A traditional white farmhouse peeking out from the cedars may be all you see when passing by Ruby Ellen Farm. For the curious who venture in, past the heirloom hollyhocks and fields of alfalfa, a world thought lost reveals itself. Nestled among the towering pines lies a magical place defining the simple grace of times past, yet alive and as vital to the future as it has ever been. Wandering the we
ll-worn two-track lanes connecting field to barn, garden to house, wood lot to wood shed, one can imagine the early morning sunrise heating the misty fields, accompanied by the daybreak call of a rooster, the hungry meows and muffled whinnies from the barn, and the sound of farmer Rex Dobson cranking up his old red pickup to start another day. Ruby Ellen Farm transcends the years; for while a visitor might be inspired to remember and reflect upon the past, they are just as likely to meet the future within the tranquil rhythms of the farm's daily life. At the farm, one learns the importance of timeless concepts such as responsibility, self-reliance, and stewardship. One also learns the inspiring story of a remarkable, unassuming man, Rex Dobson. Raised on the farm and its final heir, Rex had the foresight to ensure that the values instilled in the farmstead way of life would be available for future generations to learn from and love by. Rex exemplified those values throughout his life. His reverence and respect for all things growing abliged him to work in partnership with nature, always seeking a delicate balance throughout each season. Rex keenly understood the interdependence of community, a necessity in living a simple life that provided sustenance, shelter and life long friends and neighbors. As a highly regarded bachelor farmer, he struggled with the economic and development pressures faced by many aging small farm owners across the country to abandon their traditional lifestyle in exchange for financial security. In choosing to preserve Ruby Ellen Farm, Rex made certain that a small corner of farm life history was preserved not only for his community, but for all those with a desire to learn the skills and traditions passed down through generations. Ruby Ellen Farm offers the perfect environment in which to experience small scale farming methods proven by its successful stewards. The historic success of Ruby Ellen Farm functioning as a source of family sustenance, as well as a participant in the complex social and agricultural interdependency of a small rural community, demonstrates the importance of timeless concepts such as respect, responsibility, environmental stewardship, frugality, self-sufficiency and both the independence and interdependence of family members and neighbors. Visitors are infused with the magic of this special farm, and soon begin to realize that these concepts hold the key to understanding our need for connection to place. Around the world, people are increasingly seeking ways of educating themselves on food sources, food quality, food production and the inherent value found within those systems, as they relate to economics, environment and to their own health. These are just some of the topics Ruby Ellen Farm addresses as an active and historic prototype subsistence farm. For students, farmers, historians, artists,professionals and laborers, these lessons come to life at Ruby Ellen Farm, where daily practices are conveyed through structured hand on educational programs. Today, Ruby Ellen Farm exists predominantly as it has for over a century. It offers a glimpse into the past where history is translated into practices that are relevant to living a better life, teaching us that one can better embrace the complexity of modern culture by getting back to basics of an agrarian lifestyle. The farm tells a story that serves as a reminder of the importance of connecting with the land and each other. The board of directors, staff, volunteers, donors and friends contribute in a number of ways, all of which allow the organization to sustain the vision and mission of Rex Dobson and the Farm. Just as it took a community to bring the harvest in each fall, so too it takes a community to fulfill our mission and all that it encompasses, both tangible and intangible, ensuring that the Ruby Ellen Farm will continue to exist as a treasured and irreplaceable resource for the education and enjoyment of all.
