History of the farm
The
Priddle family bought the farm in 1996. At the time the family
consisted of Lon and Soma and their two Great Danes, Byron and Gwen.
Byron was a 170 pound black Dane who had been severely abused as a
puppy. With a great deal of tender loving care and much attention to
diet, he had been nursed back to health. Gwendolyn was his young
companion. She joined the family as a puppy and never knew a day’s
discomfort. Her happy frolicking play was a welcome addition to Byron’s
life, and he was protective of his young companion.
Lon had been diagnosed with cancer, and the prognosis was poor. The
family wanted a natural, organic lifestyle, and a peaceful place to call
home. They wanted to grow their own organic vegetables, breathe fresh
air, drink water straight from their own springs and live a peaceful life,
far from the stress of the city world.
After much searching, they found Gwendolyn Farms in the rich, fruitful
soil of the unglaciated region of Southwestern Wisconsin. This is the
only area in the Midwestern United States which was not touched by the
glaciers, and as a result the soil is rich in organic material and minerals.
They were pleasantly surprised at the changes in their life after moving
to the farm. The doctors were amazed, and Lon made medical heads turn
as his health improved. For several years they enjoyed a happy life,
growing heirloom vegetables, walking the dogs on the farm, eating homemade
foods made from natural ingredients, and living the good life.
What they didn’t expect was the great improvement in the dog Byron’s
health when they came to the farm and lived the natural lifestyle. It
seemed to take years off of him, and he ran and played as he had not done in
years.
In time, Lon lost his long battle with cancer, and according to his
wishes, his ashes are buried at his beloved farm, and a sugar maple tree is
planted as his gravestone. Byron slowly grew older and grayer, and
passed away after many years of a good life. He is buried a short
distance from his master’s tree, where he can watch over him, and the
farm. They both hated city noises and rest in peace, far from the
madding crowd.
After many years of a happy farm life, Gwendolyn died peacefully of old
age, while at the farm. Soma was with her. She is buried next
to Byron and the other members of the family, at the farm cemetery.
Since then, two more dogs have joined the family: Juliette, a black and
white Great Dane who comes close to meeting the land speed record for any
Dane ever known. Juliette keeps up with the many deer on the
farm, without showing any signs of strain.
Douglas, an older St. Bernard, came to the farm at the recommendation of a
friend at the local humane society. He is almost completely deaf.
Sweet and appreciative after many years of being tied outside, he
thoroughly enjoys his life as an indoor dog, gives great deference to
Juliette in most things, and is very respectful of cats.
The dogs have recognized his disability and managed their own compensatory
plan. When they go outside, Douglas wanders around near the
farm house. When Soma calls him, Juliette runs over at top
speed, nudges him,. and he looks up. Upon seeing the
familiar wave he wags his tail and trots inside for a treat.
This simple act of teamwork creates much joy and amusement amongst the
farm visitors
Together with her dogs, Soma has continued their dream of creating
healthy food in an organic, sustainable farm which is good for the
environment and good for the consumer.
