THE HISTORY OF THE FARM AND FAMILY
The Clark family has been maintaining a highly productive operational farm since 1862. Now into their sixth generation, the family is the embodiment of the modern Ontario farm family.
The Clark family has been maintaining a highly productive operational farm since 1862. Now into their sixth generation, the family is the embodiment of the modern Ontario farm family.
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THE HISTORY
Many generations have shaped Clarkshome Farm into the unique place it is today. Originally from the county of Kent in England, Joseph Clark began farming in Kent County Ontario in 1837 and at the site of Clarkshome Farm in 1862.
Joseph’s youngest son, Charles Wesley, continued the farm and was a natural innovator. C.W. Clark drilled some of the first deep water wells in Kent County, built and operated a cider press, producing high-quality cider and cider vinegar, grafted fruit trees, and earned the affectionate name of Uncle Charlie to many in the community.
C.W. Clark’s son, Gordon, maintained the farming tradition in 1907, growing white beans, wheat, hay and pasture, and keeping draft horses, cows, and chickens.
Gordon’s son, Harry, expanded the farm with the help of his wife Dorothy. They started a pure-bred Holstein diary operation, purchased tractors and a combine, began growing corn and soybeans, and as a hobby, Harry flew a two-seat Luscombe airplane. Dorothy’s hobby was growing flowers. Her creative arrangements earned her many red ribbons at local flower shows.
Harry’s son, James (Jim), began farming alongside his father in 1968 and brought in his own ideas and expertise. Jim and his wife Ruth have raised sheep, bred and trained Border Collie dogs for herding, continued with the rotation of grain crops, introduced the growing of Seed Corn, and more recently a vegetable crop – sweet potatoes. They continue the innovation which is central to the history of Clarkshome Farm.
Joseph’s youngest son, Charles Wesley, continued the farm and was a natural innovator. C.W. Clark drilled some of the first deep water wells in Kent County, built and operated a cider press, producing high-quality cider and cider vinegar, grafted fruit trees, and earned the affectionate name of Uncle Charlie to many in the community.
C.W. Clark’s son, Gordon, maintained the farming tradition in 1907, growing white beans, wheat, hay and pasture, and keeping draft horses, cows, and chickens.
Gordon’s son, Harry, expanded the farm with the help of his wife Dorothy. They started a pure-bred Holstein diary operation, purchased tractors and a combine, began growing corn and soybeans, and as a hobby, Harry flew a two-seat Luscombe airplane. Dorothy’s hobby was growing flowers. Her creative arrangements earned her many red ribbons at local flower shows.
Harry’s son, James (Jim), began farming alongside his father in 1968 and brought in his own ideas and expertise. Jim and his wife Ruth have raised sheep, bred and trained Border Collie dogs for herding, continued with the rotation of grain crops, introduced the growing of Seed Corn, and more recently a vegetable crop – sweet potatoes. They continue the innovation which is central to the history of Clarkshome Farm.
