The Gadbois Family

Brian and Nissa Gadbois are part of a growing number of what are popularly known as New Agrarians – those folks whose first vocation was not farming, but who have decided to make a change to an agricultural lifestyle. Often, new agrarians bring their previous experiences in business to their farm ventures, along with a desire for innovation. Sometimes, as in Brian and Nissa’s cases, agriculture is also in the blood.

Brian is the grandson of poultry farmers. His paternal grandparents raised turkeys in East Brookfield, Massachusetts. His maternal grandparents raised chickens on their farm in Spencer, Massachusetts.  The latter homestead still exists, the original farmhouse, barn, and one of the coops are still standing at the end of a tree-lined drive. Brian’s maternal step-grandfather grew up in Quebec, where he spent early springs making maple syrup. He lovingly passed this skill down to his grandchildren – and to anyone willing to help collect the “water”.  He could often be found on an afternoon in March pottering around the homestead collecting and emptying pails into larger buckets, or cozied in by the wood fire that burned beneath the homemade evaporator in the barn.

Nissa ‘s grandfather, Jack kept a large garden at the family home in Warren, Massachusetts. There was always plenty to share with extended family, friends, and neighbours. Her grandfather had a great respect for nature, and taught her about how to harvest respectfully from the wild – never taking more than was needed. He also showed her how he preserved the skins of animals he’d hunted or trapped; and to use native plants for dye. Nissa’s grandmother also passed on her wisdom in the art of food preservation – pickling, canning, jelly-making, and freezing. She was also a marvelous cook and baker.

This tradition of self-sufficiency is being carried on by Brian and Nissa’s children. Their oldest daughter, Catherine is an accomplished knitter, making clothing and toys from her own designs. Their son Jack is an outstanding woodworker, who is honing the craft of making rustic furniture. Their daughter Caroline is a keen needleworker and cook. William, their second son, enjoys helping to tend the chickens and goats, and is always the first to spot a new lain egg. The younger children enjoy helping in all of these tasks, and reaping the benefits of the fruits of the family labour. Subsistence farming has also formed a significant portion of the family’s home education.

In addition to homesteading, Brian is a general partner in a government contracting firm, and a candidate for the Diaconate for the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts. Nissa spends as much time as possible writing, and operating the family’s small-press publishing company. They both enjoy sharing their knowledge to help others achieve a simpler, more family-centered lifestyle.

We welcome you to visit our family blog:: At Home With the Gadbois Family