 1970s, they purchased antiques. Hosted tours. In 1998, had an open house on the 175th birthday of the house. Tour for the historical society, and for the designation. Two pieces of furniture came over from England - two chests. He loves being where his roots are. Likes growing crops and the neighbors. Spends time on the house. Dealing with the weather is the hardest part. Does not depend totally on the farm for income, so he is shielded from economic concerns.
- FAMILY FARM
- Family farms changed but not all are corporate giants. Some are family corporations. Landscape is different. Neighbors are sets of brothers farming together. Technology, especially genetics, will evolve. Energy is a big issue. Maybe alternative crops. Cannot go back to the past.
