Fields of Contentment – Adams’ Garden Wisdom

We welcome cooler mornings at the Revolution Era Garden at the Transylvania Heritage Museum. The Trail of Tears beans have been harvested and seeds saved, and corn has produced at least two small ears-a vast improvement over last year. Over the coming winter months, we will continue improving the soil, diligently working to better our small plot. The sunchokes, also known as Jerusalem Artichokes, still stand tall, and many of the herbs still produce and hold their fragrance. 

John Adams, second president of the United States, found deep contentment in the land. In a 1777 letter to Abigail, he wrote that health, peace, family, books, “and the enjoyment of my farm and garden, would make me as happy as my nature and State will bear.” At the farm they later named Peacefield, he walked the fields, tended orchards, and treated agriculture as both duty and delight—the independent life made possible by the liberty he had helped win.

While John dreamed of those fields, Abigail managed the household with equal practicality. In letters, she described the oilcloths and painted floorcloths that covered parlor floors in summer heat—washable, durable canvas that protected wood and added pattern when carpets were too heavy or costly. She asked that her own oilcloth be laid down when warm weather arrived. These painted cloths were a common domestic craft, often created by women in households where expensive rugs were not an option. 

This month we honor both sides of the Adams partnership: John’s love of the land and Abigail’s practical care for the home. Join us on Saturday, September 19 at noon as we check on the garden and paint small cloths inspired by the patterns Abigail knew. Families, students, and history enthusiasts are welcome. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing a group so we can prepare materials accordingly.

September reminds us that a well-tended garden and a well-kept home both require patience, observation, and hands willing to work. If you haven’t visited the garden this season, now is a lovely time to do so. If you have hands willing to work in the garden, please reach out to Rebecca at program.transylvaniaheritage@gmail.com