Carrying the Torch
History and Tradition
My family has deep roots on Bayview Hill, as livestock farmers dating back to the early 1900s. While our children lead very different lives from their ancestors, we strive to instill in them a respect for what came before.
A small fruit orchard existed here before Harvey and Esther Gabelein purchased the land in the 1940s, neighboring Harvey's brothers Raymond (my Grandfather) and Johnny.
My father tells stories of helping Harvey on the farm as a child, and jumping the drainage ditch while hunting birds to get away from displeased neighbors.
Why Harv-Est?
Harv-est is a conjunction of Harvey and Esther, my Great Uncle and Aunt who started the farm here in the 1940s.
Unbeknownst to us, Uncle Harvey and Aunt Esther sold meat and dairy under the name Harvest Farms for much of the middle of the 20th century, and beyond. We thought ourselves quite clever to honor them by combining their names, Harvey, and Esther, into "Harvest Farms" upon purchasing the property from their son's widow in 2019.
Blending Our Past and Our Future
Our vision is a farm that blends the history, knowledge and tradition of my family and this hillside with the benefits of modern sustainability, production and deference to nature.
We envision ourselves temporary stewards of a land that will provide long after we're gone.
Special Thanks to Treadwell Nonprofit Data Consultants!
