In the past, many people lived off-the-grid (actually, there was no grid) in Coastal BC. They found locations in the bush to grow fruits and vegetables, raise animals and make a living off the local resources, primarily fishing or lumber. In the 1960s, some of the remote locations attracted hippies. One such location was to become Fiddlehead Farm.The history of the farm goes back to the days when people could stake a claim to vacant land through the pre-emption process. Most likely, it was farmed and the excess produce was taken to Powell River for sale. That way the land could support the family both directly and indirectly.
By the 1960's, the farm was no longer occupied. An American "hippie" visitor to Canada was looking for a place to get back to the land and focus on a different sense of purpose (that's something that Wayne and I can identify with!). The leader was Mark Vonnegut and he wrote about his love for the land and his ultimate battle with schizophrenia in a book entitled The Eden Express.Fiddlehead Farm the hostel grew out of this 60's generation. People from around the world came to the remote farm. It was a success for many years, but in 2002 it was again sold. It was subsequently logged and the buildings demolished. But Fiddlehead Farm is more than just a place, it is the memories of those who visited there over the years.
Today, Fiddlehead Farm is a frequent destination for quad riders. The meadow with apple trees still remains and it makes a great lunch stop. In the fall, if you can get to the trees before the local bears, you can get some really tasty treats. As I sit under the trees on a warm sunny day, I can imagine all of the people who have lived and visited this little piece of eden.Powell Lake is an exciting place. Read more about it in Up the Lake available online at www.PowellRiverBooks.com -- Margy
Lovely and very interesting post Margy. It looks like a truly beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteNice location and a very interesting story.
ReplyDeleteDirkjogt, Belgium
Thank you for the trip into an unknown world!
ReplyDeleteThat was a very interesting story. I had never heard of Fiddlehead Farm. Nice posting, I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and beautiful memories. I feel a bit sad that it was bought and logged, but your pictures show that it is still a very pleasant place to visit.
ReplyDeleteToo bad about the logging, but a great story nonetheless. Beautiful photos of the apple trees in bloom and the old swing.
ReplyDeleteWell done and thanks for the visit.
Troy and martha
Your story of the "Fiddlehead Farm"
ReplyDeleteis a wonderful history lesson of a not so bygone era.
The photo with the apple tree shows what a peaceful place it was and I imagine still is.
Thank you for sharing this story with us and a big thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog.
Bear((( )))
Such an unusual name! Perfect for F:)
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR VISITING MINE
Wish I could have lived there
ReplyDeleteLove the old swing in the tree.
ReplyDelete:-)
What a wonderful and idyllic place!
ReplyDeleteSimply gorgeous!
The quads look a bit out of place and out of time, though! :)
Cheers, Klaus
Thank you to everyone for visiting my ABC Wednesday post. I enjoyed sharing Fiddlehead Farm with all of you. Betty, I think you would have enjoyed Fiddlehead very much. I never got to see it before the destruction, but I have spoken to several people who did go there. I think I would have enjoyed it as well. - Margy
ReplyDeletethat sounds like it was an amazing place to visit then, and still beautiful today.
ReplyDeleteOh, I loved reading this post! Just think how much has changed since the 60's!
ReplyDeleteLast night we were watching a Paul McCartney concert and he mentioned writing 'Black Bird' and the Civil Rights movement and how they went together, and it staggered me to think that in my lifetime, there were separate bathrooms and drinking fountains and different places on the bus for people. Just people.
We do well to remember the past.
A rural post, loved this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for contributing to ABC Wednesday.
Dx
Very interesting :-) It looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteThings are always changing - at least it is a place to still be enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this little memory trip - I was lucky enough to spend a week at Fiddlehead in 2000 and honestly, it was the most peaceful, magical holiday of my life. Paddling on the lake at dawn to the sound of loons and splashing beavers, lazing on the deck of the old cookhouse drinking coffee, chatting under the apple trees in the late afternoon - and concerts on the dock under the moon. It was an incredibly special place... thanks again for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteI was a guest at the Fiddlehead twice, in 96 and 97 - and even had a birthday party up there. These were good times and are a important part of my personal history. Thank you.
ReplyDeletewas just there this afternoon. picked a bag of apples off the old tree and had lunch. not much left but a small shelter and an outhouse. nice to see the place though and imagine what it was like in it's prime. truly sad that these places disappear to greedy logging companies
ReplyDeleteKarl - I haven't been back to Fiddlehead Farm for several years. I never saw it in its prime, but at least before the logging occurred. It had a very interesting history though. - Margy
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