Tuttle's Red Barn

by Richard Michelson, Mary Azarian (Illustrations)

In 1632, John Tuttle set sail from England to Dover, New Hampshire. There he set up a farm on seven acres of land. From those humble beginnings the Tuttle family story became America’s story.

As the Tuttles passed down the farm, along the way they witnessed the settlement and expansion of New England; they fought in the American Revolution; they helped runaway slaves along the Underground Railroad and sold maple syrup to Abraham Lincoln; they bought the first Model T in that Dover; and they transformed the old barn into the thriving country store it is today.

With Caldecott Medalist Mary Azarian’s evocative woodcuts and Richard Michelson’s moving prose bringing the Tuttle story to life, readers will be enraptured by the panorama of American history as seen through the eyes of one family.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 20, 2007

Reviews

[Linda Branich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of the Tuttle family of Dover, New Hampshire-all 12 generations- and the farm they established.

John Tuttle arrived in New England by ship from England in 1632 with a land grant of 7 acres from the King of England, his father's axe, and two pewter candlesticks his mother had given him. Today Tuttle's small beginnings have turned into
a 240-acre working farm with a 9,000 square foot store and adjacent nursery.

Traditionally the farm has passed from generation to generation to the youngest son, from the first generation to the present, because John Tuttle felt the youngest had the best hope of living the longest and keeping the land in the Tuttle family. Turtle's farm is the oldest family farm in America. Their red barn store is visited by over 1,000 people daily.

The Tuttle family and their farm have survived Indian attacks, fought in the American Revolution, were a stop on the Underground Railroad, sold maple syrup to Abraham Lincoln, owned the first Model T truck in Dover, and expanded the farm and buildings.

Grayson Tuttle, born in 1997, hopes to take over the farm one day from his Dad, William Penn Tuttle III, who was born in 1947.

What a wonderful glimpse into American pride and perseverance, through this true story! It is illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Mary Azarian.

This would be a wonderful addition to classroom, home, or church libraries.

[Linda Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only am I a great devotee of everything Mary Azarian, but I also love the concept of historical continuity geared for children. I cannot say enough about this seemingly simple book. Just know that I had to buy a copy for myself!

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting collection of generational snippets.

[Karol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve generations and a brief account of the Tuttle Family’s part in American history.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up, the story of the oldest American family farm. A bit too much of marriages and a listing of children, also apparent how patriarchal American history is.

[Sam W · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the oldest family run farm in the United States.

[eRin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of America's oldest working family farm is brilliantly told in this book for younger readers. The book lists each member of the twelve generations who ran the Dover, NH farm starting with a young immigrant named John Tuttle in 1632 up to the youngest member of the family, Grayson Tuttle in 2007. The farm has greatly expanded since the first Tuttle's day, but the work ethic and love for the land has remained the same. I think that this book really spoke to me because my ancestors, up to my grandfather, were all farmers and the first to settle in this area also arrived in 1632. Or was it 1628? After seeing all the dates in the book I can't remember right now. Regardless, this is a wonderful book that not only discusses the amazing history of a farm, but the history of America. The illustrations are wonderful and amazing. Great book.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book traces the history of America's oldest continually operated family farm, owned by the Tuttle family. Beginning in the early 1600s with the first member to arrive from England and progressing on to modern day with the 12th generation getting ready to head the farm, this book is not only a story of one farm but a lesson on American history as well. There are a few problems, most notably the portrayal of American Indians, but this is still an enjoyable, if not terribly exciting, peak at American life.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a homeschooling mom, I often look at books for their educational value. This book is rich in possibilities. I picture a mother with several children reading together. The youngest can learn colors, seasons and begin to get a grasp of history. The older children can review their knowledge of American history and add the story between the lines. All of the children can be taught the value of hard work. Oh, and teens and s will enjoy reading this book, too.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book because I enjoy Mary Azarian's artwork, but I was fascinated with this account of the oldest continually-run family farm in the U.S., located in Dover, New Hampshire. The author described the life of one member of each generation of the Tuttle family from the mid-17th century up to the present. I wish I knew my ancestry going back that far. Now that I've read the book, I'm thinking about a trip to New Hampshire...

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers an interesting premise with good illustrations, nonetheless I am not sure most children would be very drawn in. It is a good way to show the continuity of history in one location and how families hand precious objects or resources down. Kids should find it interesting to have major events in our history personalized as Tuttle family members participate in the American Revolution, the Underground Railroad, etc. A good classroom resource.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

03/11: What a beautiful way to tell the story of America's oldest family farm! The story starts with John Tuttle arriving in America alone, with nothing but the clothes on his back, his father's ax (which I'm guessing his father never got back), and two pewter candleholders his mother gave him as he left England. It traces the story of TEN generations of Tuttles, giving us a glimpse of the changing face of New Hampshire -- and America -- at the same time.

[Mila Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I worked at Tuttle Farm while this book was being written. Not everyone in the Tuttle family likes the book or feels its the most accurate to the last detail, but its fun to read. Paintings of Will Tuttle in his tie-dye shirt are funny. He never wore those when I was working there!

The book does give a sense for continuity about the farm and the lands, the reason its such a great farmland and also a little bit about what work I did that carried on the traditions of the place.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the lives of twelve generations of family members living on a the oldest continuing family farm in the United States. Important events in American history are covered with each generation's life on the farm. This book would be appropriate for elementary age students learning about American history. this would be a good classroom resource.

[KidsNonFiction Teton County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the lives of twelve generations of family members living on a the oldest continuing family farm in the United States. Important events in American history are covered with each generation's life on the farm. This book would be appropriate for elementary age students learning about American history or farming. This would be a good classroom resource. (Suzy)

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Azarian's illustrations are beautiful as always, and this is a very engaging history of the oldest continuing family farm in America -- started in 1632 in New Hampshire. Generation by generation, you experience the farm (as well as America) grow and change. A really lovely book!

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply told, brilliantly illustrated, warmly evocative and very educational story of one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the US.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story and great illustrations by Mary Azarian

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

we want to go visit!!!

[Gail Gauthier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Mary Azarian, who did the illustrations. And in this case, they are so perfect for the historical material.

[Claire Davis]

This was a super cute story that wene through the different generations of farm owners at America's family farm. It was a heartwarming story about a families journey over time.