ABOUT US
Our farm was built in 1869 by Thomas Ireland Smith (1835-1925). Thomas’ father James Smith owned the large 210 acre farm where Thomas grew up, bordered by Morrow Rossburg, Bennett, and Ludlum roads in Morrow. The land was later divided between Thomas and his brother Samuel.
Thomas' house was built along with a large timber frame barn. Both farms stayed in the Smith family until 1944, with additional land divisions occurring in the late 1960s. Samuel's house still stands today at the corner of Bennett and Morrow Rossburg Roads. Thomas' son's house (the George Smith house) which was constructed in the 1920s over the original homestead cabin foundation, remains part of our farm.
1871
PRESENT DAY
The farm extends almost a half mile, encompassing lands within the James Smith, George Smith, and Thomas Ireland Smith homesteads. We've planted over 6,000 seedlings at the farm - and not just maples! We are transforming reclaimed cropland back into healthy woods with significant diversity.
In our emerging woodlands, you can find many young sweet gum trees, alder, cypress, fir, walnut, poplar, paw paw, sycamore (all volunteers), and several species of oak - with a base of native grasses underneath to increase wildlife habitats. We have also planted over 10 acres of wildflower meadows and are actively propagating stands of milkweed. Restored ponds and creeks support abundant wildlife.
Maple Syrup Traditions
We've been making maple syrup at the farm since 2009 under the Thomas Ireland Smith Farm name, but many of those who lived here before us made "liquid gold" as well. There is a wonderful story that was handed down to us about a special sugar maple.
Learn more about the science of "sugaring" in southern Ohio
One day an errant maple seed fell through a crack in the roof of the old workshop and onto the floor where it sprouted. Against all odds the seedling survived, climbing skyward until it broke through the roof. Even then it was allowed to continue growing through the workshop until the 1970s when the building was finally removed around it, leaving the tree in place.
This tree has been tapped by many generations of owners. We also have a lovely row of old sugar maples that line the street. In addition to sugar maples, we tap silver, black, and red maples on our farm to produce our 100% Pure Ohio Maple Syrup.
