Von Trotha–Firestien Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Von Trotha–Firestien Farm at Bracewell
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 Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Location | Junction of O St. and 83rd Ave., Bracewell, Colorado |
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| Area | 49 acres (20 ha) |
| Built | 1911 |
| MPS | Historic Farms and Ranches of Weld County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000291 |
| Added to NRHP | May 12, 2009 |
The Von Trotha–Firestien Farm is a special old farm near Bracewell in Weld County, Colorado, United States. This farm is important because of its long history and how it helped farming in the area. It was started around 1887 by the von Trotha family. Later, in the 1910s, a family of Russian German immigrants, the Firestiens, helped it grow even more.
This farm is known for its smart farming methods. These included using irrigation to water crops and new ways to feed farm animals. Because of its importance, the farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 12, 2009. This means it's recognized as a place worth protecting for future generations.
Contents
A Look Back at the Farm's History
The Von Trotha–Firestien Farm has a rich past. It shows how farming changed and grew in Weld County.
Starting the Farm: The Von Trotha Family
The farm first began around 1887. The von Trotha family were the first to settle and start farming this land. They worked hard to build a life and grow crops in Colorado.
Growing the Farm: The Firestien Family's Role
In the 1910s, the Firestien family joined the farm. They were Russian German immigrants. Many families like theirs came to America looking for new opportunities. They brought their farming skills and helped expand the farm. Their hard work was a big part of the farm's success.
Smart Farming Methods at the Farm
The Von Trotha–Firestien Farm was special because it used advanced farming ideas for its time. These methods helped make farming more successful and efficient.
The Importance of Irrigation
One key method was irrigation. This means bringing water to dry land to help crops grow. In places like Colorado where it can be dry, irrigation is super important. The farm used irrigation to make sure their plants got enough water, even when there wasn't much rain. This helped them grow more food.
New Ways to Feed Livestock
The farm also used new ways to feed its animals, known as "advanced techniques of feeding livestock." This might have included:
- *Better food mixes:* Giving animals a mix of different foods to keep them healthy.
- *Organized feeding schedules:* Making sure animals were fed at the right times.
- *Specialized barns:* Using buildings designed to keep animals comfortable and make feeding easier.
These methods helped the animals grow stronger and produce more for the farm.
Why the Farm is Important Today
The Von Trotha–Firestien Farm is more than just an old farm. It's a piece of history that teaches us about farming in the past.
A Place on the National Register
Being on the National Register of Historic Places means the farm is officially recognized as important. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are significant in American history. It helps protect these places so people can learn from them for many years to come.
Learning About Local Agriculture
The farm shows how farming developed in Weld County. It highlights the challenges farmers faced and the clever ways they found to grow food. It's a great example of how people used new ideas to make farming better.
