FI MessiahLifeways UnscriptedMagazine Fall2024 - Flipbook - Page 33
Ferne, in the '70s, walking
along the property's treelines
with one of her peacocks
The land, often referred to as Fernecrest Farm,
was used to harvest wheat, oats, and alfalfa. It
also housed an array of animals and livestock,
from chickens and sheep to bees and Shetland
ponies, and most notably, peacocks. Esteemed
in the local agricultural community, the Hetricks
were even honored with hundreds of ribbons
during state and national farm exhibits for the
care and quality of their livestock.
The first pair of peacocks were a present
to Ferne from a family friend and became a
beloved addition that grew alongside their
fondness for the free-roaming majestic
creatures—caring for up to 10 at a time. As
written in a 1974 Evening News article titled
“Peacocks, Pea Hens are ‘Family’ on This Farm”:
“More than watchdog or simple decoration, the
birds serve, Mrs. Hetrick says, as a fascinating—
and reassuring—display of life continuing.”
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