Book Description

Throughout their bountiful history, Vashon Island farmers have faced weevils, frost, hailstorms, war, internment, and other catastrophes by turning adversity to advantage. They survived to pass down a legacy of exciting oral history to coming generations. Now for the first time ever, their stories have been collected into a book by Seattle writer Pamela J. Woodroffe. Read what these farmers say about the following: —the urgency to produce healthy food —leading the standards for raising strawberries, chickens, roses, and fruit trees—losing farms to war and prejudice—the peaceful work ethic of life on a farm—the history and future of sustainable agriculture on a tiny isle in Puget Sound, Washington “Residents of Vashon Island should count themselves lucky to have this painstaking oral history of their agricultural heritage.” Michael Pollan, author of The Botony of Desire: A Plants-Eye View of the World. “A very instructional piece on the history of agriculture and the major changes that agriculture has encountered on Vashon Island over the last several decades.” Eric K. Nelson, King County Agriculture Program Coordinator. “It's good to hear the stories of the new generation of Island farmers who are carrying on the tradition of connecting their community with the land.” Mark Musick, a founder of the Tilth Association, Farmer Liaison with Seattle’s Pike Place Market.