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Bloomfield Blossoms: p. 80-81

Smith, Kay, 1925-

Bloomfield Township Public Library

Bloomfield Township (Mich.) -- History

Russell Pickering Home (Bloomfield Township, Mich.) -- History

Dwellings -- Michigan -- Bloomfield Township -- History

GB01a042

part of 'Bloomfield Blossoms' by Kay Smith

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BLOOMFIELD'S CENTENNIAL FARM CANDIDATE Depicting the charm of the long farming era, the Russell Pickeringnouse on Franklin Road south of Maple reminds us of other, quieter days, of apples and cider and long winters and blossom-scented springs. "Why I used to go there to buy apples" people comment in surprise when they see this picture of the house. The farm has been in the Pickering family for 96 years, and in three years it will be officially designated a Centennial Farm. It's the only one left in the whole of Bloomfield which can qualify for this distinction. Some years ago the state of Michigan began to identify and certify Centennial Farms. In order to qualify, the farm must have been in the same family for over 100 years, and while it isn't essential that an actual house be on the land, it is mandatory that the farm continues to sell produce. For a ten-acre farm, at least $50 worth must be sold, and $250 for any lesser acreage. This auto- matically rules out all other Bloomfield candidates as there are no other 100-year old properties which still farm to sell. Others which might have qualified are now purely residential. Russell Pickering didn't live to receive his certificate carrying the Great Seal of Michigan and signed by the governor, or affix his metal plaque to the house, as he died last year. Mrs. Pickering and their children plan to continue to operate the farm, now 50 acres, and they'll receive the designation in 1979.