Connecting with the Past to see the Future

This past weekend we had the pleasure of visiting with the great grandchildren of the family who established our farm.

The Guttschow Farm was settled in the 1800's and was largely a dairy operation.  Our guests - Kristine, Laurie, Diane, Don, and Dan shared with us what it was like growing up on this homestead.

We learned as children they watched for the school bus from the upstairs window.  They shared that they raised chickens and how family and friends all participated on butchering day.  We learned that they had a large garden and they canned their own food which was stored in the cellar.  They played with grasshoppers and looked for mice among the corn.  

There was joy and laughter and music from a piano that entered the house through the second story window.  The laundry was hung on the line to dry.  There was a smokehouse, a treehouse, and an outhouse. There were births and deaths, hard work, and sacrifices. 

They talked about gathering around the dining room table sharing meals or a cup of coffee with all who visited.  You see - everyone loved coming out to the farm.  There was a feeling of family and community here.  Their mother and grandmother had the gift of hospitality and knew just how to make any visitor feel right at home. 

This -- this feeling of family and community.  This gift of hospitality.  This is our dream -- our goal.  To bring this feeling full circle at the Farm. 

I can't help but feel a connection to the women of this homestead that went before me.  The busyness of the kitchen, the aroma of fresh coffee, the joy of planting a garden that provided for the family.  I am in awe and humbled to step into that role. 

To Kristine, Laurie, Diane, Don, and Dan -- we owe you a debt of gratitude.  Sharing your stories with us strengthened the fabric of this farm.  We hope that your visits here with be frequent.