January 27, by historicwalker. As it is now and from the immemorial, nature is the impresario. If you listen to her whisper, you may hear the chorus: the sweet song of the honeybee, the zephyr as it rustles the maple, and you might for that moment pause in remembrance of that gentle farmer and beekeeper, Abraham Graffis, and historic entrepreneur. Posted in Fairfield County Tagged american revolution , apiary , apiculturist , Beekeeping , Bremen Ohio , early Ohio history , farmer , germany , musician , ohio river , rushcreek township Leave a Comment.
Comments RSS. Email Address:. Sign me up! Feeds: Posts Comments. The Gentle Beekeeper of Rushcreek Twp. If a picture is truly worth a thousand words, this sepia portrait could easily provide enough material to compose a thesis on the craft of beekeeping circa Represented within this tangible reminder of the not so distant past, are perhaps three generations of a rural family, standing as if at attention, beneath a canopy of shaded woods, awaiting the flash of an antiquated camera.
This historical photo not only has the ability to transport us into a nineteenth century apiary, but it reflects the value that the family placed on beekeeping and their farm.
Given the price of a photographer, we can surmise that this is how they wish for others to remember them. Even the family dog makes an appearance for the sake of posterity!
Because this captivating photograph does not lend itself to the particular identity of its subjects, a bit of detective work had to ensue. Since it was a local piece and donated by a local family, research indicates that it is highly possible that the subjects depicted are that of Abraham Graffis and family as evidence exists stating that Mr. Graffis was one of two well-documented non-hobbyist beekeepers in the area during that time.
