Long before this generation of Better Farmers got involved in Redwood Firemen's Field Days in 2009 and 2010, some old, found pictures reveal the former generation shared our penchant for parades.
These shot appear to be from the late 1960s or early 1970s, and could have been taken in Ridgewood, N.J. on the 4th of July. Better Farm's founder Steve Caldwell is seated in the below photo at center in glasses.
Four of us in 2006 began documenting the people of Better Farm and the space itself. In all the miscellaneous files, recorded interviews with former and current Better Farm inhabitants, hundreds of archived images, and our own feelings about the place, a stunning story began to emerge that we found kind of gorgeous.
We've recently been gathering our notes, logging footage (thank you Eric!), holding roundtables regarding our vision, and planning for full documentation at this year's 40th Reunion to be held at Better Farm in May. In the mix of all the files and sound bites I came across this rough trailer. A bit of a "perspective piece" (not all information discussed in the audio is 100-percent accurate), it sets some of the mood. Thought I'd include it here just for art's sake:
We're looking for burgeoning documentary filmmakers and audiophiles to help out with filming and generally recording the goings-on at this year's May 30 reunion in Redwood—as well as any old footage or photography belonging to you former residents at the Farm! Please contact us at info@betterfarm.org if you'd like to get on board. Armed with that footage and interviews with the next wave of Better-Farmers, we expect to get most of the film completed by the end of summer.
Work on this emerging documentary was done by Eric Drasin, Nicole Caldwell, Tyler Howe, and Ed Krayewski. Special thanks and gratitude go out to our late, great founder Stephen F. Caldwell; without whom none of this would have existed.
Before embarking on what's sure to be a daunting and heavily documented process of turning a 100+-year-old house into a symposium of green elements and sustainable integrity, it seems appropriate to have the first post of our Better Farm blog be a look back at where all this started...
1970: This is the year Stephen F. Caldwell convinced friends and family members to trek 300 miles to the middle of nowhere, live in a house for a hot summer without indoor plumbing and a terrible black fly epidemic, and figure out how to frame out an addition on a house (as well as all associated wiring, plumbing, heating, and sleeping arrangements). Oh—and it all had to be done in a way that would allow Steve mobility in his wheelchair...
Stay tuned for more background and our 2009 version ...
Moment of zen with Winnie the Pig. 🐽
#eatyourveggiesnotyourfriends #animalsanctuary #whereinthehellisredwoodny #betterfarm #joy
Better Festival returns Aug 16!
This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!! Festivities start at 3—come early to enjoy food, drinks, art, merch, a couple of rounds of trivia, and a few surprises!
All $$ raised at the event will support our sister organization BetterArts, which focuses on increasing access to the arts in the North Country with free and low-cost programming, residencies, and a commercial-free radio station broadcasting and streaming 24/7. Learn more about this special nonprofit at betterarts.org.
Want to get involved as a volunteer, artist, or vendor at the event? Reach out to info@betterfarm.org. More festival info available at https://www.betterfarm.org/better-festival
Dusk campfire with @hipcamp guests
Still life with onion. #🧅
Join us for a free beginners’ course on growing produce at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 12. Sign up at http://bit.ly/3ZY18cu
Thanks to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County for this partnership!
We are over the moon to introduce Phoebe and Titan, a mini Hereford mom and son joining us from Middletown, Connecticut. Phoebe, now around 7, was rescued from slaughter a little over two years ago and gave birth to Titan soonafter on March 4, 2023. Her most recent guardian is fairly certain she’s had multiple calves, with Titan being the only one she got to keep. The sweet and shy pair are settling in nicely, exploring their new space and relishing yummy treats as we ingratiate ourselves to them (their fave: bananas).
Massive shoutout to @farmsanctuary for facilitating this adoption and bringing these beautiful creatures our way, and to their former guardian for entrusting us with Phoebe and Titan’s care.
Reach out to schedule a farm tour so you can meet these beauties and all the other animals who’ve found sanctuary here. 🐓🐄🐴🐖🦙
Great day for making garlic scape pesto!! Organic scapes are just a buck a bunch (2-3 oz. per bunch!) in the farmstand today. Eggs too while supplies last!
Also offering super deals on lemon balm… delish mint alternative in all kinds of cocktails 😎🍹 …reach out directly to let us know how much you’d like and we’ll package it up for you!
Anybody need a lift?
Gloriously muddy workday
New hair, who dis (do people still say that? 😂)? Many thanks to @shearreliefllc for giving these cuties fresh summer ‘dos. Ready for kiddie pool season!!
The official start to the season. 🤤
Had such a blast hosting @spotdilks for another mini #betterarts residency! Check out his work at spotdilks.com
Applications are open for our 2025 residency season! Visit betterarts.org/residencies for more info.
Garlic and asparagus making their grand entrance 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Puddle-jumping with friends on a perfectly rainy day. Finally feels like Spring!
$4/dozen in the farm stand while supplies last! 🥚
Another beautiful spring day in the North Country! 🫠 🥶