Julian Strauss’ new book ‘Home Farm’ explores rural continuity over centuries

AMENIA — A sizable audience turned out on Wednesday, June 11, at the Amenia Free Library to hear local author Julian Strauss share stories of Amenia’s rural past and present.

Stories of local rural heritage are supported by Strauss’ 40 years as a farmer, along with experience as a beloved, recently retired veterinarian, historian, agriculturalist, and steward of land. Admired for depth of character, having been raised on a 284-acre Amenia dairy farm where he continues to live and farm, Strauss attracted an enthusiastic audience to greet the publication of his new book, “Home Farm.”

“I learned so much about the area by working with Julian,” said the book’s editor, David Stanford, who introduced Strauss’ talk. “Julian was one of the joys,” Stanford said of the project.

Describing himself as “an aspiring agrarian,” Strauss said that one of his aims is “to encourage listeners and readers to write their own history.” Strauss has enjoyed membership in the After-School Boys Club, begun in 2015, that has boasted a membership of 15 men, many of whom have contributed to Amenia’s agricultural history, while meeting regularly for ice cream and to further the restoration of the Indian Rock schoolhouse.

The subtitle of “Home Farm” defines the book’s theme, “The Love of Place in a Changing World.”

“I have more of an awareness of the civilization I am a part of,” Strauss said. “I am biased toward agriculture.”

An accomplished researcher with decades of practice in veterinary medicine, Strauss spoke of animals in rural life.

“I love draft horses,” Strauss said, reminding him of a rural cautionary note. “Never go through a gate and fail to close it, even for a minute.”

“I still like cows, most of the time,” he mused.

A 1915 journal kept by farmer Ed Dean and purchased at a local yard sale by Boys Club member Bill Burke, provides an underpinning for the book as it describes local farming extending into centuries past. Strauss interjects his own decades of farming experience and thoughtful commentary.

Additional Dean family farming journals, provided by Ed Dean’s granddaughter and woven into the book, add insights into the evolution of farming from early family farms envisioned by Thomas Jefferson to agri-business, the pressures and struggles endured by local farmers.

Strauss’ invitation to explore selected passages from the 1867 and 1921 farming journals, along with his own recollections and modern insight offers an important view of local farming roots that once defined the town and still echo.

“Home Farm” is available from area booksellers.