Spirited Youth Volunteers at Mary Lynne Spazok
Jean G. Brown
If you haven’t yet toured historic Gilfillan Farm, then a visit during
Upper St. Clair Community Day 2006 is a must! Pure tranquility is nestled in the woods just off Route 19 less than one minute from South Hills Village. Take pleasure in the fragrant, whispering pines. Serenity is yours just beyond the sun-burnished barn. Gaze upon the panorama of peaceful, fertile fields iced with a crystal clear azure sky. This is to appreciate the homesteaders dream—the lure of Mother Earth. Preservationist and family matriarch Jean G. Brown pledges that upcoming generations will realize, by means of experience, the Gilfillan Family heritage. Jean asserts, “We are fortunate to have our young people enthusiastically involved in the past, present, and future of our community.” Therefore, The Historical Society of Upper St. Clair is determined to ensure that history shall prevail over urban sprawl. Whether 1897 or 2006, this working farm needs tending. Thank goodness for our spirited youth volunteers. Who are they and why exactly do they come? A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic, bio-medical engineer Rachel Heins administers to the day-to-day homestead operations. Rachael comments, “We really enjoyed our first season of farming. The response from the community is especially warming from trail walkers who stop to chit-chat. Hopefully, the community will continue to enjoy the farm as much as we enjoy farming it.” Crop scheduling and general upkeep are just a few of the tasks Rachael coordinates with youth volunteers 10
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Gilfillan
Nathanael Heins (brother), Brittany Clifford, and Tessa Yannetti. For 2006, the organic planting of the aromatic herbs rosemary, basil, sage, thyme, and parsley is planned. When it comes to farming, dynamic teamwork affords Rachael a flourishing outcome. Brothers Brendan and Shaun Brown enjoy manual labor and farm machinery operation. The well-known John Deere logo is a must for these gentlemen farmers’ denim. Brendan, a USCHS senior (college bound in September) and Shaun, a junior, are diverse students whose hectic to-do lists include academics, on-the-go social schedules, and varsity sports. Let’s begin with Brendan, who states, “A farmer’s work is never done!” So, how did Brendan become interested in agriculture? “My personal history with the farm is, of course, due to a loving relationship with my Grandmother Brown. It is a pleasure to get away from a bit of who I am, and change into a farmer! I became interested in farming at a very early age. Living just across Orr Road, I would always look out the window to see Gilfillan. And naturally, like all youngsters, I was curious. I began asking questions and on occasion would roam through the fields, just to get a look. Today, I enjoy not seeing huge houses or mini malls, but farmland on this site. The best part about farming is a sense of self worth and achievement. Although the labor can be very grueling at times, a farm workout is very beneficial, especially during football’s off-season. Hard work, sweat, and blood have enabled me to realize personal responsibility. Lifting heavy equipment, such as a 300-pound plow, is not the easiest
Summer 2006
Sydney Brown and Mindy Brown
thing to do. This past summer, when Shaun and I harvested 100 dozen ears of corn along with assorted fresh vegetables, I knew I had accomplished something good. That feeling got even better when friends and relatives ate the vegetables and enjoyed them. Above and beyond the planting of zucchini, watermelon, and pumpkins, there is wood to chop, fields to mow, and the constant cleaning and repair of the equipment, barn, and out buildings. When the daily work is done, it’s always nice to sit back and take pride in individual success. For me, a pleasant sight is stalks of summer corn sharing their space with blossoming sun flowers swaying in the breeze. At the end of a sizzling summer day, hanging out in the cool of the evening is pure perfection.” Come late summer, sibling Shaun knows that between college visitations and sports, there will be twice as many chores and half as much time. Shaun states, “Since Brendan did a large amount of the work, relatives and volunteers will have to pitch in a lot more once he leaves for college. Fortunately, there are many willing to help.” Shaun’s interest in the operation of heavy farm equipment is a major incentive for him. Operating the John Deere tractor with the plow, manure spreader, and harrow attachments is a favored activity. “At what age did the agriculture interest you?” I asked Shaun. He stated, “I have been interested in the farm ever since we moved across the street from Gilfillan when I was a little boy. Growing up, I always liked to go over and see the animals and talk to Margaret and Alexander Gilfillan. When I was 14, I began to do bigger chores on the farm for my Grandma Brown, like working in the barn and cutting the grass. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done in the spring, summer, and fall months. On average, I work at the farm one to three times a week. But in the winter, there’s little to do. The fact that the homestead has been in our family for so long makes working here meaningful. It’s rewarding to see how happy my grandparents are that people have taken an interest and are willing to lend a hand.”