The displays also include information on how chicks were kept warm, the way mature chickens roost and the way meat is salted.

The last provides Welch the chance to tell a story about a farmer who lived near White Stone and one day noticed hams missing from his smokehouse on the shore.

"He set up one night behind a tree near the smokehouse and eventually heard the sound of a boat being rowed in," said Welch. "When the farmer saw a man sneak inside and come out with a ham, he let go with that gun. Missed the man and hit the ham, but it scared him off.

"Do you think he ever came back? I don't think so. And I believe it's a true story."

It's all part of the farming stories to be told at the Northern Neck Farm Museum.

nnfarmmuseum.org

Rob Hedelt: 540/374-5415
Email: rhedelt@freelancestar.com