Choosing the name of our ranch
When we started looking at moving, we had criteria of what we wanted in our new house and property. I wanted a window above my kitchen sink with plenty of sunlight. Eddy wanted a wide open view. Ultimately, we both wanted all weather creeks. All weather creeks flow no matter the season or weather conditions. Missouri can be stricken with a drought quickly, but if you have an all weather creek water will continue to move steadily along.
Our faithful spring flowing all year long, no matter the weather circumstances.
We are aware of eleven springs on our ranch. Five springs flow when enough rainfall has occurred, these are considered a wet weather spring or creek. We have six all weather springs but two are very distinct. One is on the edge of property a quarter of a mile away from the house. It bubbles up and then a few feet farther down stream the water disappears probably into a cavern of sorts. We have dubbed this "the jungle" because its tree canopied limestone pathways, aka creek bed, reminded us of the jungle at The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. It is truly a magical place.
Even the all weather springs can slow to a trickle in the heat of the summer. However, the spring located 160 yards from the front of the house, literally bubbles out of the ground no matter the weather or season. This spring inspired our ranch's name.
The history of our farm...
Locals have told us the creek bottom valley surrounding this spring was used by the Wyota Tribe before it was settled. In this area located below the house we have appointed an area as "the garden". It is rich fertile soil. After a rain, or tilling, we find arrowheads, a testament to the land's history.
We are the third family to own this property since it was deeded in the late 1800's. Located on the north east corner of the property is the small town of Drew, still noted on maps. A foundation of the old post office and general store remains. Below the store, is a concrete bridge and in the spring season you can visualize the road where horses and buggies would have traveled. We have found harness pieces on the west side of the foundation.
Across the creek bed, south of our house is the foundation of the original house; all that remains is the front and back porch built from concrete. Below this house is an all weather spring with a big flat rock. It is easy to imagine them gathering water from this natural stoop. Near the house are crumbling foundations of dog trot barns from years past. Pieces of history amongst these remnants are discovered on our pasture walks, including a hub of a buck board, plow shears, cobbler's shoe, hinges, all sizes of horseshoes, and the list continues to grow. Some are recycled, but most are saved to be repurposed. Future blog posts will feature the upcycling of these American relics.
Our ranch name, Faithful Spring Farm, which God faithfully provided, was inspired by a spring that faithfully flows. Why farm in the name? On our ranch, Lord willing, we hope to produce, with sustainable organic practices, not only animals but flowers and vegetables. Our goal is focused on offering these healthy clean products to our new friends and neighbors as we continue living on the land.
