Farm History

” Reviving the farm history for the pleasure of all”

Historic Background of Rocking A Farm:

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The house on the farm was built by lori’s great-uncle Watkins Wiggins around 1923. His Grandfather, William Watkins, deeded him the land as a wedding gift.

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Later, Lori’s grandfather, Jordan Aylesbury Wiggins, purchased the homestead from his older brother. lori’s aunts, Dorothy and Eula, and lori’s father, William Wiggins, lived there from 1929-1942. The homestead was then sold to Welton Harris, who built the building that is now Harlan’s shop.

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The pecan orchards that line the pastures were planted by Watkins Wiggins in the 1920’s and are still producing. There are still black walnut trees remaining from their abode.

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The original house did not have electricity or indoor plumbing. Both were added after the Wigginses sold to the Harrises.

KEEPING THE FARMING TRADITIONS ALIVE

Harlan and Lori’s Place

Harlan and Lori acquired the place in 2008, while they were still living in Tennille, GA. Since there were still 3 children living at home and 4 in college, they didn’t have time or money to renovate, initially. However, they had proper fencing put up in 2009 and purchased their first cows, 4 shorthorn heifers and a shorthorn bull. About a year later, they bought two aged Jersey cows to milk. They were trained and gentle so Lori learned a lot about dairying while she had them. She also learned to make butter, mozzarella, ricotta and feta cheeses as well as yogurt and buttermilk. The next step was bread-making to help use the milk and whey.

Since they have been married, they have had a garden. Usually they raise vegetables from March until frost, the heaviest bearing months being May through August. During that time, they harvest, and Lori finds ways to preserve the produce to feed them throughout the winter. Making pickles, relishes, jams and jellies is easy and rewarding. In addition, she has learned to dehydrate fruits, freeze and dry herbs and ferment vegetables (sauerkraut). Lori’s newest skill is making milk soap with surplus milk. She hopes to up her game by adding more botanicals from the farm and garden. Overall, their goal is to be as self-sufficient as possible with their food supply and to hone skills that are needed to maintain themselves and their animals.

1920’s Farm house renovation project

After Harlan’s retirement from the kaolin industry, it was decided to move forward with the renovation of the 1920’s farmhouse. The house was in dire need of repair, and the first step in the renovation process was for a house mover to lift the house, level it, and then rebuild the brick pillars and chimney. After the leveling process was completed, the house was systematically renovated while preserving the existing architecture. A considerable amount of exterior wood and tin was repurposed in the interior design, the original bead board was refurbished, and most of the original flooring was restored. The process was somewhat laborious, but satisfying, and it took approximately two years of work after the initial leveling process was completed.

Going forward, the home will be used for Lori’s cottage business, food preservation and cooking, event venue, and educational classes.