Auction recreates simpler lifestyle

In modern American culture, computer chips rule and technology reigns. But there is a growing sub-culture of folks who reject the fast-paced rush of modern ways and choose the model of simpler days.

This movement is world-wide and represents people from every walk of life. This past week, several thousand of these folk convened in Sisters for the Small Farmer's Journal Draft Horse Auction and Swap Meet.

Lynn Miller, founder of the SFJ and organizer of the auction, was pleased with this year's event.

"We don't know if we made or lost money," said Miller. "But it was a tremendous success -- just what we wanted. I'd hoped for an 'old time fair' atmosphere and I feel the event has become a classic carnival marketplace where folks come not just to buy things, but to hang out and swap ideas."

Lynn's wife, Kristi, who serves as the art editor for the SFJ, agreed.

"I loved all the comments I got about how friendly we are here," she said. "We really are just one big family and it's so great to all come together in one place. It makes the event worth doing."

The auction and swap meet has been sponsored by the SFJ for the past 23 years. This was the first year the event was held in Sisters.

"I really wanted the auction to be a free-wheeling event," Miller said. "When they built the new Expo Center in Redmond, there were a lot more restrictions on us. I guess you could say we outgrew the Expo Center.

"We were treated like members of the royal family at the rodeo grounds, and if the association will have us back, then we'd love to use this facility again."

During the three day event, Miller estimates they parked over 3,000 vehicles. Conditions were a bit "cozy" in the auction tent, but according to Miller the biggest problem they encountered was the dust.

"I think we might try to put carpet down in the auction tent next year," Miller said.

The auction was spread out over the course of three days. Equipment and tack were sold to the highest bidder on Thursday, April 18; the carriage auction happened the next day, and on Friday the draft horses were auctioned off.

People came from as far away as England to buy small farm equipment -- and make some new friends.

Mick and Lucy Massey, small farm operators from Norfolk, England, made their first trip to the United States just to be a part of the auction.

"We've taken the Small Farmer's Journal for years now," said Mick, "and have wanted to come to the auction. Now it has finally happened."

The Masseys own three draft horses, but needed a plow.

"We were looking for a sulky plow," explained Mick.

"And he bought it while I was back at the bed and breakfast, taking a nap," said Lucy.

While pleased with their purchase, the Masseys weren't sure how they would get the plow back to England.

"Lynn (Miller) said they'd help me out," said Mick.

The Masseys especially appreciated the beautiful mountains of Central Oregon, since Norfolk is "dead flat," according to Mick. The couple flew into Portland, then rented a car and drove to Sisters.

"I knew we were in deep when we left the airport and the road turned into six lanes!" Mick exclaimed.

While traffic was a challenge for the couple, they were delighted by the price of gas in Oregon.

"We pay close to five dollars a gallon for it back home," said Lucy, "because of all the tax put on it."

During their stay, the Masseys mingled with folks from all over North America. According to Lynn Miller, 16 wagons drove down from Quebec. Others came from Florida, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Alaska.

Miller didn't know how many people attended the auction. There are no tickets sold, so it's hard to keep track of numbers.

"This isn't a money-making event for us," he said. "We see this as a service to our subscribers -- it helps cement relationships with them."

The journal grew out of Miller's interest in farming the old-fashioned way.

For 30 years, Miller has farmed in Oregon, using draft horses instead of a tractor.

"When I was farming in Junction City, people would come to me and ask how they could do it, too," said Miller. "That's how the idea for the Small Farmer's Journal came to me."

The journal, which is published quarterly, reaches a readership of over 40,000. It is an international publication which focuses on craftsmanship in farming, culture, and agriculture.

The SFJ also addresses animal-powered farm technologies.

For more information call 549-2064, or visit their web site: www.smallfarmersjournal.com.