“A Small Farm In Maine” (Book Review)
I recently read a book called “A Small Farm In Maine” by Terry Silber. This book was published in 1988 and, as the subtitle puts it, is about “how one couple built a self-sustaining life in the country.”
Terry and her husband, Mark, both worked and lived in Boston. On a whim, they decide to buy an abandoned farm in Maine near Terry’s parents. They fix up the farmhouse to make it inhabitable and visit every weekend to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
On discovering abandoned flower beds that still grew hardy perennials and learning about the history of their farm from the neighbors, Terry and Mark become curious about horticulture. They ask questions about plants and gardens of their farming neighbors and read every piece of literature on the subject as they can find. Eventually, with the help of friendly neighbors, they clear a piece of land on their farm and plant their first vegetable garden.
Even though Terry and Mark maintain their careers in the city, they become more and more interested in the lives of Maine farmers. For several years the couple continue their weekend trips to Maine, finding the work on the farm a perfect balance to their work in Boston.
After the first year of gardening, where they have more crop than they can consume, preserve, and give away, Terry and Mark decide to join the local farmers at the farmers’ markets. They are ecstatic to find that they can make money doing weekend farming! They then start planning how to garden more efficiently, and put their city talents to work by designing a layout that will make their vegetable display look more attractive and by trying to market their produce.
Being looked on by some as “hippies” and “rich city folk”, not all of the local farmers like the radical ideas that the Silbers come up with. The gap between the weekend farmers and the farmers that depend on their produce to support them through the long harsh winters can be larger than some would think.
Terry and Mark stick to their instinct and test new and unconventional methods. These include growing more exotic vegetables and herbs for sale, making and distributing pamphlets on how to use those foods, and growing without the use of pesticides. Growing strictly organically was virtually unheard of at the time and even considered risky. But the Silbers’ personal convictions guide ever decision they make.
While Terry and Mark become more involved on the farm they become less satisfied with their work in the city. Is it really possible to have a self-sustaining life on a farm in Maine? The Silbers put the question to the test, crunch the numbers, and then, with sheer determination, make the permanent move to Maine.
The story continues with their first Maine winter, the physical and financial struggles, how Terry and Mark turn their small farm into a viable business, and the ins and outs of working relationships.
As I read Terry’s account of these many years of her life, I felt that I was a witness to how their business evolved over that time. Starting as vegetable farmers, Terry and Mark finally settled their main business on growing everlastings, drying flowers and herbs, and selling decorative products made from the produce of the farm.
It was exciting to read about places so familiar to me like Lewiston, Auburn, Rumford, and Portland. I jumped on the web to see if I could locate their business. What fun to actually go visit a place that you’ve only just read about! Sadly, I found that the Silbers’ farm in Sumner closed just three years ago in 2006. Apparently, Terry Silber died of terminal cancer in 2003. For over three years Mark continued the business on his own, taking on all of Terry’s responsibilities while also fulfilling equally important duties outside of the farm. It just became too much for one person.
However, I feel as though I have gained tremendous knowledge and insight by reading “A Small Farm In Maine” and would recommend it to anyone who has a love for growing things!
Related posts:
Add A Comment