Brattleboro Farm Stories

Brattleboro Farm Stores

Vermont Folklife Trustee, Andy Davis, shares an account of our event at 118 Elliot, Brattleboro, VT.

Andy Davis, standing.

A wintry Sunday afternoon in Brattleboro. Seven local farmers invited to talk. Surrounded by an exhibit of beautiful black-and-white photographs by Richard W. Brown titled The Last of the Hill Farms: Echoes of Vermont’s Past. And yet, each of these farmers is still intimately involved with the hill farms of Southern Vermont. A few questions asked by the somewhat nervous moderator, and then… lots of sharing, laughter, wisdom, frustration, love, hope and deep concern for the future of our small Vermont farms. A very full afternoon of story, memory and opinion.

It was a blessing to be there with a large audience intently listening to these important thoughts on the heritage of Vermont’s small farms, and these farmers’ current challenges and hopes for the future for their unique and essential profession. I was amazed at how farming joins generations together in shared observations, common experiences and plenty of humor. Although farming runs in families, it also has the power to attract people from other walks of life who get caught up in love of the land, caring for animals and improving community life with these deep connections.

Arthur Davis recited a poem by Vermont poet Mac Parker; in “The Giving War” two families try to outdo one another by acts of random generosity. Andy Davis sang his new ballad on the life of Ascutney farmer Romaine Tenney, who’s farm was displaced by the building of the Interstate, with tragic personal consequences.

This was a unique experience for our community. We listened, learned and laughed together. I think that more than one of us left with a new commitment to get to know our local farmers and buy more of our food directly from people who we respect for their care and commitment to the land and community. The Vermont Folklife Center has again honored the daily lives, the voices and the stories of our neighbors, and awakened interest in our common heritage.

Thanks to Jay Bailey, Ashlyn Bristle, Abbie Corse, Leon Corse, Al Franklin, Dan MacArthur and Helen Robb - and their families.

Brattleboro Farm Stories was held in conjunction with the exhibit, Last of the Hill Farms: Echoes of Vermont’s Past, and in partnership with the Brattleboro Words Project. We thank 188 Elliot for hosting.

Andy Davis, a retired public school music teacher, writes ballads, plays accordion, piano and banjo, and calls contra dances.