Family Fun: Thoreau Farm Field Trip

Thoreau was a nineteenth century author and philosopher that believed in voluntary simplicity long before the term was coined. He lived and worked in Massachusetts, often roaming throughout New England in his study of nature and man's relationship to it.

Henry Thoreau is best known for a literary work called quite simply, Walden. In it he records his thoughts and observations during a year living on the banks of a pond in a very small structure. He did, however, write numerous books and essays stating his opinions and radical views on everything from slavery ( against it) to civil disobedience (for it) and he paved the way for much of the social change of the 20th century.

One of my favorite of his quotes is on my own profile;

As in old times they who dwelt on the heath remote from towns were backward to adopt the doctrines which prevailed there, and were therefore called heathen in a bad sense, so we dwellers in the huckleberry pastures, which are our heath lands, are slow to adopt the notions of large towns and cities and may perchance be nicknamed huckleberry people. from the Journal (December 30, 1860) Thoreau

These words embody the very heart of the man that spoke them. Surely he was the world's first blogger.

On Tuesday April 2, 2002 Ryan Robbins of This Old House posted a plea for someone to buy a dilapidated structure that was in danger of falling down. The town of Concord offered the house up for sale for $1 to anyone that would take it, restore it, and allow tours of the property. The house, of course, was the birthplace of Henry David Thoreau.

Originally built in the 1730's the house was, in 2002, largely unrestored. There was little insulation, and the systems were if installed at all, inadequate at best. The paint was peeling, the wood showing through on some of the clapboards and transoms had been removed from the exterior. It was the interior though, that was unbelievably falling apart. Wallpaper, ancient, peeling, and stained, hung in loosely in the front entry and shiplap peered through here and there.There was extensive damage from vandalism and rodents.

An almost impossible project to take on but The Thoreau Farm Trust, with Robert Pinskey at the helm, forged ahead with plans to acquire the property and restore it through grants and donation and hard work. The complete restoration of the project was estimated at 800,000.00 dollars. The Thoreau Farm Trust expected to meet this goal by July 1, 2007 and take possession of the property.

Once the house is restored and opened to the public it will be used as an educational center, conducting scheduled as well as private tours and events.

Thoreau is often referred to as the country's first environmentalist. It was his belief that open, green spaces should be preserved and natural resources preserved with loving care.

The Thoreau Farm Trust is carefully following his lead, ensuring that his legacy of conservation and environmentalism is honored. They intend to follow LEED guidelines and is considering a sustainable heating and cooling system, systems to deal with graywater, and lighting. In fact, the house will be used to educate the public about sustainable building materials, and zero energy buildings. The process with be documented and donated to the local library.

The surrounding 20 or so acres is farmed by a local nonprofit organization called, Gaining Ground which grows food for the hungry. This group donates around 20,000 lbs of food each growing season to food pantries and meal organizations. Imagine the result if this project was copied hundreds of times over around the country!

The Thoreau Farm Restoration Project coupled with the efforts of Gaining Ground is making amazing headway in not only educating the public about Thoreau, his life and beliefs, and the environment but is richly giving to the community around it, and an awesome example of how a group of people can make the world a better place.