November, 2007

Welcome to the Plains at Parish Homestead. Probably none of use ever expected to meet in the barnyard but isn’t it exciting!

I’ve been riding a roller coaster for many years. If you’ve ever ridden one you’ll understand the thrill of the peaks but also the depth of the valleys.

One of the things I have learned from this project is the extent of the need for patience. Please be patient with me today as there are things I want you to hear so you know how much this project means to me.

I’m the sixth generation of the Parish family to live here in this house which we date as 1830. There are two more generations who refer to it as home and visit to play in the hay now in the meadow, and walk through the woods.

You’ll find their initials on a tree in the woods along with those of an uncle who visited here in the 1930’s.

The earliest generation I knew was my grandmother Martha who lived here as a widow with four children, the youngest at five was my father Lee. Martha farmed here but was afraid to do evening chores as the barn had been separated from the house by the railroad in the 1860’s. Upon the advice of George I. Wilber from the bank, the barn was moved to its present location. I only know it was after 1894.

As he grew up, my father Lee ran the farm. Shipping milk from his Holstein Dairy, eggs and even selling chickens to Van Buren’s market on River Street.

In the 1930’s he sold land along the Susquehanna to the city for the disposal plant. In the 1950’s he sold all the remaining land across the tracks to the city. This left approximately thirty five acres which makes up the Plains Project today. Homestead, Wagonhouse, Barn, Meadows and Woods.

A note in my father’s diary for March 1969 tells of an offer to by the property for developing a retirement community. His comment at that time was “I’m not ready to sell yet!”

About that time I was living here part time and I began planting blue spruce seedlings because someday it would be mind and I wanted a shield between the buildings and the meadow. Perhaps you saw some of those spruce trees today as you walked in.

We’ll skip now to the early 1900’s when I was living here alone and beginning to realize I just couldn't manage it alone anymore. It was at this time that I discussed the project with Gordie and the roller coaster picked up speed.

After several failed attempts, the day came when Gordie introduced me to Pat Tobin of Christa Construction. At last we were riding that roller coaster again.

At this point I learned that it took more than a village to make this project materialize. Today we have representatives from state, county, town and city all of whom have been involved in helping this develop. Also, represented are my closest friends whose Love encouraged me all along.

Most important is the response we have had from the community. It is you people who have showed support for the project that has made it possible. I feel so indebted and express our sincere thanks from the Parish family.

What better use for the homestead?

This all proves anything that can be visualized thought of dreamed of can become reality.

Thank you for being a part of The Plains At Parish Homestead.