The Farm…Winter

Over the years, visits to my grandparents’ farm seemed like one of those things that would never change. For most of my life, this has remained true. Nestled in the Mississippi River bluffs near Quincy, Illinois, “The Farm,” (as our family often lovingly called it) hasn’t changed much since I was a child. After my grandparents’ passing, the historical character of the land and building have been preserved in large part because of the foresight and hard work of my Uncle Joe, Aunt Sandy, my mom and her husband Ralph.

A few years ago the bittersweet decision to sell the farm was made. It made sense. It’s hard work maintaining a farm. With family members scattered across the country, there isn’t a new generation to take over.  

Fortunately, my mom still owns and lives on a small parcel of land adjacent to “The Farm.” Our visits more or less have stayed the same. While the barn, the old farmhouse and the lovely waterfall just across the road have changed little since I was a child, the people have. Both my grandparents and my aunt and uncle who lived on the farm have long since passed. My summers spent helping my grandpa on the farm and the big family reunions are now only a distant memory. With my mom getting along in age, it’s only a matter of time before my visits to “The Farm” become a memory too.

With this in mind, I’ve decided to do a little filming when I visit my mom. I hope to capture some of the inherent beauty and history of the countryside of which I have so many fond memories. Stay tuned to more short videos in the coming months.  Enjoy!