My Farm of Edgewood: A Country Book (1863) by Donald Mitchell (IK Marvel).

Copyright 1863 by Charles Scribner - Published 1864

My Farm of Edgewood is an account of the realization of Mitchell's dream. In Part I of his book he recalls "tender memories of old farm days" and placed this advertisement:"Wanted- A Farm, of not less than one hundred acres, and within three hours of the city. It must have a running stream, a southern or eastern slope, not less than twenty acres in wood, and a water view." With a friend he visited a property new New Haven, found that it was the place of his dreams, and within six weeks it became MY Farm of Edgewood.
Part II is Taking Reins in Hand. He settles in, begins to fix up and clean up, and decides what to do with the cattle,the bee colony, the farm buildings. Part III becomes a realistic consideration of Crops and Profits. What to do with the hill land, the farm flat, the old orchard, the pears, the soil, the lesser fruits, the grapes, the plums, the peaches, the apricots, the poultry, and his garden. And now he considers debits and credits. Is it profitable? Does it pay?
Part IV- Hindrances and Helps. In Mitchell's own words; "--- I propose, in this last division of my book, to review all the helps and hindrances to the success and the rational enjoyment of a farm-life."

Edgewood Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr., began as a parcel of adopted acres donated by a number of locals in 1889, including park planner Don Mitchell, who lived just above Forest Road on his farm, Edgewood, which became the namesake of the park. Mr. Mitchell's pen name was Ik Marvel, and his 360 acre farm was described in a series of books such as My Farm of Edgewood and Wet Days at Edgewood.

Condition: average shelf wear - spine somewhat damaged at botttom (visible in scan). Withdrawn from Marietta College Library- usual card pocket and checkout slip.College bookplate pasted on inside front endpaper. Text block tight - no marks of any kind to text.