Special Feature
Nestled in the city of Harpersville, Ala., Old Baker Farm is a busy, family owned and operated farm – and has been for more than 200 years! Jerry Baker and his wife Pam are the fourth generation to farm cotton on the land. Jerry’s great grandfather, John Robert Baker, bought the land in 1902. With 12 children, one being Jerry’s father Earl Vernon Baker, the land has been treasured by the family ever since.
From growing cotton, corn, watermelons, soy beans and of course pumpkins, the Baker family’s land has stayed the same, even during tumultuous times. Baker reflects that financial issues have always been a concern. “It is so hard to make a living growing any commodity in the United States, because we are competing with the whole entire world.” In 1997, the family started growing pumpkins in hopes of relieving some of the financial stress. The first year the pumpkin patch was open, the farm saw 800 school children. Baker credits the pumpkin patch idea her husband thought of as the reason the farm is still operating today. She adds, “It has been a way to climb out of debt because of cotton. Needless to say, we are so grateful to the people in this region who have come here.”
In addition to operating Old Baker Farm, Jerry Baker also serves as pastor at Old Chapel Methodist Church in Wilsonville. He has been preaching in the United Methodist Church since 1991. The Baker family rests in the fact that everything can change, but God is always the same. “We are Christian people who believe in walking with God and God walking with us,” says Pam Baker. Jerry and Pam have been married for 48 years and have three daughters: Lisa, Lindsay and Leah. In addition, they have 12 grandchildren. As Baker reflects over the many years she has lived as a farmer’s wife, she shares, “I just get on my knees and thank God.”
The farm will welcome guests this fall season from September 28 to October 31. Pam Baker says she is most looking forward to people coming and enjoying life on the farm. “We are inviting guests into our backyard. We live here, we worship here, and we play here.” Visit www.oldbakerfarm.com to start planning your visit!
-Melissa Armstrong
