Reist farm settled in 1827 MOUNT JOY - Many Immigrants coming to this country in the early 19th century, settled near here both to form and work In the mills. One such settler from Switzerland was John Reist. Realizing the need for more farming land, family history indicated that Reist selected some 120 acres west of Mount Joy to begin his farming enterprise and raise a family. Reiat’s farm was handed down through the generations which followed and is currently owned by his great-great grandson, Alvin Reist. Alvin’s son, Henry, is currently residing on the homestead settled 149 years ago. Located on what is now known as Longcnecker Road, the farm Is situated on a hillside with acres of tillable land on both sides. A creek cuts through the southwestern portion of the Reist farm and is framed by black walnut trees and a land which once supported a peach orchard The original house, which is still lived in, was built in 1832 with both limestone and some sandstone which was found on the property. Hand-hewn timbers of solid oak were the supporting beams for both the house and the bam. Eight rooms including four upstairs and four down made up the farm dwelling which was altered with some framework in the early 1900’s. Think Big. 3 Single Beater PTO spreader—built to make short work of those big spreading jobs. 'Optional Upper Beater /DmuuuiPi Breaks up big hunks, shreds the load for better /fja*7PtCl spreading pattern...adds BP load-carrying capacity, as 2-Year Warranty on Chain. When you think big, think conveyor chain. This giant has a super Heavy Duty Chain (20,000 lbs. tensile strength) that’s backed by this full 2-year warranty. Stop in. We’re thinking (>lg on trades... right now!^^ A. L.HERR&BRO. Quairyville 717-786-3521 ROY H. BUCH, INC. Ephrata, RD2 717-859-2441 STOLTZFUS FARM SERVICE Cochranville, PA 215-593-5280 CHAS. J. McCOMSEY ( SONS AB.C. GROFF, INC. Hickory Hill PA New Holland 215-932-2615 717-354-4191 LONGENECKER FARM SUPPLY Rheems 717-367-3590 By MELISSA PIPER N. G. HERSHEY & SON Msnheim 717-665-2271 LANDiS BROS., INC. Lancaster 717-393-3906 M. S. YEARSLEY &SONS Westchester 215-696-2990 Numerous fireplaces dotted the inside of the house with some still remaining. The Rclst farm house still utilizes the same hardwood floors which were originally placed for flooring. ‘Tf you look closely you can see that some of the flooring was made up of yellow pine, not native to this area,” (Alvin) Rcist explained "But since Marietta was a timbering area, it is probably safe to assume that the lumber came from that town." The original kitchen was a large room probably used for much of the living area. Three doors, all in a row, lined the east side of the room and lead to a dining room, cellar and hallway. A large fireplace provided the means for cooking and was used until (Alvin) Reist’s great grandparents bought a stove. Two staircases provided entry to the second floor, with the “every day” steps leading upward from the kitchen. These steps were very narrow and short in width com pared to the stairs which were located in the living room. The comer of the attic was used as a smoke house and was sectioned off from the main portion. The chimney occupied one comer of the room to provide additional heat. The Reist home has changed little since it was built in 1832. Framework has been added and renovations made inside, but for the most part, the house still looks similar to the first dwelling built nearly a century and a half ago. Although there is no date on the barn building, it is thought that is was built about the same time as the house. Alvin Reist pointed out that is was built in a traditional bank type structure. “The stables were located in the lower portion with the gram, machinery and hay storage located on top,” Reist explained. The barn was fashioned by oak timbers and limestone with two gable-like features rising on either side. Although little more is known about the actual fanning of the early Reist’s, Alvin recalled some of his father’s techinques. “We used the farm as a general one with steers some dairy animals and horses for fanning.” “My father was interested in the creamery business and split his time between that and fanning,” Reist noted. “Some 118 acres was fanned for grain and hay along with raising the animals.” Reist began fanning the property in 1922 and continued in that field until 1950. Along with his fanning work, Reist also founded the Reist Seed Company of Mount Joy in 1925. Utilizing the natural lay of the land and creek surrounding the property, Reist with two other neighbors built a dam along die creek and used the hydroelectric power for lighting the farms. The farms along the creek used the power until 1946 when the public utilities took over servicing the areas. Five generations have lived on the property settled by John Reist in 1827 and although many changes have taken place in the form of roads and new houses, the land remains primarly the same. The fields still hold their share of limestone once used to build a home and the creek still winds its way along the comers of the farm. Standing on the hill overlooking the water, one is still reminded of Reist’s early efforts, for the Swiss settler, planted a large grove of black walnut trees which still shade the banks of die creek. EGG & POULTRY PRODUCERS!!! ARE MICE AND RATS DAMAGING CONVEYOR BELTS & FEED?? J. C. EHRLICH CO., INC. PEST CONTROL , 1278 LOOP ROAD LANCASTER, PA 397-3721 WILL GIVE YOU A FREE ESTIMATE FOR CONTROL AND MONTHLY PREVENTIVE SERVICE. Lancaster Farming, Saturday, Jan. 17,1976 Alvin Reist looks over his Mount Joy R 1 farm, which has been in the family name for the past 149 years. The farm house in the background was built by Reist’s great-great grandfather in 1832, utilizing the limestone rocks found in the fields. Game survey mailed The Pennsylvania Game Commission will conduct a mail survey concerning hunting practices and small game harvested' during the 1975-76 hunting seasons. About two percent of the state’s hunting license buyers will receive questionnaires on the number of small game birds and animals harvested, the counties in which the species were hunted, and the number of days spent afield. The recipients of the questionnaires will be asked to complete the fonns and Vegetable HARRISBURG - The Bucks County Vegetable Growers Association repeated as winners of the best county vegetable exhibit at the 60th Farm Show. This marks the 11th straight year that the Bucks County group has captured this honor. Chairman of the exhibit is Matt Haist, of 432 Hatboro Road, Ivyland. The best farmers display and best growers collection were exhibited by Domnick Pellegrino, of 1981 Hansell Drive, Cornwell Heights. return them to the Game Commission. An addressed, postage-paid envelope is provided as part of each questionnaire. Forms were mailed to randomly-selected individuals, including non resident hunters, on January 16. The survey is designed not only to evaluate the magnitude of the small game harvest, but also to reveal quickly any changes taking place in smaller areas, such as in one county or several counties in a particular geographic region. exhibitor consistent In mushroom judging competition, Richard E. Phillips, of Chester Rl, won first places in two white mushroom classes. Salisbury steak, which is bunless hamburger, comes from a Dr J. H. Salisbury, who about 75 years ago recommenced ground steak three times a day for a whole list of ailments. 63
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers