Why did we call our educational homestead, Scuttlebutt Farm.

Well the service in the US Navy influenced our family for many years. The modern definition of Scuttlebutt has two meanings. 1. A water drinking fountain and 2. Gossip, you may wonder, how these two different definitions came about?

Understanding that traditional sailing ships prior to cell phones when communications between ships were largely initiated by Signal Flags, life at sea was much more difficult. The work was hard and when a break was permitted, frequently a cask or barrel of water or other drink would be opened so the Sailors could hydrate. During the break Sailors could gain favor with their shipmates by telling entertaining stories. So, the Scuttlebutt was the place where the drink came from, and also, the stories or gossip spread during that break. In the modern Navy water fountains are still referred to as Scuttlebutts.

Understanding the origin of the word, how why would we name our place after it?

After more than 20 years in the Navy, I (Mark) wanted to buy a home put up a big fence and tell the entire world to Kiss my arse! I wanted to exercise freedom in a world that seemed and still seems determined to deny any opportunity to do so. As we moved from San Diego, Ca to Hampton Roads Virginia, I started growing some plants. I felt drawn toward nature and natural systems over those systemically managed by “the Man”. I felt like healing and finding my true self happened more in nature than other roles, culminating in a conclusion that security does not come from big fences, it comes from community and people working together in natural ways to care for one another.

Long before we purchased the property for Scuttlebutt Farm, we agreed that it would be a place where people come together to Learn, Grow, and Share the Joy of Living.

Prior to purchasing Scuttlebutt Farm, this property was the home of Ray’s Barber Shop, some of you locals may remember it as such. The Barber Shop has been renovated as a home office. We are not really a business at this point so we do not have a store or business hours. If you want to visit please use the contact form and will we set something up.

Now you know why we call our Homestead Scuttlebutt Farm, we are far more interested in developing a local community, than we are in selling massive quantities of products to the entire world. We are open to your suggestions and comments about how we can do this better.