The meeting commenced with the presentation of a long-overdue local history award to Blair Walker. Recognized for her dedication to the Westport Historical Society, particularly her work with the clothing collection, Walker has been instrumental in curating exhibitions that illuminate the everyday lives of women in the area, such as “Head to Toe Treasures from Elvara’s Attic” and “The Wedding Dress Retrospective.” The collection is notable for its authentic portrayal of rural community life, with garments that tell stories through their wear and alterations. Upon receiving the award, Walker expressed her gratitude and eagerness for future projects.

The focus of the meeting then shifted to agriculture, with a deep dive into the history and significance of the turnip in Westport. A new generation farmer from Ivory Silo Farm shared insights on the botany of the makumba turnip, clarifying its classification as a brassica napus, closely related to a rutabaga. This distinction often leads to confusion about its true nature. The farmer traced the history of the turnip back to the 1876 World’s Fair, where seeds were acquired from the Landreth Seed Company, and emphasized the turnip’s cherished status in the community for nearly 150 years.

The discussion was enriched by a lively exchange on the culinary uses of turnips, with attendees sharing recipes and preparation methods. The conversation highlighted the community’s connection to its agricultural roots. A humorous anecdote was shared about the high price of a large turnip at a festival, prompting reflection on the perceived value of turnips and suggesting opportunities for local producers to capitalize on similar events.

Attention also turned to the preservation of heirloom seed varieties. The community expressed concern over the loss of vegetable diversity, with a staggering 93% of varieties disappearing over the last century. One story recounted a farmer’s secretive practices in preserving a prized turnip variety, highlighting the rich tradition of local agricultural knowledge.

The meeting also touched on practical aspects of turnip farming, including pest management and storage techniques. Participants shared experiences in dealing with common pests like the European cabbage moth and discussed optimal conditions for seed storage to ensure longevity and viability. These exchanges provided valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of maintaining a robust agricultural practice in the community.

As the meeting drew to a close, an upcoming event was announced, scheduled for November 22, coinciding with a bird festival. This event, which will include a distribution of potatoes, was seen as an opportunity for the community to gather, observe local agricultural practices, and celebrate their shared heritage. Participants expressed enthusiasm for the event, recognizing it as a chance to contribute to the community and learn from one another.