Guest columnist: Bowie Old Farm Show celebrates the past

The dominant question at the Bowie Old Farm Show was, “What is all this about?” Good question. It is about more than normally meets the eye.

The technology in use on today’s farms bears little resemblance to that of a few years ago.

We now have a largely urban population in contrast to the largely rural population of the past. Thus, the younger generation — both urban and rural — sees little connection to the technology or the culture that it spawned in years past.

Are we going to reinstate that technology on farms today? The answer is a resounding “no.” Then why bother with the Bowie Old Farm Show?

The agricultural technology of the past made community cooperation a necessity. Neighbors worked together to thresh grains, to build houses and barns, to take care of the sick, and from this there was a community bond that has been largely lost. Those who remember that time look wistfully to the past and wish our children and grandchildren an equally satisfying experience in today’s culture. We can at least give them some markers along the road that their ancestors walked.

Even though the Bowie Old Farm Show provides a wide display of yesterday’s technology, it is not just about horses, antique tractors, making molasses, milking cows by hand, grinding grits or any of the other features of the show.

It portrays a culture and way of life very different from that of today. It is a time for many to remember and a time for younger generations to consider their roots.

The church (the “meetin’ house”) was the primary social outlet for farming communities of the past. The Bowie Old Farm Show recognized that fact. Gospel singing all day Saturday was followed by a Sunday morning church service .

Young and old, rural and city dwellers will find a part of the way of life experienced by our founding fathers at the Bowie Old Farm Show. Don’t miss it next June.

Ken DeHaven of Anderson is president of the Bowie Old Farm Show. The most recent event was Oct. 4, in Iva.