Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 282, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 November 1912 — WILD LAND FARMS [ARTICLE]

WILD LAND FARMS

What- Bohemians Accomplished by Co-Operative Work. . -i Families From New Jersey hirid Ohio Make Homes in Tennessee Wilderness—Are Not Only Making a Living but Show Profit. i ■■ Nasljville, Tenn. —In the spring of 1911 the Tennessee Central railroad located a colony of Bohemians on the Cumberland plateau at Mayland, under the name of the Bohemian CoOperative Farming company. They purchased 5,300 acres In the woods without clearing, houses or fences. Immediately from New Jersey and Ohio Bohemian families came to the plateau and the work of transforming the wilderness into productive fields, gardens and orchards began. The story of this wonderful development is told by Rutledge Smith. Industrial agent of the Tennessee Central railroad, as follows: “The land was subdivided Into fifty acre tracts, one tract to the family, so that the entire purchase would care for 100 families. Mr. Leonard Schwartz of New Jersey, an educated, cultured and trained farmer of large experience, was made manager of the colony,-and the work of development has been under his Immediate supervision. As the colony is co-operative In every respect, all the work is done by the Bohemians, no outside help being employed. “The first work that was done after the property was subdivided was to build a few comfortable cottages to care for the pioneers. This done, they elaborated a careful program of procedure which would automatically expand with the increasing population. “I went up last week to see the fruits of their labors. I found nearly 100 light haired and bronzed faced sons and daughters of Bohemia, intelligent, happy and content. Satisfaction reigned supreme with them, and they expressed themselves as having reached a clime as near perfection to their ideals of life as it was possible to find. It made me feel good to receive the sincere gratitude of these sturdy people for bringing them to the plateau of Tennessee. “Mr. Schwartz showed me over the lands. Where formerly the timbered jungle stood were modern, imposing barns overflowing with feed. The fields of timothy had cut nearly two tons per acre, and these had been turned and planted in turnips and cabbage for cow feed, and It looked as though they would produce enough to feed the mountain. “Then there were patches of buckwheat, rye and the vegetable gardens, all luxuriant and profitable. Vegetables have been canned for winter use and to sell. “Not only have these thrifty Bons of Bohemia supported themselves while making their homes, but are now

reaping a distinct profit. They all have money, pay for what they buy, are good citizens and a blessing to Tennessee. “Every day is workday fqr them. It Is never too hot or cold; they keep everlastingly at It. They work with intelligence, with a definite idea in view and accomplish what they start out to do. They do not practice the habit of our farmers in going to bed at dark and rising before day. After supper they read and lay out the work for the morrow, discuss together the best means for advancement, spend an occasional evening In social enjoyment, and at a reasonable hour in the morning are in the fields and there they remain until dark. Success can only crown the efforts of such intelligent labor. —«—•

“In the field the Bohemian rides, no walking between the plow handles for him. There Is no dragging the plows around at the head of the land, but the horses keep on moving. (Everything that a horse or machine can do the Bohemian makes them do. “They are now turning their attention to horticulture and orchards are being laid out on a scientific scale and thoroughly prepared. Also dairying is coming in for its proper share. “Just as rapidly aB they can build cottages, without taking the proper time from the fields, families from New Jersey are ready to fill them, and it will not be long until their full hundred families are enjoying the peace and plenty of those who by intelligent effort are transforming the plateau to to the south’s garden spot”