On to the Island Farm

The Island Farm during our visit - 2008

After visiting with the Mother Vine, we headed to the The Island Farm. Now a living history farm, the site was originally the homestead of the Etheridge family, who settled on the land in 1757. The house, built circa 1847 by Adam Dough Etheridge, was in the early stages of restoration during our visit.

During our visit, there were very little in the way of furnishings in the house - a table and chairs, a wardrobe, etc. Today, lovingly restored and managed by the Outer Banks Conservationists, the farm house looks much like a typical Roanoke Island farm appeared during the mid 1800's. Pieces original to the home allow visitors to step back in time and contemplate how their ancestors lived.

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A few of the outbuildings, such as the chicken coop &

smokehouse, were under construction using old time carpentry methods. The workmanship is amazing.

The barn, while not part of the original farmstead, was

built in the mid 17th century. Previously located in western North Carolina, it was disassembled and rebuilt on the Island Farm.

This is all that I'm going to write about the Island Farm for now. I'm planning on a visit to the farm this September and will post current photos. I'm especially looking forward to meeting two residents of the farm --- Roxie, an oxen and Clancey, a draft horse!