From our family, to yours

Our History

According to the oldest record of deeds in our possession, the property was described and used as early as 1886. Arnold Simerly and his father, Rossie, purchased the property at 130 Cedar Grove Road in June 1947, leading to a 56-year-long farming adventure at Arnold’s direction until his death in 2003 at 82.

Arnold was a life-long supporter of farmers and spent his life advocating for protections for the agriculture industry and those living in poverty. He was a beloved and noted figure in the tri-cities farming community. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Sarah for over 40 years, and the farm, by all accounts, was their pride and joy. Arnold was my first cousin, twice removed on my papaw Donnie’s side, but in many ways, he was an extended “papaw” figure in my life. He taught me the importance of hard work, kindness, and thriftiness.

After Arnold’s death my grandmother, Maxine “Mammie”, took over the property and has maintained it since. She and her husband, Scott, live just over the hill on a smaller piece of the original farmland- feel free to wave at them from the barn if you’d like!