Driving down a main highway surrounded by farmland on every side, I caught a glimpse of the gable and porch on this old house. I winded my way through the backroads until I found the driveway and then turned in with an incredible excitement as if I had just struck gold.
This old farmhouse stands as the center of a family farm that has seen many years of hard work and determination. Nathan Shook, a prosperous and committed community member began a farm that raised livestock like horses, mules, and cattle along with growing grain. He built this home in 1893 with timber from his farmland. He was described as “making farming his life work” by a relative.
After the death of his wife in the 1920s, Nathan never fully recovered and put the farm up for sale. This is when it came into the hands of the Vanzant family and has been there ever since.
I spoke with the owner and I could see that they truly love this place. Her husband was born here and her son and grandson still work the farm. Most everything is original in this house and it makes my heart happy to have learned the story behind this old farmhouse.
