Urban paper does series on historical farms

In a good example of rural coverage by a smaller newspaper in a tri-state metropolitan area, an Eastern Kentucky daily is publishing a series of local farm profiles. Carrie Stambaugh, writing for The Independent of Ashland, most recently profiled the Meadows family, right, of Oldtown, Ky. Stambaugh recounts the history of the Meadows' farm, which dates back to 1911, before examining the current operation.

“I had a good childhood right here on this ground," Mildred Meadows Claxon, 84, told Stambaugh. "I never had to move. I was born here, raised here. I went to school about a mile up the road. Never had to move like other kids did." Grandson Jared Stephens, who owns the farm with his wife, has adapted the family's history into two novels, which he hopes will help preserve a simpler way of life he fears is disappearing from the U.S. "There are still people who appreciate the importance of a simple life," he told Stambaugh. (Read more)

You can see the entire farm series via Stambaugh's personal website here.