This is the first newsletter from Stauber Farm. Written by Charles and Lamar Taft, its purpose is to keep up with friends, old and new, who especially like the farm and who are interested in observing the seasons there. On one day during each season, a brief letter will be posted on the website which will contain news about the animals and the garden, invitations to upcoming special events, recent photos, and, perhaps, art and letters submitted by guests. To receive the e-letter automatically, please click the newsletter box on the Contact Page.

Thank you, Sophia

Sophia Cody, a brilliant living legend in so many ways – as student, scientist, real estate broker, investor, developer, community leader, mentor, founder, Tar Heel – has been a dear and trusted friend of the Tafts for many years. Ten years after first showing them the “Tucker Farm”, she finally succeeded in facilitating the “adoption” of the farm by the Tafts. Her interest in and love for the farm and for the family of Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Tucker, the former owners, continues to inspire us to be good stewards of this place. Thank you, Sophia!

Remembering George

George Settle, who knew more about the birds and the bees than almost anyone, has been a good friend, consultant, and with his wife, Christine, a wonderful neighbor. In about 1988, Charles, a budding gardener at the time, realized that production from the garden and the fruit trees would improve with greater pollination, he met George and what a difference George made – and what an amazing beekeeper, teacher, and friend. George passed away on June 29th and we miss him very much and give thanks for his friendship.

Recent Happenings at Stauber Farm

Around Easter a surprise was placed at our door – a beautiful and tasty gift from a neighbor whom we had not met but who appreciates the farm as she and her family ride by – a Paschal Lamb cake. About the same time, May being the month to focus on Historic places, Forsyth Historic Properties Commission was host to a tour here at Stauber Farm, and an article appeared on April 18 in The Winston Salem Journal about their focus, “This Place Matters”. Go to www.journalnow.com. The photos still may be on the website. Search for this place matters.

Two heritage breed chickens have “gone broody” this summer, and it has been very interesting to watch the instinctive behavior of the hens as they nest for 21-days and then care for their chicks.

Teresa, the goat rescued by friend Teresa Jackson and brought to Stauber Farm to live for at least ten years, received her angel wings in the spring. She was quite a personality in the barnyard and we miss her.

With the help of Alfredo, helper and teacher, two new chicken tractors have been built. Not a new concept, these tractors are, nevertheless, a challenge to design for good looks, protection, and ease of movement plus stability, still enabling the chickens both to free range, lay eggs, and fertilize the pastures. The project has been fun and, hopefully, it will be a successful help in raising chickens.

Charles and I will be writing this quarterly letter. We hope that making the farm available via website will be a good experience. Soon, we want to host a couple of special events for our former guests at Stauber Farm over the past 25 years, whom we can find through the addresses we have. If you are a former guest, please send us your current address. Many weddings and happy gatherings have taken place here and there will be fun stories to share.

We send our best regards, Lamar