Full village living off land & craft like modern Amish: 350 families & growing
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- Опубликовано: 4 май 2024
- In the heart of Texas, 1200 members of the Homestead Heritage community have spent the past 5 decades working the land for their food, energy, water and livelihoods, both for their own health as well as that of the land.
On about 500 acres of community-owned land, about 350 families are planting crops like wheat that they then grind for flour in their water-powered grist mill and then bake into bread that they sell at their restaurant. They grow the basics, but also crops like sorghum ("a sweetener of the south that was locally available before the sugar trade") that they turn into syrup with their horse-powered press and sell as sorghum pecan ice cream at their cafe.
The members of this agrarian- and craft-based intentional Christian community aim to be as self-sufficient as possible in as many ways as possible. They have dozens of hand looms for weaving their own clothing (jackets included). There's a blacksmith, leather workers, basket weavers, and furniture makers.
There are a lot of people that feel the shaking, there are a lot of people that recognize that things aren't going to be able to go the way that they have and that changes are coming, explains Greg Godsey who co-owns the Heritage Coffee Shop and Heritage Architecture:
"You might hear the term prepper, and a lot of times that is stockpiling lots of things, stockpiling food or ammo. That's not really our approach. The idea of stockpiling and the nature of it is not sustainable. That's what the stockpile is that it's going to have an end and we're trying to think about it from an approach of, how can we recognize that their are changes coming, things are failing, things are not going to always go as they have and can we be doing something to prepare for that that has a look ahead in a positive way that can maybe teach people to sustain themselves or bring people together."
- Homestead Heritage: www.homesteadheritage.com/
- Heritage Architecture: www.houzz.com/professionals/a...
* Farm footage and community life footage courtesy of Ben Owen: circlebphoto.com
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/ecov... 
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I used to be a museum interpreter at the 17th Century Moravian Industrial Area in Bethelehem, PA. We had restored grist mill, tannery, weaving/spinning room, pottery room. We had activities for the school kids and summer camp. I taught kids how to make a handwoven pouch, a leather pouch, and clay marbles for their pouches. We toured the grounds and talked about the buildings that used to be there and taught Moravian history. It was wonderful. I loved it. It was there that I touched my first spinning wheel and was allowed to spin for the first time when I was 12. I am 66 now and am a gardener, dyer, spinner, and knitter. I would love to live in a community like this.
My aunt was a docentat Historic St Maryy's city and spins, knits,... Cool job!
They don’t even have field trips like that anymore. I grew up in New England.
They don’t have field trips like that anymore. I had them growing in New England I’m not sure if it’s there anymore
I really appreciate that they don't reject modern technology altogether but they seem to have a healthy recognition of when its useful and when it isn't
thats how it should be. Practical with focus on the goal and not based on ideology (which is a broad term that can apply to any motivation)
But . . . solar?
There's a term for this. It's called Appropriate Technology. In a nutshell, it is items that hit that sweet spot of engineered enough to maximize efficiency and safety, but not so over engineered that it breaks down easily or requires many external inputs to keep running or the risks of having the new feature outweigh any benefit to the user (looking at you, touchscreens in cars, and fridges connected to the internet)
A cooperative movement is the way to shut down corporations and make a better life for ordinary people
They are a cult though, with a well documented publicly available wide range of proof for abuse of people and mainly children.
True that
@johnransom1146 It totally is, but just not entirely the way they do it. Tried to post links to articles about the shady side of this place and their practices, but they seem to keep getting removed. Do a Google search about them. The Texas Observer article is the most detailed.
bb bbut if the stock numbers don't go up, we are doomed, right??
@@teekanne15 if you’ve got everything that you need, stock markets are irrelevant
I loved it! We live off grid by ourselves but recognize that to be able to be self-sufficient we need to be part of a community. I would have loved to hear about their "politics" and how they manage conflicts to achieve this kind of harmony. Thank you!
It looks like someone might have replied to your post, but I can't see it. Tried to post links to articles about the shady side of this place and their practices, but they seem to keep getting removed. Do a Google search about them. The Texas Observer article is the most detailed.
Christ!
This has been your best video ever. This give me a little hope for our country. I wished that community was closer to me because I would look to see if I could join it. Right now I farm my little back yard and create enough food for three families. thanks again for sharing
Ditto !
It is a cult, so enjoy what you have dearly.
@@Brian-jv8iy yeah and right now we are in the forth stage of becoming a communist country. So you better learn how to do things for you self because pretty soon you will own nothing and be happy. You will not eat meat but eat bugs and will be happy. I would rather learn and rely on my own skills than to ask the government to take care of me.
Define cult 🤔
Someone tried to steal a Germanic faith book. The thief when caught was angry about not being able to read it. Not in English, did not even have the same symbols. Their letters are known to some to have some similarities and difference in appearances to Germanic runes. The faith refuses to aid in translations so who know what is written in the book, history, science or religious or just a book on how to grow crops. The faith did not seem to be overly concerned about the book but did want the thief in prison for moral reasons. Faith libraries and data bases are all in this tongue. The faith claims English is a trade tongue and has no real value to faith outside of business and trade. Faith sometimes use a picture of a maiden or a hooded woman with a needle and a wounded warrior as a sign of the healer. Perhaps their is a connection to the book. myths , legends or healing knowledge. A story of a warrior struck down and a maiden who sowed him back together. like a ripped sock or piece of cloth.
Community living with Food and Energy Self Sufficiency should be the aim for all of us???
You should do your research, this is a dangerous Cult, being investigated for crimes against Children . Wake up!
No question! It should be
Totally. Just maybe not the way they do it. Tried to post links to articles about the shady side of this place and their practices, but they seem to keep getting removed. Do a Google search about them. The Texas Observer article is the most detailed.
@@r0ute66junkie I could see it was mainly a "tourist" attraction but is still a good ground to show simpler forms of life. The large private houses also do not reflect the sharing of resources??
@r0ute66junkie there's always some negative that comes with any society and you can bet money that the government will try it's best to slander any place that might take people out of its system. They need wage slaves, if everyone did this they'd be screwed. Leave the corrupt system and join a nice sounding way of living.. not on their time!
These are the people that will survive when modern society fails. .....wise people.
God bless them.
I used to say the same thing about the Amish after observing them in my community. Then when I learned they are against any kind of armed defense I no longer believe that.
@@shirley7137 The Amish LIVE the teachings of Christ. It’s not for everyone.
Jesus recipes were armed, read your bible. Even when the recipe cut one of the Roman soldiers ears off Jesus never said give them your weapon...read your bible buddy. This 70 y/o will be in compliance with the will of the Lord if a weapon is needed to protect me and mine.
Kirsten, i've been watching you for a loooong time. This is by far, the very best piece, I have seen you produce. This is the lifestyle we should all aspire to. That guy was an inspiration, as was their development.
I don't think as a people, we fully grasp, what we have sold ever so cheaply, in our lost, once beautiful culture.
You should consider a part 2 to this community as so many questions need to be asked. What is private property and what belongs to the village. How is the village administered? Who pays for what and what is provided by the community? How is work parcelled out? Who looks after the big picture of the community? Who is responsible for the big projects? Etc.
I'm a local, but not a community member. Broadly, the community owns farmland and a central "village" craft, dining and retail area where the public visits and a separate church worship center. Many families live on adjoining homesteads they each own while other families live on homesteads farther away (a few miles). They own many privately owned family businesses involving things like beekeeping, livestock, candle making- you name it. I don't know their legal relationships or how they're set up for accounting etc. I do know they're in a covenant church family who worships together and shares common Christian beliefs (they say are closest to Anabaptist). What a wonderful asset is to our central Texas area! Honest, hardworking, creative in thought and deed. Well worth even several days for visiting, learning and relaxing.
Yes! I'm so curious too! How can we start organizing our selves like this and creating more of these communities!?
I'd watch a part 2
These questions are likely not discussed with the general public.
The people with the most valuable resources (money & tools, skills & labor, ect) run the show in non-communist societies.
@jonesnbones Have you personally been there? I have visited and taken classes there for many years. What I see, as an outsider, is that skills are passed down through some families, some are apprenticeships. I don't get the feeling that their culture is based on who you know, but what you know in the way of skills that will help the entire community
This is one of the worthiest videos you've produced. Amazing!
This was super informative. The 8-bit system and 2-bit system of the 13th century loom was really interesting.
Agreed. I have an abacus. It’s amazing. With an abacus, a slide rule and a carpenter’s square you can calculate and design anything!
I grew up on the eastern Ohio border with PA. this is very reminiscent of the Amish which were everywhere around here and they are actually now moving out among the rolling hills to more city life of selling and buying business's. I see many Amish homes and lands are pretty cheap in Western PA. This is a wonderful concept of living and life. Key is live simply and things sure fall into place. Thanks Kirsten and crew.
When I lived in Chester County, Pa. in the 1980's my Amish contractor building an addition to my home was from around Blue Ball. He said the young in his community were having a hard time finding more farmland that they could afford. He had his business and lived on the family farm, helping his brother financially to run the farm. He told me that often an unmarried aunt would give young family members a loan for a farm.
I live in South Texas and have been imagining starting a community like this, all the right elements. I’m definitely going to have to go up there and check it out! Grateful for your content as always
How great a life! I'm a carpenter and woodworker. I totally depend on the sounds the saw makes when I'm building something. I've been planting trees, gardens, and raising farm animals for 61 years. I began in 1963 when I was just 6 years old. What an idyllic paradigm for life and community.
Makes a lot of sense. Sustainability will never happen commuting 50 km daily in a 2.5 ton's electric automobile to your cubical and from your personal concrete box.
Wise words!
Such a wonderful tour narrative by Mr. Godsey along with the villagers explaining their areas of expertise. They have created a lovely place to live in such community. A little "heaven" on earth. that I would like to visit some day. I grew up spending much time with my grandparents and was taught how to use all the hand tools shown in the wood shop, and many "old fashioned" skills from my grandparents and parents. May God bless and keep them.
Grew up having sorghum syrup on pancakes. My grandparents would purchase it at a farm in northern Michigan that made their own maple syrup and sorghum syrup. Grandfather was a WW1 veteran who lived to be 101, passing in 1998.
Whether going in to the office or tending a food garden, living requires work. I've always thought the work of self-sustenance was meaningful and important.
Many of us have lost ourselves in the technology-heavy way we end up living. Living off land connects us to the earth, community and to ourselves.
LOVE this video!
That aquaponics is awesome setup
I liked that as well, though it was kind of an afterthought as we walked by it and I asked what was inside the greenhouse. They have a lot going on.
You've really dialed in the editing of these videos. I love how it just starts without preamble.
I have taken several classes there throughout the years: carpentry with hand tools, beekeeping, orchards and berries. At the end of their courses, your brain feels like it will explode from all the information the instructors have given you. They have knowledge that we should all learn, both in the classes and in the way they see other people.
I have visited the Homestead Heritage place a few times and it is amazing. If you are ever in the Waco, Texas, area, plan to visit it. You won’t be disappointed.
Always a Fantastic video Kirsten, what a place. I call it NORMAL LIVING. before greed took over and filks got lazy. Thanks for sharing👍👍
BEST EPISODE, EVER. THANK YOU SO MUCH KIRSTEN!!!!❤❤❤
A lovely video of a fascinating place. I just attended a retreat where the main speaker was a pastor whose inner-city church is a beehive of self-reliance and community in a former city ghetto. They have little in common with the activities of this village, other than industry , creativity, and a can-do spirit. And they are thriving. Many thanks for your video.
This community started in NYC! And some of their communities across the world are in cities, with the hopes of acquiring land eventually. There's a lot one can do with good community.
I'm in awe. Shared and now I'm dreaming of being a part of such a community.
Anyone else notice how fit and healthy everyone in this video looks?
True but I see there are the pro-government types posting, who only see a lack of diversity. They must love the democrat's invading force of 10+ million criminal invaders, mostly young men which we now are FORCED to pay for their housing, food, medical care.
Fresh, ripe, poison-free food helps with that.
I love this place, i donated my mother’s older 2 quilting machine to one of the ladies. I know it has a wonderful home.
I loved every minute of this. I don’t think people realize how many of us want this for ourselves and with others . If we would just open up, we would be shocked to find out this is more normal than not.
I’m a single mom and I’m doing it on my own in a home in a rural neighborhood, but I’m homesteading with what I have….💜🙏
I was loving this ideal lifestyle and thought to myself that it is amazing that there is no religion involved so I decided to look into it and it turns out that there is. Unfortunately, there are some not so great things said about this religious community. I wish it was as good as it seemed.
Kirsten, another testimony to your excellence in your craft.
This is so inspirational. This place has some of the most brilliant teachers and what a great facility!
I would have liked to have heard more about their broader philosophy. I was struck by the absence of women featured in the video.
A very wise question indeed. All that sparkles is not gold...😉👍
And then the way the girls were dressed at the very beginning..
Women are very active in this community. I've met many, and it's pretty clear when you're actually walking around the place, not just watching one person's footage. A lot of stores are run by women, and couples often own and manage their businesses together. But when they have children, the priority is raising them & their schooling.
They dress 'modestly' - below the knee, I forget the length of their sleeves, but their dresses always have sleeves and a higher neckline. No naked bellies, no sleeveless tops, no shorts (long cotton dresses are actually cooler than synthetic fibers), sturdy shoes. They look and act comfortable. Their religious beliefs do govern their interactions and dress, but I don't think they see it as restricted, just modest. As someone said, they can start and own businesses. Pottery, weaving, quilting (they opened a fabric shop and give lessons), making soap, cheeses, I can't think of too many items they don't make. I don't know much about their education system or how their religion affects how far they go to school or if college is an option.
Impressive that this is still a way of life in these days of high tech. It seems like this way of life serves the people and the land much better than most of the new and improved processes. I really appreciated the woodshop as I am the daughter of a master craftsman who apprenticed in Germany in the late 30s. He still used many old methods in his modern architectural millwork shop.
Beautiful and inspiring. So much more i want to know. One thing i noticed was that no one was overweight.
The only "fun" thing about stacking rocks is when you are done! I speak from experience.
Luv the Heritage coffee shop/roaster high ceiling barn with the Dutch bottom and the English top architecture style, and only unique to the US he says. And he sure knows a lot of idioms and their origins, i.e. keeping your nose to the grindstone. Always keeping knowledge alive, I like that. And thanks to Kirsten's other half for all his videography contribution. And can we get a mention of his name in the transcript sometime ?....until the next one !!
We drive down from Fort Worth to go to dinner at the cafe a few times a year. We love to visit the homestead
Not even a smirk at the revelation that the super-sized leather 'fly swatter' was their number one best seller.
As an Australian that would probably be my first purchase too.🪰
@@karennewberry4694 Australia? It's the drop bears that worry me...
@@James-In-Exile nah, a dab of Vegemite behind the ears and avoiding walking under overhanging trees foils drop bears every time...unless they're REALLY hungry..
@@karennewberry4694 Ah, now I know. I opted for a dab of Marmite behind the ears on my last trip Down Under, but still thought I saw shadows of the lurking drop bears preparing to pounce. I'll be more careful next time and switch to Vegemite. Thanks for the tip!
This is SO Lovely and Interesting~~💚
Highly interesting ! Big thanks to you and the Farm spokesmen for such an amazing episode. Cheers.🇨🇦 p.s. Keremeos,BC has a working grist mill also.
I'm not religious but the Amish are admirable, they're keeping it real, making and doing, not waiting for prayers, they're really, really practising what they are preaching and keeping the skills and knowledge alive. Great crafts people. Great video!
Well I think if you would go to the roots of this Community beliefs, then you would surprisedly find that this community isn’t a religious group of people. They believe in the word of God but their background doesn’t come from the Amish and it started in New York City
@deafdave6468 I don't really think they practice what they preach. Or if they do it's not what they explain here in the video. Tried to post links to articles about the shady side of this place and their practices, but they seem to keep getting removed. Do a Google search about them. The Texas Observer article is the most detailed.
I do not think the people shown in this video are actually Amish. That’s why title says “amish like living”
Amish are not Little House on the prairie. . Lookup Eli Yodder .
@@r0ute66junkieWhy are you focused on the negative? Don’t they do ANYTHING right?
What a wonderful place. That is the best way of life. Modern isn't always better
I'd love to be in one of these types of places. Even as someone who works and lives off technology, I yearn for a life of growing food and nurturing plants.
I wonder what you do when some turn out to be thieves and worse? I love the Idea of what you are doing and hope it works for you. We have lost our faith in humanity and are off grid by ourselves.
There's a working water mill (on acreage) for sale in Cumbria, I would give anything to be able to buy it and start working the land...
Fabulous project! Thank you for the tour.
Now THIS is how you do it! No compromising on beauty and order either.
Extraordinary, inspirational.. Thanks Kirsten
This was so informative. The way they live makes me wanna move there.
Great place and a lot of goodness happening. Slow down the plowing to a no-till practice and plant more native flowers and grasses to attract native beneficial insects and pollinators (instead of the European honeybee). Love the regenerative habits you are sharing with each other. Great stories about the mill. Gorgeous woodwork. Love how the loom is connected to computing. Gratitude and inspiration and thanks to all the hardworking folks cooperating to make this space an intentional fruitful community.
No-till is the goal at Homestead! Unfortunately it’s difficult and may be a ways down the road as there aren’t many horse-drawn no-till implements.
Excellent video Kirsten! It’s great knowing there are places like this that not only educate but provide a valuable service to the community while holding on to traditional ways of life. I hope you got to enjoy a nice healthy meal while you were there😊
Lovely place. So organized and everything is quality.
I’ve been here several times and they are wonderful people and their classes are amazing!
Fascinating! This is my favorite video that you've ever done. What an amazing community.
Loved this show fantastic community you’ve created. Thank you for sharing it. ❤😊
Cool video, cool crafting, greetings from Austria! Alexandra
Ingenious! Thoroughly enjoyed this.
The over-shot water wheel was not the most efficient. The pelton water wheel was more efficient. The grist mill is under utilized. Apart from milling grain , it can run a de-shelling machinery for pumpkins and sunflower seeds as well as the pecans. These can be further processed into extracted oil. For the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The burning of wood can be avoided by using the heat of a compost pile to warm the tilapia water. The fish waste water is percolated through a pile of carbonaceous materials, on soaked this material is removed to become aerobic compost which provide the heat for the tilapia. The compost is further processed by worms and some of the worms are fed back to the tilapia.
This is one of your best videos yet. Absolutely fascinating. A wealth of information.
I have been there. Eat at their restaurant. Food is awesome!
WOW! I am amazed! This would make a great field trip for sure! Would love to see this!
Love this. It will be interesting to see how they sustain it during a major "event"! Right now it seems to thrive because they have clientele outside of their system. ie the Public who purchase their products and services.
Very educational as well as entertaining! Thank you! 😊
Great show, Kirsten. Perfect filmography. You two continue to impress me with the subject matter and how interesting you make it!
Loved this video!
wow! This english-dutch barn and the story of a threshold made me watch this part of video three times!
Healthy hard-working men figuring out how to deal with techologies not showing off, invitate others to the process of solving probs...
Inspiring, Impressive thank you Kirsten!
Great piece, Kirsten. Thanks.
This video fulfilled me with inspiration. What an amazing way of life.
I learned so much in this video! What a great teacher the guide was. Thank you
What a wonderful community. Everyone looks happy and healthy and really enjoying living! I knit, so i loved that textile room.
Everybody at some point in their job or relationships stops and looks around and wonders "what am I doing here this is not for me".
the only part i wish was covered was how everyone is paid for their work. Each job must pay a certain amount.
I imagine they do it the way the Amish do.
I now want to find a place like this to move my family to. I'm not afraid of hard work! ❤
Thank you for so many remarkable places, so diligently pursued and uploaded: A superb channel!
What struck me also - this time - was how animated, joyful and engaged all three your children were. The place and people must have rung true for them also?
Anyway - a video very much enjoyed, and many thanks to your family for the marvellous commitment shown.
2:16 that tree is magnificent
Overwhelmingly Beautiful Story and I'm Happy for the Community.
I had to rewatch the section in the textile shop because it was so much awesome in such a short period of time.
That's a serious amount of money to build and maintain that place
They sell many items, mostly at each shop. Their restaurant serves food that is good for you and is phenomenal, they teach classes in all the buildings, for which they charge tuition. They make gourmet cheeses, have a coffee shop, sell the flours they grind, and have a 'dangerous' quilt and fabric shop. I have watched them grow over the years and, although my ideas on religion are not in line with theirs, I have no problem learning from them, being around them (they don't push their religion), or taking classes from them. They are people to which our society should look at to figure out some of our own problems.
Wow! This place and all they are doing is incredible!!! I love it all, so much.
This is beautiful. The way life was meant to be.
Imagine how amazing that property would be if it used permaculture techniques!
Best visit yet! Thank you
Neat video. I’m from southern Indiana and I have seen a lot of this done. Thank you for sharing.😊
Loving the unearthing of idioms that essentially had their moorings in everyday life (work and social). Toe-curling enjoyment.
The most inspirational thing I’ve seen in a while.
Wonderful recreation village done much cuter than the original. City people must love this stuff. 👍
What a line , U invest yourself in so many pieces and there is piece of U all over the place ❤❤❤
Such a beautiful inspiring video! Well done, I really would like to watched 2 more hours of this
Thank you for this. We lived in an intentional community in the early 80's, and this community is an amazing role model.
I am saving up to buy land and researching how to start a successful IC. May I ask why you left your community from the 80s? Cheers!
Thank you for the great, precise video, way forward!
Very nice production and great story. Thank you.
Amazing!, informative! and inspiring! video. Thank you so much guys, cheers!
This has to be my favourite tour you’ve done that guy was so interesting and all the beautiful crafts and oh everything lol ❤️🇳🇿🇳🇿
Absolutely love this sort of thing. I wish I could have found a community like that when I was a young one. Great content but Kirsten you always do a great job and I have been following your channel for many years. I agree with the comment below. I would like to hear a lot more about this wonderful project.
What an extraordinary place. Truly something to aspire to. What vision the founders had!
I’m in love with the whole place and the whole concept.
Self sustainability will be the only way of life, it's all about to collapse and there are events in our near future that will send us back into the stone ages. I've been working on self sustainability for 13 years now.
Amazing episode.
Honestly, i am always in awe when i see this way of living. Wish it for all humans.
I live in NE Texas. What is the average cost of getting into this community, Do families have their individual homes? I'm assuming a purchase of a land parcel would be necessary? Who is paying for all these amenities and buildings?
These type living arrangements can be good but they can also be very shady. I would want to know who's name all this land is in? Getting that many people on one location can be a recipe for disaster and anyone investing in this type arrangement better be very very careful about what you actually own your rights and responsibilities and what happens if you decide that's not for you. Looks like this is also a commercial operation and that throws up a red flag.
This is a church group. The folks you see are part of that congregation. They welcome visitors who can learn and take that learning to perhaps replicate back home.
@@countrysister700 That is what I suspected. Thanks..