JohnsonBey Farm Restoration Fund
The JohnsonBey 132 acre Farm is located in Bartholomew County, in the small town of Hope, Indiana. Started 100 years ago from humble beginnings. It has been passed down over 4 generations. It is full of rich Moorish heritage, religion and tradition. The JohnsonBey Farm has never lost sight of the importance of family values and traditions it was founded on. This 132 acres of farmland was originally purchased by Ophelia and Reuben, two hardworking farmers that worked and farmed tirelessly, despite all obstacles they faced during that time, to establish land ownership and create a legacy for the generations to come.
The JohnsonBey Farm is believed to be the only minority-owned farm in Bartholomew County Hope, Indiana and one of the only minority farms left in the State of Indiana. The JohnsonBey Family has preserved many of its community, family, traditional and religious celebrations for the last 100 years. Many celebrations take place on the farm throughout the year, including its community annual fish fry, during June, which commemorates the celebration of the farm and the wedding anniversary of Ophelia and Reuben.
The JohnsonBey Farm has so much potential for continued growth. The family is on a mission to continue in the footsteps of its predecessors and preserve its legacy and strong Moorish principles and family heritage. However, this mission can not be accomplished alone. The land is currently able to produce soybean and corn, but the farm is in dire need of restoration. The creeks are overgrown, the land has lots of thorn bushes, which presents a hazard to the current livestock as they are not able to graze properly. The fields need tile and there is an overall need for excavation. As mentioned, the farm is 132 acres and it has only one last original piece of Reuben and Ophelia's memory, and that is a dilapidated barn, in dire need of restoration. What's a farm without a barn? This was the original barn from 100 years ago, and the only remaining structure on the farm. That barn used to house many barn dances back in the hay day. If restored, it will be a great asset to the Farm and community and a monument of gratitude to Ophelia and Reubens's legacy.
Another fun fact about the JohnsonBey Farm is it is home to the cemetery where President George Washingtons' lifeguard, Jonathan Moore is buried. We would like to see the JohnsonBey Farm continue for hundreds of years to come.
We hope our story has motivated, inspired or uplifted you. Please help share our story and help us preserve our Farm's history and Community landmark, with whatever your heart allows you to give. No donation is too small. Please share our story. On behalf of the JohnsonBey family, we would like to thank you in advance and wish you continued peace and blessings and legacy preservation!
