Fullsteam

Ruh-thfud-tun.

It’s not “Ruh-ther-ford-tun,” but Ruh-thfud-tun. Or, more accurately, Ruhthfudtun.

Southerners may talk slowly, but for some reason the names of towns are often said in hyper-speed: Saxpihaw. Tuhbacavile. Ruhthfudtun. (Then again, nearby Siler City is Siiiigh-lerrrrrrr Cit-tee. Go figure.)

Alas, Day 2 of the Kudzu Chronicles takes us to Rutherfordton – not (yet) by car, but a few calls for information.

A few months back, when I was first researching kudzu, I spoke with Henry and Edith Edwards, owners of Kudzu Cow Farms in Rutherfordton. She’s the Kudzu Queen of North Carolina, known for her Kudzu Blossom Jelly; he harvests and bales kudzu for cattle feed. They’re both incredibly passionate about redeeming this misunderstood, maligned vine. We had a great initial conversation about kudzu, and I promised that I’d call them back once the kudzu was about to flower.

So, yesterday, I pick up the phone and dial the farm. Wrong number. I look online — the number I had for them was the one listed online pretty consistently. I was a bit worried.

A bit of poking on the series of tubes (“kudzu” and “Rutherfordton”), and I found the Farmers Fresh Market, which sells Mrs. Edwards’ Kudzu jelly online. You can order some if you’re interested!

The Farmers Fresh Market is an initiative of Foothills Connect, a public-private partnership that aims to help rebuild Rutherford County’s farming community. Over the past two decades, the region has been hard-hit to due to severe declines in North Carolina’s textile industry. The county is attempting to redefine its core expertise (and rebuild its economy) by rebuilding local farms and connecting farmers to Charlotte grocery stores and restaurateurs.

I read up on Farmers Fresh and gave them a call. A bit nervous, I did my best to explain to Anna (who was very kind and gracious) why I was seeking the phone number for Edith and Henry Edwards. The benefit of having to explain myself? I got to tell her a bit more about what we’re trying to do — and I found out that the Farmers Fresh program might be something for Fullsteam to consider, particularly as we seek out local suppliers.

Anna was very kind and provided me with the correct phone number. A few rings later, I’m talking once again to Mr. Edwards, the hardest-working 85-year-old I know. I caught him in a rare down moment: he had finished up baling the kudzu for the day and was relaxing in his home.

Mr. Edwards recalled our conversation a few months back. He spoke with pride of his work ethic. The fact that they don’t rely on air conditioning. And his obvious pride working with kudzu. I enjoyed my talk with him — we spoke for twenty-or-so minutes. The warm sun beating on me in the future “indoor/outdoor” section of the Fullsteam warehouse…a refreshing cool breeze through the open garage door.

He reminded me that he and his wife are Methodists, but that they don’t begrudge anyone their choices. I wish I knew more abstainers like them — seems like most of the teetotalers I deal in North Carolina with want to impose their opinions on everyone else.

We’re scheduled to meet at the farm on Thursday, though I need to check in with the Edwards on Monday to inquire about the weather, which may impact his availability. I’m taking the family back to Rutherfordton, where we were just a month ago coming back from a quick getaway to Chimney Rock.  I’m excited to ask the Edwards about harvesting the root…seek out secrets for maximizing the flower’s fragrance…and frankly, just to meet a fascinating couple.

Chris and I are looking forward to the reward from toiling and physical labor. Now, mind you, nothing will match the Edwards’ 60 years of dedicated farming, though I do have a long-term vision of managing and harvesting our own crops. But Fullsteam Farms is a long way away. For now, I’ll relish in the thought of an aching back from lifting grain and hauling kegs. And continue to cook up some ideas for kudzu.

Even though the Edwards’ don’t drink beer, we share in common the passion for redemption: we’re both fighting to redeem an oft-misunderstood agricultural product, showcasing its beauty and purpose.

Henry and Elizabeth Edwards on WUNC radio
(also in this clip: the late Doug Marlette,  author of the comic strip “Kudzu” and another North Carolina treasure.)

Tomorrow: tea time