History 2-7-14

Farm Friends:

Well much has happened since our last walk into the pages of this old house.
I have met with a couple of local historians and a representative of the local college. 

In my hunt for more answers of the early history I have been introduced to the heritage of the fourth owner. This is something sure to peek your interest as it has mine. 

This publicly known and accomplished Dr. was a great admirer of music boxes. Not your ordinary music boxes, but some of the rarest and most valuable.  His name was Wofford E Baldwin. His collection had over 200 pieces in it when he died at an estimated value of 2-5 Million $$$$ These were originally showcased in an entire addition built specifically onto the house that had climate control.
His collection has since been donated and some pieces sold at auction. The local college has 64 of these on display in their fine arts building to which I was given a private tour.
Here are some:

History 1-28-14

Hey farm friends. 

What a day we have had already and more to come! Interestingly we are suppose to have 2-4 inches of snow. Looking back over the last 50 years, that would be more than has been recorded for both January and February combined. 

Can you imagine how many storms this old house has weathered?  One more amazing fact about this house was it's foundation.  Trees were used. When our inspector came, he said that you could still see the chop marks from the workers who took off the branch's and made notch marks to fit each one. He also mentioned that these trees were "at least 10" in diameter.  Then he asked "Do you know how long it takes to grow a tree that size?" To which I replied "no". He then continued " it takes approximately 100 years."  "These trees were growing before we were a country."    

"Wow" was all I could say.
This property looks to be prime territory for a metal detector!!!

 Craig

History 1/27/2014

Hi farm fans.
Craig here again to continue with the history of our house/farm. Amazingly the facts keep coming in by God's providence!

We live in a home built in the 1830's. It's first owner by the records we have was E .E. Pressly. He was quite an extraordinary individual who kept himself very busy in the things of the Lord. Here's a quick bio on him.

Ebenezer Erskine Pressly was born on December 23, 1808, in the lower part of Abbeville District, South Carolina. He was the youngest son of William and Elizabeth Hearst Pressly. He lived in Cedar Springs, South Carolina. Pressly entered Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1824, at the age of sixteen and graduated in 1826. He went on to study theology under Dr. John T. Pressly. Ebenezer Pressly was installed as pastor of the Generostee and Due West Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church congregations on August 7, 1830. He gave up the position at Generostee in 1838, but continued to serve as pastor of the Due West church for another 30 years, during his tenure as president of the college.

In 1831, Ebenzer Pressly was married to Elizabeth Agnew, daughter of Samuel and Malinda Agnew of Due West, S. C. Fourteen children were born to them, all but three died in infancy. Two daughters and one son, Dr. W. L. Pressly, President of Erskine Seminary. On June 20th, 1853, his wife died. He later married Mary A. Taylor of Laurens Co., S. C., in 1854. They had two children from this marriage, both dying in infancy.

With all that being said here are some original parts of the house that have withstood the test of time.

Have a great day!

 

History 1-23-14

Hey farm friends:

In continuing with our chinese chestnut tree, and it's history (over 150 yrs old) thought you might like some facts.

http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=23.

We actually had some chestnuts roasted this year. They were great and no it wasn't over an open fire!

History onward:

If you know anything about S.Carolina, Then you are aware of one of the oldest colleges in the state, Erskine. We are a short distance from the campus, I will elaborate more about it's connection to the house we live in now very soon.

In the meantime:

Today take time to thank someone special in your life for all they do for you.

History 1/22/14

Hello friends. As most of you know, we live in a house built in the 1830's. The second  owner, Prof. J.F.Lee of Erskine college, was noted for his horticultural capabilities during his time in this house. Approx. 1854-1904.
This tree was brought from Abbeville, SC as a seedling and planted in 1855. You do the math......until the next post.

Don't forget to sign up for the cheese making class. 3/8/14.

History

It's been a while since we last posted. Lots going on here. For all you farm fans, stay tuned to the series of posts I will start with regard to some interesting documented facts of this farm.

Do you know what kind of tree this is?

Answer tomorrow.

Our First Cheese-Making Course!

Hey ya’ll!
   It's been quite a while since our last blog post, but a lot has been happening at the farm! We just had our first cheese-making course yesterday, and it was a great success. We learned how to make basic cheeses and had a delectable lunch made by our very own world-renowned chef, Michael ;) Here are a few pictures from the day, and we are already looking forward to the next class! A huge -thank you- to our "didaskalos" (teacher), Elizabeth, for all the valuable skills we learned in a short amount of time...We will make you proud! :)

Explaining how to make butter!

ya'll...we made butter in 5 minutes!

we had some little visitors, too :)

Michael creating our amazing lunch!

Heaven in your mouth, let me tell you...

We also got to make ricotta...said with an Italian accent, of course...

               






Thankful for the wonderful students and the great day the Lord gave us...So grateful!                                                                                                               

   

After everyone left for the day, we celebrated JoAnna's 3rd birthday at the end of the day, and enjoyed just relaxing together as a family.

happy day!

                                  - Hannah