Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Archive for the ‘Farming’ Category

Deloris Ullmann Discovers Painting

Live your life and forget your age

Sometimes a hand reaches out and touches you in an unexpected way leading you on a new pathway. Such was the case with Deloris Ullmann, a retired educator from Shenandoah.

This painting shows her hometown of Mt. Ephraim many years ago.

Deloris grew up in Mt. Ephraim and started her education at a two-room school there before graduating from Sarahsville High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University and later her Master’s Degree from Marietta College.

Her family enjoyed music. Dallas Bond, front left, and her mother played on WILE in the late 40s.

In her younger years, Deloris was surrounded by a family that enjoyed music. Her parents organized “Dallas Bond and The Musical Farmers,” which was the first live musical group to air on radio station WILE in the late 40s. Deloris and her sisters also performed on WILE a few years later as “The Bond Sisters.” Because of that interest, Deloris can play piano, guitar, violin, and mandolin.

Deloris played guitar and sang at her retirement assembly.

She played guitar and sang “Love Letters in the Sand” at 4-H camp during Talent Night and played the fiddle with Jim’s Jammers at a Grange Banquet at Shenandoah High School. Even when she retired, she played the guitar and sang at her retirement assembly.

After retirement, a new path opened unexpectedly one day ten years ago when her neighbor Judy McKee, an art teacher from Shenandoah, came across the road for a visit. She asked Deloris, “Did you ever think of painting?”

Deloris smiled as she said, “I can’t even draw a circle.” Deloris said at that time the only thing she had ever painted was a paint-by-number picture.

Judy was persuasive and told her, “You can learn. I’ll give you lessons in my studio.”

She enjoys stopping along the road and painting an outdoor scene or whatever catches her eye.

Thus began a weekly encounter where Deloris learned something different every week. Judy had her try different paints – acrylic gouache wash, oils, and watercolors. They would take rides in the country and stop to paint a house, a church, a friendly animal, or flowers that caught their eye.

This painting is her favorite winter scene sharing one of her many barn pictures.

Barns became a favorite object for her paintings. They drove out Route 564 and she took pictures of all the barns along the road. Then from the photos, she painted pictures of those barns on 11×14 canvas.

This set of her cards share the series of barn pictures that she drew. Nice for a quick note to a friend!

Those paintings were also converted into cards that make delightful colorful notes to friends. It’s a creative way for more people to be able to enjoy her paintings.

Deloris remembered picnics at Coen’s Church grounds near Seneca Lake after it closed in the 1930s.

Something she especially enjoys is painting a scene from the past. It might be an old church or town that no longer exists. Recreating them from old pictures makes great paintings and great gifts.

She enjoyed painting Izzy, her sister’s dog.

While Deloris does sell her paintings, quite often she uses them as gifts to friends and family. When asked if she painted every day, Deloris shook her head, “I was taught to only paint when you feel like it. Never throw anything away. Let it set for a couple of days, then go back and add what is needed.”

Some of her paintings were displayed an at art guild show at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center.

Her instructor, Judy, began painting at the age of four and participated in a local Art Guild. At one time, Judy encouraged Deloris to display her paintings with the guild when they had a show at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center. Her paintings were also displayed in Art Market 649 in downtown Cambridge a few years back.

This painting shows their barn on Mud Run Road. Her paintings are filled with memories.

During this time, Deloris also wrote a book just for her family. The title of the book is “Two D’s in a Pod,” a clever way of mentioning her and her husband, Don. It is a collection of pictures and stories of their family from childhood on. It also includes many of her paintings.

In her spare time, she often plays piano at Mr. Ephraim Methodist Church. She recently sewed 100 aprons for an Eastern Star fund raiser. Don and Deloris also enjoy traveling. They have visited Germany several times, did a European tour, and have enjoyed many trips in the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.

Her teacher, Judy McKee, and Deloris enjoyed painting at the Guernsey County Library.

While Deloris discovered painting late in life, she finds it a wonderful relaxation. “Painting makes me really happy.”

This colorful painting of flowers reminded me of summertime.

Visit her Facebook page to see some of her paintings. If you would like to have Deloris paint something for you, send her a picture of your house, barn, animals, or flowers and her painting is sure to please you. Contact her at 740-509-1672 or drudou@gmail.com. Visit her website at http://www.delorisullmannart.com where most of her work is posted both old and new. Some items can be purchased online.

Age is just a number. The mind has the real potential for learning at any stage of life. Deloris Ullmann is proof of that.

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Art, Back Roads, Farming, Gardens, Ohio

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Quilt Barn Tour in Harrison County

Quilts are a patchwork of memories!

Quilt Barns have become a popular feature in several Appalachian areas. They not only preserve those old, precious quilt patterns but also tell the story of a family that used that barn.

Henry Law Farm – Windmill Quilt Pattern

Quilts bring back special memories of our forefathers to help us realize the dedication and hardships they faced. Every quilt has a special story that needs to be kept for future generations to understand.

Gwen and Bob Stewart Barn – Goose Tracks Quilt Pattern

The idea was born when Donna Groves, a field representative of the Ohio Arts Council put a quilt on her barn in Adams County, Ohio. The idea quickly caught on with similar Quilt Barn Tours being developed in many Ohio counties and even in surrounding states.

Dawson Farm – Log Cabin Quilt Pattern

While the idea began in 2001, a few years later in 2005 Harrison County became involved. Their plan was to paint 15 quilts on area barns, one in each township. All quilts that were considered were owned by residents of Harrison County. Twenty-eight quilts were submitted for consideration. The effort was coordinated by the Puskarich Public Library, the OSU Extension Office, and the Harrison County Community Improvement Corporation.

Paolano Farm – Double Wedding Ring Quilt Pattern

Decision was reached on the fifteen quilts that would be displayed in a very unique way. Harrison County Election Board was demonstrating a new electronic voting machine at the Harrison County Fair in 2005. Pictures of the quilts were downloaded on the election machine and fairgoers had a chance to vote on their favorite. The winner was a quilt in a dahlia pattern submitted by county resident Barbara Besozzi. The quilt was sewn by her grandmother, Mary Henderson and is now on a barn on the homestead where it was sewn.

Henderson Farm – Dahlia Quilt Pattern

They proceeded with a Make a Difference Day project which consisted of making eight-foot square painted replicas of the quilts that were chosen. Then they were installed on barns throughout the area – one is each township. A “Drive It Yourself” tour was established.

Joseph Barn – LeMoyne Star Quilt Pattern

This was a real community project. The Harrison County Commissioners applied for a grant to support the project. Harrison Central High School industrial arts students made the frames, which held the paintings of the chosen quilts. Two of the paintings were done by students in the Arts department at Harrison Central High School and smaller squares were done by 4-H clubs in the county. The rest were painted by volunteers from Harrison County.

Harrison County Home – Make a Difference Day Quilt

The first barn quilt was installed at the Harrison County Home in August, 2005 while the rest were installed in October, 2005 on Make a Difference Day Ohio. Funds for this project were raised through contributions from individuals, businesses, civic groups, and grants.

Rocking M Farm – Dresden Plate Green Quilt Pattern

The goal of the organizers was to have the quilts and barns tell the story of the residents of Harrison County. In this way, people would know the background of the people who created the quilts and lived on the farms where the barns are located.

Center Farm – Dresden Plate Red Quilt Pattern

A lady, who now lives at the Harrison County Home, quilted the Dresden Plate that is now on Dr. John Center’s Barn outside of Scio. Mary Henderson’s dahlia patterned quilt is on the barn at her old homestead. Stories like this need to be preserved.

McMillen Farm – Multiple Stars Quilt Pattern

The Harrison County Quilt Barn Tour gives you views throughout the county. If you are not familiar with the area, you should get a list of the Quilt Barns either online at www.harrisoncounty.gov.quilt-barrn-project or stop by Harrison County Tourism and pick up a brochure.

Lawther Farm – Fan Quilt Pattern

Today there are 20 barns on the Harrison County Quilt Barn Tour. Some of those original 15 are no longer present. This self-guided tour reminds us of our pioneer and agricultural heritage.

Rinks Farm – Lone Star Quilt Pattern

Take a drive through the hills of Harrison County and watch for the barns that have quilts painted on their side. You might pass some every day. Once you have read about them and taken a Quilt Barn Tour, it’s amazing how often they appear when you are traveling throughout Ohio and neighboring states.

Every quilt tells a story. Watch and listen!

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Art, Back Roads, Farming, History, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Texas Longhorns Give Taste of Old West

This billboard along I-70 reminds travelers of the Longhorn Cattle Ranch nearby.

Texas Longhorn Cattle can be found at Dickinson Cattle Company just north of Barnesville only a couple of miles off I-70 at one of the largest cattle breeding ranches in the United States. Today consumers desire leaner beef, which makes Texas Longhorns a good choice.

Darol and Linda Dickinson had their first ranch in Colorado over 50 years ago. They have always had a serious dedication to profitability, value breeding, and competing. In 1980, their bull named “Impressive” sold for $60,000, a record at that time. They have shipped cattle via “Air Mail” all over the world in specially made cattle crates.

Cattle rest in the shade along the gravel road leading through the ranch and to the store.

Winters were cold in Colorado and Darol was looking for another place for his ranch. In 1993 while driving on I-70 through the eastern part of Ohio, he saw some reclaimed strip-mine land that would make great pasture. He could picture his colorful Texas Longhorns grazing on these hillsides like a scene from the Old West. He’ll tell you today, “Ohio has the greatest ranch land country in the world.”

The Dickinson family consists of founders Darol, the General Manager, and Linda plus their four children. Joel (president) is herd manager and lives on the ranch. Kirk (treasurer) works there, keeps their website up to date, and lives close by. Chad (vice-president) lives in Texas where he is a contractor so he built the house and store at the ranch and also does marketing. Their only daughter Dela (secretary) lives back in Colorado and handles Longhorn events for them there. Dickinson Cattle Co. is owned and operated by this Christian family.

The cattle are peacefully grazing and resting to welcome you to the Dickinson Cattle Ranch.

Driving into the ranch on a gravel road gives one a feeling of traveling back to the Old West. Humorous signs along the way signify that the owners have a sense of humor. Examples are “Do not brake for coyotes” or “Hopalong Cassidy rode here.” The sign on the door of their store says “Vegan Rehab Center.”

Flair Galore relaxes in front of the Longhorn Head to Tail Store.

That strip-mine land has been developed to now include up to 1600 head of cattle in 43 separate, fenced pastures on 5,000 acres. However, there’s more to Dickinson Cattle Co. than just the cattle. First stop should be their Longhorn Head to Tail store.

Granddaughter Kara tells the story of the beautiful door made in New Mexico years ago.

A door from their Colorado home now serves as the entrance to their store. Darol had gone to a friend’s ranch and saw John Wayne going through a beautiful door into the office. Shortly thereafter, Darol had an identical door built by Taso Wood Works in New Mexico for the door of his home.

Inside their store, you’ll find hides, horns, skulls, and everything Longhorn from jewelry to tee shirts.

Longhorn Head to Tail is not a typical Appalachian shop but a unique Western Horn Emporium. The timber in the store including walls and jewelry case came from lumber on the farm when trees were cut during fence building. Watch a video about the ranch and its herd sires. Then browse the store to see soft-tanned hides, Longhorn skulls and horns from real Texas Longhorn steers grown on the ranch., and many interesting items made from the hides and horns including jewelry, which is hand-made there. It’s like a museum! Perhaps the most important thing there is their frozen beef section.

Longhorn Head to Tail Store is the perfect place to get natural beef products that are frozen.

Their Longhorn grass-fed, lean beef raised right there on the ranch can be purchased in the form of steaks, roasts, ground beef, jerky, and more. This meat is inspected and they try to keep it as natural as possible with no steroids, hormones, or implants added. A sign by the meat freezer says ”Antibiotics – Get them from your Doctor not your beef.” They even have beef pet food for your special pets at home. All natural beef halves are available upon request. The store is open throughout the year from 10-5 except on Sundays.

Bus Tours give a chance for guests to go out in the pasture for a close-up view of the Texas Longhorns.

You might want to take a Longhorn Head to Tail Bus Tour from April through October and see their breeding stock and herd sires. The tour takes about 75 minutes and includes close-up viewing of the cattle. The rugged ranch bus bounces across rough Appalachian pastures so guests can get a close-up view of where the cattle roam. Purchase special cow-candy to feed the animals. These tours are available for groups of 10 or more paying age guests by appointment. If you have a small group give them a call for possible times they might join a booked group.

This Longhorn cow, Jester, enjoys the green pasture with her new calf.

The main business at Dickinson Cattle Co. is breeding and developing a superior quality of registered cattle. When the nearly 400 calves are born in the spring, they only keep ten that may be used in their private herd someday. Dutch BueLingo Cattle and African Watusi Cattle can also be found on their ranch. They have five cowboys to assist with herd management.

Time Line is one of those special Texas Longhorn bulls that has been a herd sire on the ranch.

Choice of a bull is of utmost importance. The ranch usually has ten main herd sires. They try to select bulls that have perfect form and are of varied colors. Solid color bulls and calves are not as popular in the Longhorn community. Dickinson Cattle Co. has had many champion bulls including Texas Champions as well as World Champions. If you don’t want to purchase a bull, perhaps contacting them about semen might be a way to get started.

Joel, Darol, and Linda are pictured with their Queen of Kings Champion.

While many are very cautious around the Longhorn cattle because of their long horns, which can be up to eight feet from tip to tip, they are really very gentle and every bull can be led with a halter. Children often enjoy riding them and they even pull large loads.

Call 740-758-5050 for more information or visit their website at www.longhorntours.com. Take a drive back to the days of the Old West and visit Dickinson Cattle Co. on a bus tour from April to October before stopping for some tasty lean beef at their Longhorn Head to Tail Store, which is open all year except on Sundays. Don’t forget your camera!

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Farming, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Homegrown Produce at Ebbert Farm Market

Fresh isn’t fresh unless it’s from Ebbert Farm Market

Ebbert Farm Market is a third generation family farm.

For 105 years, the Ebbert family, now in its third generation, has been selling its own produce for part of the year at Ebbert Farm Market. They’re not open when there is nothing to harvest. You’ll meet the friendly owners, Jerry and Lova Ebbert as well as their family when stopping here.

Jerry and Lova Ebbert are currently managing the farm and the market place.

Jerry and Lova met when they were attending Ohio State University majoring in agriculture. They both grew up on farms and have learned to love life on the farm. Watching crops grow gives them satisfaction so they came back in 1992 to manage Ebbert Farm Market.

A tractor greets you at the top of the hill as you arrive at Ebbert Farm Market.

It’s a family-friendly place that welcomes you to the Ohio Valley with a store that is well-organized so easy to find what you are looking for. Their local produce is fresh and flavorful and there is quite a variety. The Ebberts enjoy the people who stop by to buy produce, visit, and tell encouraging stories of their lives. People are the best part for Jerry and Lova.

Tomatoes are an important crop from over 2,000 plants.

They specialize in producing fresh-picked sweet corn, vine-ripened tomatoes, plump tender green beans, cucumbers, melons, and pumpkins. Tomatoes are an abundant crop as they hand plant over 2,000 tomato plants each year.

Corn is picked fresh every morning rain or shine.

Sweet corn comes from approximately 25 acres of corn which is planted in rotation so something is fresh every week to pick all season long. There are over 100 fields of corn, which are picked every morning rain or shine. They have been known to get stuck in the fields after a heavy rain but they are determined to have fresh corn available.

Five acres of pumpkins are planted each year. They produce over 50 pick-up truckloads, which are all sold at the Ebbert Farm Market in September and October.

Strip farming is used when planting corn in over 100 fields.

When they say their produce is homegrown, they mean that it was planted, grown, and harvested on their farm by their family and a few part-time workers. They also carry fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown locally.

Everyone enjoys getting something from Walnut Creek when they don’t have time for a drive to Amish country. So the Ebberts have a nice stock of Amish jams, jellies, candies, and other goodies to complete their country atmosphere.

Fall is a favorite time to find pumpkins, corn stalks, and more.

The approaching fall season is a special time to sell their pumpkins and have fun activities for the kids. Every year during October, approximately 1000 students get to see “life down on the farm” during Agri-Days. During this season they have thousands of pumpkins, corn stalks, straw, gourds, and beautiful hardy mums. Sweet apple cider with no preservatives is also a special treat.

This was Ebbert’s original produce stand.

The Ebbert Family was named Family of the Year by the Soil & Water Conservation because of their efforts to conserve and preserve nature’s soil and water supplies. They use nature’s natural defenses against pests and diseases but once in a while have to resort to spraying. Lova said, “We would never put anything on our crops that would harm our children.”

Their farm is not strictly organic but as close as they can get. Crop rotation and contour plowing are very important as they always let the land rest for a year between plantings.

While people have been coming here for fresh produce for over a century, Ebberts have recently added a new venue, The Market at Ebbert Farms. Here you can hold a wedding reception, holiday party, bridal or baby shower, or family gathering.

The Market is Ohio Valley’s newest venue for wedding receptions and parties.

The event center is managed by Andy and Erica Barricklow, who are both Barnesville natives. Both of them graduated from Ohio State University and Erica is also a dentist in St. Clairsville. Andy has always had a passion for music and had his first DJ job at the age of thirteen. Since then, he has developed the business “Sound of Promise” which will make The Market a perfect spot for weddings and family events.

Visit Ebbert Farm Market just off old Route 40 at 68101 Ebbert North Rd in Saint Clairsville between I-70 Exits 218 and 220. Call 740-695-5619 if you want a large order or have any questions. They are open from about the middle of July until the end of October. Hours vary according to the season so call ahead.

Their market place is a popular spot for fresh produce.

You’re sure to come home with delicious fresh food that will delight your family and yourself. The Ebbert family adds the special touch of caring for their customers, who return again and again. Many return to just tell them a special story. Good treatment and good food create repeat customers.

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Farming, Ohio

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Fun at Fox’s High Rock Petting Zoo in Hocking Hills

Fox’s Petting Zoo is south of Logan on Route 664.

Next time you’re in the Hocking Hills area, take the youngsters a few miles south of Logan to Fox’s High Rock Farm and experience their Petting Zoo. The animals and hosts are very friendly. Get up-close to gentle animals that love extra attention.

Aaron and Cindy Fox want to share their love of animals.

Some people naturally love animals. Aaron and Cindy Fox grew up with dogs, cats, and horses all their life. So in 2016, when they found a small farm near Logan, they thought it would be the perfect place for a Petting Zoo so they could share their love of animals.

Horses have been a long-time Fox family favorite.

The animals here love people, as are well cared for and given special treatment from the time they are born. When animals are handled with kindness, they reciprocate by being gentle and love to be petted, fed, and talked to.

Miniature donkey Cindy watches over her baby Zeke.

At the Petting Zoo, you will find sheep, horses, a pig, miniature cows, miniature donkeys, many goats, and friendly cats. While this is a small petting zoo, guests receive significant attention. Several college students, who all love animals and children, work here during the summer months. They answer questions and assist children as they find a favorite animal to pet.

This young man is giving special attention to a lamb by combing it.

Visiting a petting zoo has many benefits for children. They learn how to be gentle and caring with goats and sheep yet learn to be brave when petting larger animals like donkeys and horses. It’s the perfect place to observe the unique behaviors of the animals at close range.

This young lady goes nose to nose with a gentle cow.

Aaron and Cindy want the Petting Zoo to be affordable so admission is $2 per person. Many children come back often during the year to watch the animals grow and change. Baby animals are always a big attraction.

Purchase an ice cream cone filled with Petting Zoo Feed and get close to the animals.

If you really want the animals to be your friend, buy an ice cream cone filled with Mazuri Petting Zoo Diet for $1. All the animals like this food which is purchased in 40-pound bags. You’ll have them eating right out of your hand. Yes, they even eat the cone!

Primary diet for all of the animals is hay from the Fox’s farm. During the winter season, they receive grain in the morning, but throughout the summer when the Petting Zoo is open, animals are fat and happy from all the food they are fed from the ice cream cones.

Goats, especially the baby ones, are very popular.

Get up close and personal with many goats that fill the pens. Children love watching the playful antics of the goats. Rub a pig’s belly or hug a lamb before heading out to the pasture to pet a horse, donkey, or cow.

This friendly pig likes to have its belly rubbed.

Rules for visiting say: 

  • Please no hitting, biting, pulling, running, yelling, or screaming.
  • Not responsible for butts, scratches, licks, and spit.
  • We take responsibility for fun, good times, big smiles, laughter, and education.
Nacho is a rescue cat that loves the attention of visitors.

Their gift shop is filled with gifts you are sure to enjoy. Find tee shirts, local Hocking Hills products (some made of goat milk), and stuffed animals, of course. Just outside the gift shop is a Penny Pincher machine that turns your penny into a souvenir with a picture of an animal on it. They have a wide selection of animal Christmas ornaments so I had to have one for my Christmas tree that gets decorated with memories of all my favorite places.

Their other business is Hocking Hills Canoe LIvery.

Aaron and Cindy are never bored as they also have Hocking Hills Canoe Livery in Logan. Here, the staff helps plan canoe, kayak, and raft trips on the Hocking River.

Once in a while, Aaron and Cindy find someone reliable to watch the animals and take a break in the Smoky Mountains or at Gatlinburg. Stopping at any Petting Zoo they see along the way is part of their journey as they are always looking for new ideas and ways to improve their zoo.

Children enjoy feeding the goats.

Their goal at the Petting Zoo is to give others the joy they feel being surrounded by animals on a daily basis. The Petting Zoo is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day every day except Wednesday from 10:00 – 5:00. During September and October, they are usually open on the weekends.

Teach the love of animals to your family by visiting the Petting Zoo with super friendly animals just south of Logan on Route 664. Take pictures for memories of a great day in Hocking Hills. The animals are waiting for you!

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Family Fun, Farming, Just for Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

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PV’s Pumpkin Patch for Fall Fun

Welcome to PV’s Pumpkin Patch!

Children naturally gravitate toward a bright orange pumpkin. Take home your favorite shaped pumpkin, carve a special face, then use it for decoration. You can’t celebrate fall without a pumpkin.

Children are certain to have a great time at PV’s Pumpkin Patch near Frazeysburg. Every Friday and Saturday they’ll find activities that will make them smile. It’s their fifth year and the Pumpkin Patch just gets better each year.

Grandpa’s tractor gets special repair attention from a skeleton crew.

Paul and Wendy Vensil are fortunate to live on the land where Paul’s great-grandparents lived since 1874. In 2017, Wendy came up with the idea for a Pumpkin Patch. Ever since Paul was a youngster, his grandpa called him PV. Therefore, PV’s Pumpkin Patch seemed a natural name since it was located on his grandpa’s farm.

Being able to still work the farm is something Paul really enjoys. Wendy enjoys watching the children have a good time. It makes all their hard work worthwhile.

Decorate for fall with pumpkins, mums, gourds, and cornstalks.

Wendy plants three different varieties of pumpkins from late May to early July and starts as many as possible in individual cups before planting. When you have three acres of pumpkins, that’s a time-consuming task. However, they have fun watching them grow.

The jump pad always has someone bouncing.

That first year, along with the pumpkin patch, they bought a jump pad. It’s huge! Also they purchased a beautiful playset and started the corn box – a popular place for youngsters. Every year they have added something new.

The corn box is a favorite of youngsters.

New this year is a Basketball Gravity Wagon for all those basketball fans out there, a new barn for their pigs and goats, and a new slide with a more slippery liner.

The new Duck Race attracts people of all ages.

The Vensils live surrounded by family in an old-fashioned kind of atmosphere. That family supports their efforts and helps in so many ways from planting to decorating.

What fun to hop in a barrel for a ride.

The best way to start your visit is with a wagon ride or children can take a barrel ride instead. These bright blue barrels are cut out so two children can ride in each. This year, animal heads have been added to each barrel for some extra fun. A tractor pulls them around the grounds and back through a spooky Halloween trail in the woods.

Two dragons guard the entrance to the corn maze.

You would expect a Pumpkin Patch to have a corn maze. This one is guarded by two dragons! There’s also a hay bale maze, which is more difficult to construct than you might believe.

The hay bale maze can be a challenge to children.

There’s even a Zipline just for youngsters under 100 pounds. Let them have the fun of a Zipline at a young age with little danger as it isn’t too far above ground and only 90′ long. Spark the spirit of adventure in your children.

Imagine a Pumpkin Sling Shot. That’s something even the adults find enjoyable. Pull back on the Sling Shot and send a small pumpkin flying through the air. See how far they can go!

Families enjoy picking a wagon filled with pumpkins.

The setting provides adults a great view of the entire area, which is fenced in so children have boundaries. All activities are within the fence making for a relaxing day at PV’s Pumpkin Patch. Parents appreciate it! It’s an amazing place with fun for all ages of children.

Susie’s Snack Shack provides refreshments on the weekends.

Food Concessions are on Saturday and Sunday only. Susie’s Snack Shack contains favorites sandwiches like BBQ pork, shredded chicken, sloppy joes, and hot dogs. You might like Loaded Nachos or Taco in a Bag. All are at reasonable prices.

Don’t forget the Petting Zoo where children can get up close to some of their favorite animals. Here you’ll find pigs, goats, roosters, chickens, and bunnies.

Slide into the pumpkin patch on a slippery slide.

PV’s Pumpkin Patch is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but open for many activities and purchases on Wednesday – Friday 4 pm – 7 pm. Their days filled with extra fun for the children happen on Saturday 11 am – 7 pm, and Sunday 12pm – 5 pm. They are open through the end of October. Zipline, wagon rides, barrel rides, and concessions are only open on the weekends.

Admission is $7 per person ages 2 and up and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wednesday – Friday adults are admitted free and children are $5. Check their schedule at www.pvspumpkinpatch.com .

While there, adults can pick up some mums, pumpkins, gourds, Indian Corn, and cornstalks to give your home or business a touch of autumn. You can pick your own pumpkin or take home one already picked. It’s time to decorate for fall. Children will have so much fun at PV’s Pumpkin Patch.

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Family Fun, Farming, Just for Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Tastee Apples a Tasty Treat

Tastee Apple produces great treats in their Newcomerstown home.

The Hackenbracht family knows a good apple when they see one. At Tastee Apple, autumn is their busiest season beginning with the popular caramel apple. Using quality products produces an apple with satisfaction guaranteed. No wonder this apple business has been around for 47 years.

Since John Hackenbracht owned an orchard and managed the Ohio Fruit Growers Marketing Association, apples were constantly on his mind. While he had thoughts of selling caramel apples, it wasn’t until his son, Greg was graduating from high school that the business actually began. Greg would go to college six months out of the year and work at Tastee Apple, Inc. the other six.

Once Greg received his BS in Marketing from Bowling Green State University, he joined Tastee Apple on a full-time basis. Since Greg grew up on a fruit farm with 4,000 apple and peach trees, he was very familiar with fruit from childhood on and loved promoting it.

Nothing tops a Tastee Apple!

The business began with one caramel machine and a caramel recipe that Greg developed himself. They still use that original recipe from 1974 because its smooth taste can’t be beat. That’s why they’re called America’s Favorite Caramel Apples.

That first year, they made 50,000 dozen caramel apples. Today, they make 50,000 dozen apples in four days. Things are more automated now but they still employ 150 people in the plant during their peak season. They treat everyone with kindness, just as they would like to be treated.

Chad’s race car carried the Tastee Apple logo.

Over the years, John and Greg have tried various other products as well but the caramel apple has stood the test of time. From 1980-2013, they produced cider. Shortly after that they discovered a way to use the pumice left over from the apple cider. They dried and ground it into a fine powder, which was added to fruit fillings, cereal, and exotic pet food.

The Hackenbrancht family likes to try new ideas and over the years have made apple chips, potato chips, sweet potato chips, and popcorn balls. An idea for the future is chocolate bark, which has been requested by several companies already.

These Gourmet Apples make perfect gifts for the holiday season.

Tastee has sold over 250,000,000 apples with candy, chocolate, caramel, and other toppings. All the apples are chosen by a process guaranteed for quality and freshness of the fruit. Even their firmness is measured before being cleaned carefully to avoid bruising. In 2015, Greg added a special probiotic to be sprayed onto the apples after cleaning to keep them even healthier.

Times Square displayed the Tastee Apple logo.

Today, most of their apples are purchased from growers in Michigan, Missouri, New York, and Pennsylvania. Their gourmet apples are purchased from Washington state. The farther north the apples are grown, the more firm the cellular structure, which makes for more desirable caramel apples.

Approximately 10% of the apples that come from reputable suppliers are still rejected as Tastee Apple is striving for perfection. These discarded apples are used by another company for cider or juice.

This Gourmet Chocolate Peppermint apple is a big hit during the holidays.

The perfectly-ripe apples are then “sticked” in made-from-scratch kettle-cooked caramel or a candy coating. After the apples cool, they are dressed by being rolled in toppings like varieties of chocolate or rolled in fresh peanuts, pecans, cookies, or pretzels. Currently, their triple chocolate apple is one of their best sellers. Only high quality products are used in making these apples.

You’ll find Tastee Apple fans all over the country.

No apple gets the Tastee Apple label unless it is fresh and perfect. Quality is their main concern. While the fresh apples are dipped in a generous coating of caramel or candy, the more important ingredient for the Hackenbrachts is family pride. They guarantee your satisfaction!

Their aim for perfection can be seen in what they consider “seconds.” These are apples covered in perfection but the stick was not placed in straight. They would not send these to their customers.

Chad learns the apple business from his dad, Greg Hackenbracht, president, founder, and owner.

Before long, Greg will be retiring and his son, Chad, plans to carry on the family tradition. Chad has spent the last few years of his life as a race car driver and is a NASCAR champion. Now he’s learning the fine points of the caramel apple business from his dad.

Packages of Tastee Apples can be found at Riesbeck’s and Walmarts.

Locally, Tastee Apples can be purchased from Riesbeck’s and Walmart or by ordering online at www.tasteeapple.com . They are popular all over the United States from Miami to Texas and all along the east coast. They seem to be a favorite of people in New York City.

Tastee Apple, Inc. is located at 60810 Co Rd 9, Newcomerstown on the banks of the Tuscarawas River. Bite into a nutritious, mouthwatering Tastee Apple sometime soon. You may prefer just a slice as their gourmet apples are very large!

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Christmas, Farming, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Boss Bison Ranch Features Native American Pow Wow

Karen and the late John Sticht helped sponsor Ride ‘n Roll Motorcycle Dice Run.

Dreams of retirement in the country brought John and Karen Sticht from Euclid to Cadiz, where they wanted to build a log home on a couple of acres and have two bison to manicure their lawn. John definitely did not want to have to mow the yard! That dream has expanded into a family business at Boss Bison Ranch.

This beautiful log home was built for retirement purposes.

Now the ranch has more grass than they know what to do with on 180 acres. The number of shaggy bison has also increased to 46 and slowly growing. These are sturdy animals as their wool covering keeps them cozy down to 60 below.

Karen displays the soft warm items made from bison wool.

Shedding of wool occurs in the springtime with full coats grown back by November. That wool is soft to the touch and has been made into hats, socks, and gloves that are exceptionally warm. It is usually mixed with sheep’s wool to keep it from being too warm!

Tours of the farm get you up close to the bison in the field.

Reminiscent of the days of the old west, thundering hooves of bison can be heard at Boss Bison Ranch when the herd takes a notion to run. Their grandson, Duncan, enjoys taking you on a farm tour in a pick-up or four-wheeler so you can get close to the huge buffalo. Children especially enjoy feeding them bread and petting their soft wooly coats.

The herd enjoys shade on a hot spring day.

Boss Bison Ranch is proud to honor the history of the buffalo as they feel that it once roamed this section of Ohio. The Native Americans used every part of the buffalo with nothing being wasted. Meat was important but so was the hide, which was tanned for clothes, blankets, and teepees. Even their bones were put to use for everything from needles and buttons to dishes and hoes.

A bison mom watches over her new calf.

Springtime is a special time to see the newborn calves as they follow their mothers over the hills and interact with other new calves. It’s a peaceful time to sit and watch these large animals gently moving through the plentiful grass. Most of the calves are born from late April to early June, but there have been surprises at Thanksgiving!

Pick up bison and elk meat from their freezer in the store.

A three-year-old buffalo will dress out at 400 pounds of fresh meat. You are sure to be told the health value of eating bison meat. It has less fat, calories, and cholesterol. Bison actually contains higher amounts of protein, iron, and Vitamin-B than beef, chicken, or pork. Members of the National Bison Association make certain their animals graze on grass and are not fed in feedlots with added chemicals or hormones.

Their food wagon serves bisonburgers and bison chili cheese dogs.

The Stichts’ family has a retail and butcher shop that is open to the public. You might want to take some of this lean meat home with you! They have a food wagon that travels the area for festivals and pow wows. Recently they have been at a Salt Fork Pow Wow and the Hopedale Motorcycle Memorial.

These drummers performed at a previous festival.

The 7th Annual Baby Bison Days Pow Wow, a special event open to the public, is being held at the ranch on June 19-20, Father’s Day weekend. Prepare to enjoy an indigenous Native American Pow Wow that honors Veterans and First Responders!

Host drum at the pow wow this year will be Red Bird Singers.

There will be Native American dancing, Native crafts, over 20 Native vendors, and demonstrations. All drums are welcome with Red Bird Singers being the host drum and TBA co-host. There is a $5 admission fee for the day along with a non-perishable food item. All donations go to Haractus Food Pantry.

The bison will be close to the festivities that day so you can get a good view of these magnificent animals and their calves. You’ll want to stop at their lunch wagon for a buffaloburger. Buffaloburgers are 95% lean meat so you really get a quarter-pounder when you order one. Items served at the wagon include buffaloburgers, hot dogs, french fries, buffalo chili, and beverages. Popular items are a mushroom swiss buffaloburger and buffalo chili cheese dogs.

Perhaps you will get a chance to touch the soft fur of a baby bison.

Make sure to plan a visit to Boss Bison Ranch at 45701 Unionvale Road, Cadiz Mon-Sat 10-6 to see those magnificent bison that once roamed freely in our country. Now these amazing animals can be seen, fed, and touched for free at the ranch.

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Farming, Festivals, Native Culture, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Rise and Shine with Lisa Bell

Invest in your health!

Bell Barn

Their barn has become a symbol of her bakery business.

Bell Farmstead Bakery & Products came about as a result of Lisa Bell’s chronic stomach issues. While she tried the advice of many doctors, nothing seemed to relieve her problem. Then in 2014, she met a holistic doctor that had a bit of different advice.

Bell- Strawberry Oat Muffin

People like these strawberry oat muffins so well they buy them by the dozen.

   This doctor suggested she try a gluten free diet for a couple of weeks just to see how she felt. That meant that she was to eat no products with grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Within three days, she felt better than she had ever felt; however, it took a year for complete healing and recovery. Her husband decided to try the diet with her and found he too felt much better.

   While Lisa started her gluten free business due to her own severe health issues, now she is helping others overcome this problem.  One of the first things they need to do is visit their doctor and schedule a test for Celiac, an immune reaction to eating gluten that damages the small intestine lining and prevents absorption of nutrients.

Bell - eggs, fried potatoes, Zucchini applesaue bread toasted with butter

This gluten free breakfast of eggs, fried potatoes, and toasted applesauuce bread looks mighty appealing.

   Once she found the gluten free diet made her feel so much better, her problem was finding tasty gluten free products. There weren’t any bakeries that offered anything gluten free and what she found in stores was dry, made with preservatives, using mega white rice flour and tapioca starch.  To correct this problem, Bell Farmstead Bakery & Products was born in 2016.

Bell Banana Nut Bread

Get to the Farmer’s Market early if you want some of Lisa’s banana nut bread.

   It became important to Lisa to not only have the products taste better but she wanted them to have nutritional value. She studied the ancient grains that our ancestors would have grown and used, such as amaranth, sorghum, and millet. Then she experimented with flaxseed meal, coconut, almond, and garbanzo bean flours. These flours are what bring the unique flavor and texture to her products.

   Most of the recipes used in her baked goods are ones she has created herself by trial and error for her family. She discovered that by using organic and non-gmo ingredients, products were not only healthier but also more flavorable.

Lisa and chicken

Her chickens provide the perfect eggs for her baked goods.

   Her chickens are even fed organic food. They start out with a feed ordered from Virginia that has no soy and then graduate to layer feed, which has no soy or wheat content. Any extras are organic produce that is grown by Lisa. After all, these eggs are what she uses in her baked goods.

Bell Pancake Mix

Bell pancake mix is Husband tested, Husband approved!

   Lisa is also president of the Cambridge Rise and Shine Farmer’s Market. This market only accepts homegrown produce, herbs, flowers, and plants as well as handcrafted goods. They cannot be purchased in bulk from an auction house but must be from the farmer’s garden. Here you get a chance to talk to the farmers that have produced the crops and get their suggestions for using them.

   Her products are sold at Rise & Shine Farmers’ Market, which is open every Friday morning May through October at the Southgate Hotel parking lot in Cambridge. Her products cater to those with food allergies and are all corn, soy, xanthan gum, gluten, and peanut free. Wheat, rye, or barley are not allowed in any of her products. Many people feel better when they avoid these foods.

Bell - Lisa in her herbs

Lisa can often be found working in her herb garden.

   Correct care of gardens and fields is of utmost importance. Chemical spraying of crops before or after planting contributes harmful substances to the body. Simply, you can’t digest poison! So the importance of pure crops is high on the list.

Lisa at Market Place SFF

Lisa was at one time chairman of the Marketplace for Salt Fork Festival.

   She also participates in the River City Farmers’ Markets in Marietta every other week. In past years, she also has organized the Marketplace for the Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival. Each market seems to bring new experiences such as hot sunshine, rain, wind, and even snow has been encountered.

Bell Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins   Every week Lisa bakes something a little different for the Farmers’ Market crowd. A few of those treats from past weeks have included Zucchini Applesauce Bread, Rhubarb Mint Pie, and Apricot Date Scones. Something delicious always appears from her ovens.

Lisa - Wedding Cake

This gluten free wedding cake  looks and tastes delicious.

   There’s a wide assortment of breads, muffins, and pies available. Try some of her buckwheat or oat flax ginger pancake mixes. About a half dozen different oatmeal mixes include Raisin Cinnamon, Cranberry Almond Ginger, and Plum Vanilla. When talking with her recently, she was baking a vegan birthday cake and has also done wedding cakes.

Lisa - Organic Strawberry Patch

This organic strawberry patch provides fresh fruit for her baked goods.

   Lisa established her bakery because she doesn’t believe that being Celiac or having a food intolerance or allergy should prevent a person from having a tasty meal or a scrumptious dessert. Her goal is to create products that taste awesome and have nutritious value. Good nutrition is the key to a healthy immune system.

Lisa - Paloma chicken coop

Lisa served as local chief humane officer for livestock. Her animals are an important part of her life.

   When asked what advice she would give others, Lisa says without hesitation, “Invest in your health by eating healthy, get plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and practice grounding each day. Have faith in God and let Him be in charge of your life.” Grounding, or earthing, is the process of placing your bare feet on the ground for at least fifteen minutes a day to reconnect your body with the earth’s energy.

Bell Commercial   Right now, Lisa and her husband, Rick, are refurbishing a second house on their property to use as a commercial bakery. This is a very exciting endeavor and promises to give Lisa a place to experiment with her recipes while having a showroom where she can sell her products.

Bell Cooking Outdoors

Cooking outdoors is a year-round favorite for her family.

   She proudly states, “Everything I create is with a purpose and good intention not just for my family, but for you and your family also.” Contact Lisa at Bell Farmstead Bakery at 740-680-1866 or email her at bellfarmstead@yahoo.com. Visit her website at www.bellfarmsteadgfbakery.com .

   If you are having stomach problems and fatigue, Lisa would suggest that you have your doctor run a test for Celiac. Let her know your allergy and food intolerances and Lisa will gladly help you find some delicious foods to add to your diet.

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Cambridge, Farming, Gardens, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Saving History in Old Ohio Barns

Repairing or restoring an old barn that no longer serves its purpose has been taking place around Ohio with increased frequency. People feel these buildings instill that pioneer spirit and are worth saving.

Cowden Barn

Morrison-Cowden Barn (1869) Pigeon Gap Road

   In Guernsey County, Bill and Sue Cowden decided to renovate an old barn that carried fond memories for many of the neighbors and their children. This barn was originally on the 500 acre Morrison farm and used for horses for many years.

   The Morrison family came to Guernsey County from Ireland in 1855 and Sam purchased a farm on the east side of Pigeon Gap Road. His son, George acquired land on the other side which spanned Coshocton Road, now Route 209.

   It was George’s son, W.C., who is most remembered in the area. He grew record-setting crops of wheat, had an emergency airstrip on the farm, and entertained frequently. Morrison School received its name from W.C., who lived until 1953. Upon his death, his entire estate of 3.2 million dollars was left to Guernsey County charities.

Barn Cornerstone

The barn cornerstone clearly shows the date of construction of 1869.

   When you realize the Morrison barn was built originally in 1869 – only four years after the Civil War, you can understand the desire to put it back to some useful purpose. Bill realized the barn was either going to have to be repaired or torn down. “When the doors no longer open, latches no longer work, and the floor is unsafe because the roof leaks, you have to make a decision.”

Doorway to home

A workman repairs the doorway with the Cowdens’ home in the background.

Getting walls ready

The new walls were being prepared on the ground.

   Some things had to be changed. Big posts by the door had rotted so needed to be replaced. Sadly, the slate roof had so many pieces missing that it received a metal roof. New siding had been put on previously, but now they covered that with metal siding as well.

Barn framing

Inside framing using wooden pegs was still in great original condition.

   Outside the barn looks like a new barn, but inside you can still easily see its history pouring out through all that old timber framing. The amazing craftsmanship of our ancestors without all the tools of today makes it extra special. These barns were built by hand and often in six to eight months. Inside the barn looks pretty much as it did back in 1869. The hand construction used to build the barn can clearly be seen in the rafters. All the beams are wood pegged, no nails were used.

Lift again

A lift was used to atttach new siding to the barn.

   Today, Bill and Sue use this barn for hay and machinery storage. Over the years they have raised chickens and even pigs in the lower level. They are pleased to have been able to preserve this historic barn.

   Three other barns were found that have been treasured by their owners and repaired when needed.

Schumaker Old Barn

Schumaker Barn (1887) West Lafayette

   In nearby Newcomerstown, the Schumakers barn (1887) still has its original slate roof with the date written on it. Their farm has been in the family for over 200 years so Jim and Wendy Schumaker keep striving to make their farm a showplace for others to enjoy through their produce stand and a fall adventure of Pumpkin Patch & Farm Experience to interest children in farming.

Wilson Wells Barn 2

Wilson – Wells Bar (1932) Mantua Road

   Another was built by Carl Wilson (1932) during the Depression. He had purchased the supplies for the barn, but the banks closed before construction began. The contractor asked if he could keep his men working with Carl’s promise to make payment when the banks opened again. Both men fulfilled their promises. Today that barn has been extensively repaired and is owned by Jim and Dot Wells.

Bennett Smith Barn

Bennett-Smith Barn (1960) Pigeon Gap Road

   Across the road from the Cowden farm is the Bennett dairy barn (1960) that was built on the farm of the father, Sam Morrison. Today that barn has been repaired by owners Pete and Martha Smith after a tornado damaged part of the barn heavily back in 1993.

   Many people tend to feel that when something no longer fulfills its original purpose that it should be forgotten because repair takes time, money, and energy. Sue doesn’t agree, “Then you lose a bit of history and the wonderful work that went into it long ago.”

   Enjoy a ride through the country and pay special attention to the barns. You’ll find many large modern barns, those ready to fall down, and some that have been saved as part of our agricultural heritage.

   If you have a wonderful old barn, house, or building on your property that can be repaired, perhaps you will consider preserving it for future generations.

If we don’t care about our past, we cannot hope for the future.

~Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Category:

Cambridge, Farming, History, Ohio, Uncategorized

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