Posted on 02/10/2011 6:13:09 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
"'Back to the soil' was never a more attractive proposition and never so worthy of being heeded as during these opening years of the 20th century. It is true that social economists have often uttered this cry because they believed, and rightly, that the overcrowded condition of cities could be relieved, to the immense advantage of everybody concerned, if the congested population found in sections of these human hives could be induced to leave their crowded quarters and become tillers of the soil.
The advocates of the doctrine have had in mind a more decent and desirable condition for the objects of their solitude- a place where they could develop a physical, social and moral life superior to that which is possible to them in their present places places of abode.
The cry with which this chapter opens, however, is not uttered especially to a crowded urban population. It is uttered to all men-to the inhabitants of every city, of whatever magnitude; to the dwellers in villages and hamlets, and to those who are already on the land, that they may be contented to remain there. It is uttered to the dissatisfied of every condition of life, or to those who ought to be dissatisfied.
It is the cry, not of social economist only, not only of preachers, teachers, and statesmen, as distinguished from politicians, but of seers, of men who look into the future and see the good things that are there and the better things that are coming."
- The New Agriculture 1906
It's hard to believe this was written over one hundred years ago! 'Back to the soil' is the call of 2011.
You truly can develop a physical, social, and superior way of life in the country and on a farm. For the last few decades people have been trying to escape the countryside and head for the concrete.
But a new trend is beginning to surface. A group of society that longs to feel the soil in their hands, watch the animals graze, watch their children grow up with an appreciation for the things of the country.
The older I get the more I realize how much living in the country all my childhood effected me positively.
So I cordially invite you, come out to the countryside and grow something.
•Grow your children •Grow your marriage •Grow a garden •Grow a flower •Grow a pig •Grow a cow
It does something for your soul to be connected with land, the community, the farm. Even if you can only come to visit, leave the city for a day and come see us farmers....you'll be glad you did!
I come from an extended farming family but was raised and have always lived in the city. I love the outdoors. We are moving to about 5 acres in the mountains very shortly and cannot wait to make our dream come true. Chickens and raised bed gardens here we come.
Those are some great pictures. Well done!
I really enjoyed your pictures! Especially the one with the winter sunrise (December 2010).
I read a book in High School called “5 acres and Independence”,
I still have my copy. Just seeing it’s binding on the bookshelf is inspiring.
bookmark
Bump
I’ll have to dig it out. Lots of great practical stuff for living on the land old school- before the days of Mother Earth News, etc.
The original Y2K manual!
I recall the original author making a point there was no place on 5 acres for the “pleasure horse”. The 70’s edition had a disclaimer, saying (because of the trend of people moving out of town just to have a horse) is was OK, and had to be understood in context.
I worked off and on a farrier for 24 years, giving it up about 10 years ago so as to save my spine for old age. I had some quarterhorses and paints for a long while. I really do concur with the original author- if they aren’t work horses, or used for working cattle on larger acreages, you are better off without them.
Gas prices may make me rethink that, but they sure don’t pencil out on a 5-10 acre deal if you’re going to try to raise your own food.
Hurray! I’m so HAPPY for you! :) Keep me posted on your successes!
I’m here to help. Ask me anything about chickens and veggie gardens, fruit trees, small fruits, etc. I’ve pretty much done it all at this point in my life and I’d be happy to hoist you over the pitfalls so you can avoid those sometimes expensive rookie mistakes! :)
“I love the city.”
I get my ‘Chicago Fix’ on a regular basis. My three best Gal Pals and I will be heading for Chicago’s ‘Miracle Mile’ next month for our ‘Spring Shopping Fling’.
You can only keep us down on the farm for so long...LOL! :)
We sell those soil-cubers at my garden center. Our ‘Aging Hippy Population’ doesn’t seem impressed, LOL!
Thanks. It ain’t much of a life, but it’s MY life. :)
Have fun and splurge on The Miracle Mile.Life is short,so go for it.
I hear Chicago is a beautiful place to visit today. (The last time I was there was 1954). Everyone I know that’s been there in recent years just loves it.
Have a great time.
Chicago (aside from the politics) has cleaned up nicely. :)
We take the train in from Racine for $5 and you’re practically downtown.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.