The Farm

Justin Horowitz

Who lives on the Farm?

• Stephen Gaskin and his followers founded the Farm.– Developed as a spiritual community.

• The Farm is about 1,750 acres.– Located in southeastern Lewis County.– Located near Summertown.

Who lives on the Farm? Continued…

• Upland South was Gaskin’s first home for several months.– Gaskin and his followers found a modern society,

but rejected it.– Later, they traveled in a caravan in search of a

suitable land.• They found the hilly country of southern Middle

Tennessee (The Farm).– “They Took up farming and the formidable task of establishing

their utopian community.

What is it like living on a farm?

• The Farm is an intentional community of families and friends that was established in 1971.

• The people that live on the Farm have a goal: establish a strong, cohesive, outwardly-directed community.– Want to have a positive effect on the world.

What are these “farmers” known for?

• The people that live on the Farm are expected to respect…– Natural childbirth.– Midwifery to healthy diet and vegetarian cuisine.– Creative arts.– Alternative technologies.

Farmer’s Beliefs

• Some of the beliefs are…– “We believe that the earth is sacred”.– “We agree to keep no weapons in the community”.– “We believe that inner peace is the foundation for

world peace”.– “We believe that humanity must change to survive”.– We believe that marriage, childbirth and death are

sacraments of our church”.

Stephen Gaskin

• Founder of the Farm.• A hippie born on

February 16, 1935, wasknown for being apartof the Green Party.