Monthly Archives: September 2014

Building Earth Farm Announces “An Apple Affair” and Winter CSA Subscriptions

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Building Earth Farm and the folks from the old Madrona Grove Summer Fruit Truck are announcing the Return of “An Apple Affair”. After a one-year hiatus, ‘An Apple Affair’ is back!

“For those of you who aren’t familiar with this event,” writes Jeannine Anderson, “‘An Apple Affair’ is a once-a-year opportunity to sample and purchase some of the finest apple varieties in Washington State.” Inspired by Feil Orchard in Wenatchee, An Apple Affair brings together varieties that have been grown for over a century by the Feil family, as well as some varieties grafted by the ever-curious Jack Feil. Feil is an octogenarian who continues to experiment with grafting unique varieties onto old orchard standards. Many of the apples featured will come from this farm, but there are several farms’ hard work represented at the Affair. Each apple variety and farm gets full credit on the table-talkers found next to each sample plate.

Apples specific for baking, drying, preserving, storing and eating out of hand are featured at this local food fair. If you are someone who thinks you wouldn’t know the difference between the sweets, tarts, juicy and old-fashioneds, there is a community apple potluck table where local residents prepare their favorite varieties in traditional and new recipes. Everyone is encouraged to taste for them selves why one type is suggested over another. Bring your own favorite recipe to share, or just come and sip coffee, tea or local cider while learning about the apples.

Apple inventory will be limited and you should bring a box or other container to carry some apples home with you. The Building Earth Farm will provide paper bags and pens for labeling so you don’t forget the names of your newfound favorites.

An Apple Affair
Sunday, October 19
12 noon to 4 PM
Rignal Hall
8131 Urquhart Rd NW, Olympia, WA 98502

For more detailed information visit www.farmandfruitstand.com or email Jeannine at madronagrove@farmandfruitstand.com.

“Join us for An Apple Affair to taste old favorites, discover new ones, meet the neighbors and remind your self why autumn isn’t so bad after all.”

The Building Earth Farm is also announcing it’s 2014 – 2015 Winter Box Subscription.
According to Jeannine, “We will offer the highest quality, locally sourced, mostly organic, winter fruits and vegetables, along with a selection of specialty items such as cheese, eggs, baked goods and nuts.”
The winter box features produce such as winter squash, carrots, onions, potatoes and the like from local farms, including ours, and Washington-grown fruit such as apples and pears. “As long as the chickens cooperate, we’ll supply our own eggs and add other wonderful items to fill in the box from the Pacific Northwest such as cheese and nuts and baked goods from The Bread Peddler (classic French baked goods) and 8 Arms Bakery (traditional and gluten-free available), both in Olympia.  We will get citrus assistance from our friends in sunny California.” That’s right, this box of food is relatively local but we aren’t afraid to source lovely avocados, dates, tangelos and other tropicals to beat the rainy day blues.
Building Earth Farm’s Winter Food Box Subscription
Pick Up Time and Location:  10:00 – 12:00 at the Farm, 9140 Steamboat Island Rd. NW.
Pick Up Dates:  November 22, 2014, December 20, 2014, January 17, 2015, February 21, 2015, March 21, 2015.
How Much: $625 – Full Shares only (but you can share with friends and family).
Deposit Amount: $325.00 due by October 19th. $300 Balance due by January 17, 2015.
How many does this feed?  Just about anyone can use a monthly infusion of wonderful food that is designed to last. Apples, pears, nuts, roots, garlic, etc. can last at least several weeks. According to Jeannine, “We have busy, single folks as well as larger families who devour this box every month.”
“We only have space for 16 boxes so let us know as soon as possible if you are interested.” Contact Jen at buildingearthfarm@farmandfruitstand.com.
Happy Fall from the crew at Building Earth Farm!

Rignall Hall, Local History Site Open House Saturday, September 20

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Have you ever driven by and wondered, what is Rignall Hall and why does it sit where it is? Well, there is a story behind that. In May of 1920, the town of Rignall, Washington was established.

There was no power, no phones and no road to the island. What road they did have was a dirt road. It was a very important town for the upper part of the Steamboat Island area. There was a store/service station, a second store, a school, boat docks, a Post Office, and Rignall Civic Improvement Club. The club had monthly meetings in the store owned by l.M. Noble. The members paid a yearly due and the meetings were for the betterment of the community.

The docks at the town of Rignall, just down the road from the hall, is where all the supplies for the local farmers were shipped. Boats were the only way they had of getting their supplies. Farmers would drive their horse-drawn wagons to the docks, pick up their supplies and take them back to the farms.

In 1923, Rignall Hall was built with the labor of the members on a piece of land donated by Mr. Noble. The Hall became the center of all community activity. There were dances, box socials, dinners, and holiday parties. Fundraisers and meetings of the ladies of the club and even St. Christopher’s Mission had its beginning there on Sundays.

The problems of the community were discussed, if a solution was one they could handle amongst themselves a committee was appointed and volunteers were asked for help and the problem was solved.

There were letters written to the county asking for a road to the island and that the road be oiled and have trash service brought to the area. There were talks at the meetings from the power company about bringing power to the area in 1931 and there was a lot of discussion at this same time about bringing in a phone line.

As a historical part of this area, it is important to keep Rignall Hall here. There is a small group of us trying to maintain the building and keep it in operating order so that it can be rented by anyone in the neighborhood. The building has seen many weddings, parties, dances, anniversary parties, and celebrations of life. In 1990 the band Nirvana played a concert there.

If you are interested in renting this building you can call Ms. Faye Olson at (360)  534-0456. Contact Faye Olson, too, if you would like to make a donation to help maintain the building.

Come and see a piece of Steamboat Island history!
Rignall Hall Open House
Saturday, September 20
11 AM to 4 PM
Rignall Hall is located at the corner of Urquart and Steamboat Island Rd. NW, across the street from Griffin Fire Station #2

Here is a small list of the last names of some of the members dating back to the 1920’s, many who are still in the neighborhood. Their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are still here. Some of them may be your neighbors. If you recognize a name, ask them about the Town of Rignall.

Ash     Barnum     Benson     Bigelow     Bray
Brown     Camus     Carpenter     Carr     Cassell
Collier     Dana     Degler     Dekker     Dunkelberger
Hacker     Hanson     Hunter     Jackson     Jones
Juhl     Longmire     Lull     Mason     McGaughy
Noble     Patterson     Popple     Post     Prehm
Ronne     Rose     Sawtell     Schirm     Schmidt
Sinclair     Skellenger     Taylor     Thornton     Thurlow
Van Gilder     Watson     Whitt     Wilson     Woodhouse

— text from a brochure produced by Rignall Hall

Rignall Hall contact information updated March 21, 2016.