America’s Oldest Daylily Farmer Fred Sheill Celebrated in Groundbreaking Michigan Barn Book

Hartland, MI, October 31, 2012 : Rural America Books, one of the nations’ leading niche publishers of family farm and barn heritage, announced today the forthcoming release of Barns of Michigan introducing for the first time in a Michigan book America’s Oldest Daylily Farmer, Fred Sheill. Born in Detroit, Sheill’s eight-decades perfecting hybrid daylilies began near Farmington is celebrated jointly with his commitment to agriculture when most would have long retired. Sheill purchased his prized John Deere Tractor at 95 for his Au Gres farm where he lived since 1985 after his wife, Gladys died, according to author and photographer, Brenda Ervin, a veteran journalist and Michigan native. “Some thought he was rather foolish buying his tractor at that age,” says Ervin, who documented the centenarian’s Arenac County farm prior to his reluctant retirement in 2011.

“When I asked Fred what his secret to longevity was he said, ‘It’s simple, I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. I listen to nice things, and I leave my barn door open because I trust people. He’s an amazing man.’” Ervin, an active member of Michigan Agri-Women, and the American Agri-Women is a descendant of pioneer Michigan farmers and barn builders.

Sheill turns 104 on October 31, 2012.

Barns of Michigan safeguards Sheill’s outstanding legacy, and dozens of other never-before-published family farm and barn heritage narratives obtained by Ervin, the first woman rural farm and barn preservationist and author presented with a Special Tribute Proclamation by Former Governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm and the Michigan Legislature. Michigan Department of Agriculture, The National Trust for Historic Preservation BARN AGAIN!, and Michigan Barn Preservation Network are a few key leaders endorsing Ervin’s leadership in American rural preservation.

“I’m thrilled and honored to present Fred’s unique life story as well as many other dedicated Michigan farmers and barn preservationists.” Ervin’s thirty-year, 60,000 miles trek began funded by her coupon savings and waitress checks, resulting in garnering Communicator of Achievement, Michigan Press Women’s highest honors, 2006.

In keeping with more than twelve years dedicated to proudly publish irreplaceable family farm and barn stories, Rural America Books is sponsoring Barns of Michigan Book Events scheduled spring 2013. Proceeds benefit Michigan Agri-Women, www.michiganagriwomen.org host to American Agri-Women’s National Convention in 2014.

Contact: info@ruralamericabooks.org
www.ruralamericabooks.org
800.770.2276 BARN
 

Contact Information

Abby Jennings

Publicist

Barn Door Publishing LLC

(1) 866-770-2276

info@ruralamericabooks.org