Flat Rock in Henderson County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

A Home for Champions

A Home of Champions Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 12, 2008

1. A Home of Champions Marker

Inscription. Many visitors to this barn had little idea that a world-famous writer lived nearby, for they had come here to find out about raising dairy goats. Internationally known for breeding world-record milk producers, Mrs. Sandburg managed a herd of over 200 goats here in the years of 1945-1966.

Imagine how boisterous this barnyard was at feeding and milking time each morning and evening. Perhaps unusual for their time, Lilian and Carl Sandburg were life-long boosters for each other's chosen work. A graduate of the University of Chicago who had taught literature and expression, Lilian recognized Carl's talent for writing and always remained his steadfast supporter.

As his fame grew, Carl made sure that Lilian's expertise in goat genetics shared the limelight with his writing in the many articles published about the Sandburgs. Her success in improving and promoting dairy goats, he often said, was due to "genius, knowledge, and lighted enthusiasms."

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals.

Location. 35° 16.262′ N, 82° 26.961′ W. Marker is in Flat Rock, North Carolina, in Henderson County. Marker can be reached

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from Little River Road (State Highway 1127). Carl Sandburg Home National Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Flat Rock NC 28731, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Glassy Mountain Trails (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Outdoor Inspiration (about 700 feet away); Connemara (approx. 0.3 miles away); Carl Sandburg (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Old Flat Rock Post Office (approx. 0.4 miles away); Flat Rock (approx. 0.4 miles away); C.G. Memminger (approx. 0.9 miles away); St. John in the Wilderness (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flat Rock.

More about this marker. The marker is located near the Carl Sandburg barns.

Carl Sandburg Barns image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 12, 2008

2. Carl Sandburg Barns

Mrs. Sandburg had a deep interest in goats and developed a prizewinning herd in Michigan, but the goat herd needed more room and a milder climate. Connemara was what Lilian Sandburg wanted-a place where her husband could write, and she could raise goats. Lilian Sandburg bred champions. She earned world fame for her dairy goats and for her work improving the herd's bloodlines and milk production. In 1952 the herd numbered over 200, and helpers milked 50 to 80 does twice a day. In 1960 top doe Jennifer ll produced 5,750 pounds of milk, averaging 205 gallons a day. She became the all-breed American champion in milk production and the world Toggenburg Champion.

Carl Sandburg Historic site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, October 12, 2008

3. Carl Sandburg Historic site

The farm still has goats.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2008, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,118 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 13, 2008, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.