A (very) brief history

 

Peter on the porch with Truck (yellow lab), c. 1980

In May of 1978, Peter Kramer bought the 50-acre piece of land that is now Down Yonder Farm. Susan Gladin joined him a couple of years later, and in the decades that followed they rebuilt the falling-down farmhouse, raised two daughters (Jessie and Amanda), and welcomed sheep, horses, donkeys, chickens, goats, and many beloved dogs and cats.

Down Yonder Farm (named after the bluegrass song from the early ‘20’s popularized by Doc and Merle Watson) quickly became an unofficial gathering place for musicians, writers, and artists of many stripes. One by one new outbuildings began to pepper the property, including the Music Hall, which burst at the seams with square dances, band practices, fundraising concerts, gatherings of fiber spinners, and more.

Peter passed away in December of 2014 from cancer. A lifelong advocate of his adopted hometown and a committed volunteer, his loss was felt throughout the community.

 

Jessie around age 2

Peter Kramer and Susan Gladin, 1981

 

A New Beginning

Jessie in 2020 (copyright Betsy Blake)

In the summer of 2019, Susan bid goodbye to the farm for a new chapter in downtown Hillsborough. Jessie Gladdek, Peter and Susan’s older daughter, moved in with her spouse Matt Gladdek and their two kids, Levin and Ivey.

The pandemic hit hard a few months later. While it slowed down plans, DYF began hosting outdoor concerts in the Fall of 2020. We’ve welcomed guests for many music events and small retreats since then, and most recently were thrilled to be the host for the first annual Sleepy Fest.

MOVING FORWARD

In the works for the months ahead are a concert series, a second vintage & art market, creative workshops, writers day residencies, and private offerings of space rentals. We also look forward to working with farmers to re-activate our pastures, barns, and wonderful natural resources.

 

Interview with Jessie Gladdek on WHUP Radio

WHUP’s Bob Burtman speaks with Jessie about Sleepy Fest 2022 and her vision for the future of Down Yonder Farm