Marvin & Huck: Do We Stay or Do We Go? (The Dilemma of the Slyder Family at Gettysburg)

John Slyder moved to Gettysburg in 1838 and worked as a potter. He decided to purchase a 75 acre tract of land in 1849 and began building a farm. He built his home, a blacksmith shop, carpentry shop and a double log barn. He dug a well and planted a pear and peach orchard. John used the blacksmith shop to manufacture tools for other local farms. At the time of the battle John lived on the farm with his wife Catherine and three of his five children, John, Hannah, and Jacob. The family was encouraged to leave on July 2nd because of the impending battle and the family heeded their warning. Everything they owned and had worked for was there on the farm. They had no idea if they would return. They did return to find their farm in near ruins. They were offered no reparations for the damage so they moved to Ohio.

Marvin and Hank enjoyed seeing the ways that the Slyders farmed the land. Everything they needed, they farmed, grew, and manufactured for themselves. It was a sustainable way of life. Marvin and Huck want you to explore farms and gardens around your community. Where does your food come from? Can you trace it back to a farm?  Share your findings on Social Media @dacia92 #MarvinandHuck and #ExpeditionsInEducation to receive your digital badge. You can also email your answers to engagingstem@gmail.com SUBJECT: Marvin & Huck