 |  |  |  |  |
10/15/04 Erehwemos in Notpmac Pihsnwot
Erehwon Farm, previously a virtual nanofarm with several tiny borrowed plots of land, a borrowed
hoophouse, vegetable plants hidden amongst the landscaping, and a very low profile announces that
Campton Historic Agricultural Lands of the Garfield Farm Museum has agreed to house the Erehwon
operation at the recently-acquired Mongerson Farm. The farm is located approximately 3 miles west of
Geneva, Illinois. The farm has been in operation since the 1850's and some of the farm buildings date
from that time period.
Erehwon plans to plant approximately three acres in the spring and will provide vegetables, herbs, fruit,
flowers, perennials, potted herbs, and vegetable seedlings to the local market. The farm will distribute its
products via a spring plant sale and booths at local farmers' markets in Elgin, St. Charles, and Batavia.
The CSA (community supported agriculture) program which supplied fresh produce to 25 families in 2004
will grow significantly in 2005. Plans call for an expanded season of 19 weeks in 2005, and delivery to all
points between Geneva -St. Charles-Batavia to the west and Lombard to the east. The farm will also have
on-farm pickup for nearby residents.
Tim Fuller, whose official farm title is "King of Compost," stated "We are pleased to finally have the space
to organize an efficient operation so we can serve more families with a more varied selection of produce.
We also plan to incorporate more innovative techniques to extend the growing and harvesting seasons. In
addition one of my legs that has grown a little shorter from walking on side hills may get back to normal
now we are on flat land." Beth Propst, "Herb Goddess," said "My own acre for flowers and herbs - goody!"
Omar "Tiller Man" Ahmad, a key ingredient in farm operations, said "Wow!" Bucky (officially registered as
Sir Buckminster (Fuller) D' Hillview) the farm dog was last seen sniffing up all the farm outbuildings and
wagging his tail.
Work started just one hour after the agreement was reached with the Museum with Tim, Beth, Omar, Heidi
(Beth's daughter), and Heidi's friend Jason mowing and tilling enough ground to plant garlic and flowers for
early spring bloom. Planting will start on Saturday.
On Saturday, November 6, volunteers will gather for a work day. Based on the weather and the number of
volunteers, projects may include planting perennials, weeding, tree pruning, moving materials and
supplies, painting boards for raised beds, erecting the hoophouse, cleaning and organizing a building for
storage, spreading compost and leaves, or other work. Further details will be forthcoming. If someone
would like to help on a different day from the 6th, we have some well-defined jobs that could be done any
day -- just call Tim at 630-443-8271.
Tim further stated "Thanks to our loyal subscribers who have been so supportive as we have developed.
Also thanks to Bill Shoemaker, Director of the U of I Horticultural Research Center, Neal Anderson, Barb
Bates, head of the U of I Master Gardener Program, Jerry Johnson of the Garfield Farm Museum. Denise
Cimmarrusti, Renee Sullivan, Marilyn Mectel, Joe Gagnepain, Todd Anderson, Dale Spenner, and
everyone else who has helped, supported, and advised us. Special thanks to Jenny and Jeff Gresko who
have never wavered in their support and desire for us to be successful. (Jenny's rallying cry: 'Kane
Feeding DuPage!' ) Also special thanks to Bud Koecker, Clark Bitner, Charlie Griffey, and John Naltsas for
providing a continuing supply of horse manure. Finally thanks to my father, and Erehwon Patron, W.P.
Fuller, Jr. and my mother Vera, of San Andreas, California.. They have provided their love, guidance, and
support for the last sixty years. Every vision, project, or scheme of mine (with the possible exception of my
support for Bill Clinton and a few other Dems), no matter how far-fetched or infeasible, has received their
support."