From Crops to Celebrations: Farming Harmony Hill Farm Then and Now

My grandfather Willis and my Uncle Billy!

When my grandparents purchased Harmony Hill Farm in 1946, farming looked very different than it does today. Their days were shaped by the seasons, the weather, and an endless list of chores that simply had to be done—whether they felt like it or not. Cows needed feeding, fields needed tending, repairs needed making, and the land required constant care. Farming wasn’t just a job; it was a way of life rooted in responsibility, patience, and pride. Today, Harmony Hill Farm no longer produces crops or livestock in the traditional sense. Instead, it has grown into a place where people gather to celebrate weddings, attend workshops, enjoy retreats, and make meaningful memories. While the work looks different, I often find myself thinking that what we do now is still a form of farming—just with a different harvest. There are still chores, and plenty of them. The lawns must be mowed, gardens tended, barns cleaned, floors swept, lights checked, and buildings maintained. There are timelines to manage, details to prepare, and unexpected problems to solve—often at the last minute. Much like my grandparents’ work, the job doesn’t stop because of weekends, holidays, or bad weather. When something needs doing, it needs doing. The gratification, however, is very much the same. My grandparents worked hard for rewards that weren’t always immediate. A successful harvest, healthy animals, or simply keeping the farm running another year brought a deep sense of satisfaction. Today, the rewards come in different forms: watching a couple say their vows, seeing friends laugh around a farmhouse table, hearing that a retreat gave someone the reset they didn’t know they needed. These moments don’t grow in fields, but they are cultivated with just as much care. There’s also a shared sense of stewardship. My grandparents didn’t just work the land for themselves—they cared for it so it could support future generations. In the same way, we now care for the farm so it remains a welcoming, beautiful place for others. Every improvement, repair, and thoughtful decision is made with respect for the past and hope for the future. What has stayed constant is the heart behind the work. Harmony Hill Farm has always been about providing—once it was food and livelihood, and now it’s connection, celebration, and community. The tools have changed, the tasks have shifted, but the values of hard work, hospitality, and pride in what you create remain firmly rooted. In many ways, we are still farming Harmony Hill Farm. We plant ideas, nurture experiences, and harvest memories. And just like my grandparents, we end each long day tired—but grateful—for the privilege of working this land and sharing it with others.