A country gentleman knows agricultural workings, though he may not derive his income from them. He can fill the pot with fish or fowl, and takes care of his place. While gentle in speech and manner, he is unwavering, and fiercely protective of his neighbors and community.
The Country Gentleman was an American rural life magazine from 1853 until 1955. It featured articles on agronomy and animal husbandry, advice for gardeners, diverting reading, and selected poetry. A kind of agrarian Saturday Evening Post. Although this newsletter is not affiliated with that publication it is inspired by it. It will focus on rural living and the history and culture of New England and upstate New York.
The term "country gentleman" derives from two old French words contrée (land), and gentilhomme (nobleman). They evoke the image of a man connected to the land and respected in his community. Commonly a well-to-do rural landowner of high social status. A model which still exists and is well understood in England. But one without an American analogue. The closest concept is probably that of the yeoman farmer. One written about by J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur in his book “Letters from an American Farmer”, and touted by Jefferson as the ideal citizen of a new America.
One of the longest and most widely held political values in America is the idea that widespread ownership of property conveys more full participation in society. But somewhere along the line we got this twisted, striving for consumer goods and ever greater levels of material comfort. Yeoman became yuppies. Land ownership became just another means of accumulating wealth instead of a path to independence. We need to go back, friends.
Life is not harder than it used to be. It is more complex. We have more access to information, and more options than ever before. But the things which make for a good life have not changed much. Through reflection on rural living and exploration of the history, culture, and traditions of New England we hope to provide the inspiration to live a more simple life. Subscribe for weekly updates, and occasional guest posts, as we work to become Country Gentlemen. Together.
