Greetings Neighbors,
Back in the early 1800’s, when the old barn here was built, everyone ate local food, and all of it was organic. What happened? In short: the grocery store came to town. Once our food comes from elsewhere, it can be mighty hard to remember that soil, sunlight and rainfall actually “afford” food to humans. Our job is to share the gift, and perhaps even say thank you.
Before grocery stores, people in these parts gathered in barns during the month of May—the only time of year the barns would have been empty of hay—to hoot, holler and dance together in patterns that helped them remember that their lives were inextricably linked to one another and to the health of the landscape that was their shared home. The old tunes they danced to, passed down for generations, reminded them of the generosity of their ancestors, the ones who afforded them food by carefully selecting and passing down the hardy breeds of livestock, vegetables and grains that kept them alive.
Without grocery stores, getting along with the neighbors was a bit more imperative. The dances seemed to help with that, as well. It might have been easier to let go of a grudge once you’d done something as silly as what you’ll see in the following video from community dance caller Paul Rosenberg:
Paul has agreed to call the first dance here—at least in the modern era—at the first Gratitude Feast of the 2024 season: Sunday May 5th. The Gratitude Feasts are offered as a gift to anyone who is hungry for any reason. The Farm is sustained by neighborly gifts of labor and money.
In order to get the barn ready for some old time community foot stomping, we will be hosting crews of volunteer carpenters over the next two Saturdays, from near and far, to help reinforce and rebuild sections of the floor. Their gifted labors will set the stage for the feasting season. Here are a few of their names: Dale, Steven, Andy, James, Tristan and Benji. You might offer them your regards when you see them around town.
If you’d like to join in the neighborly efforts over the coming weeks, please consider RSVP’ing (simply reply to this email or call Adam at 518.593.6586) for one of the following events:
Saturday 4/6: Barn Prep—a carpentry day. 9am - 5pm, with lunch served.
Sunday 4/7: 3-6pm Farm Frolic (this work will be mostly inside, cleaning and organizing the Farm kitchen for the first Feast). Frolic Supper at 6pm (Farm Stew served plus whatever you bring with you to share)
Saturday 4/13: Barn Floor Raising Day — This is the big one. Calling all experienced or aspiring carpenters to join us for any portion of the day, 9am - 5pm. Lunch and dinner served.
Saturday 4/13: Barn Floor Raising Supper — Cook a dish or a dessert for the work crew supper at 6pm. Stay to eat with us if you’re able.
Sunday 4/14: 3-6pm Farm Frolic — More indoor Farm kitchen cleaning and organizing. Frolic supper at 6pm.
Adam your sharing today (and watching that video) brought back memories of being in fourth grade and living in Tennessee… part of our school P.E. curriculum was learning how to “square dance.” I fondly remember those lessons and Buffalo Gals was my all time favorite. I still sometimes say to my sisters when we’re driving back to one of our houses, “promenade back home we go!” Thanks for the trip down memory lane, especially since I live in (way) Northern California and won’t be able to make your barn dance. All the best in keeping up the beautiful work you’re doing in the world!
Looks like so much fun. Even over in Oz these barn dances were happening a generation ago. I remember us kids having to sleep outside in the station wagon while Mum and Dad enjoyed these antics at the town hall. And a lot of these dances feel familiar so I must have participated in some when I was younger, 40 years ago.
Have a great time and hope all your prep work goes smoothly and safely