Fisher Property
Roman Fisher House: Great Cypress Swamp
This scenic 25-acre property was added to our Great Cypress Swamp holdings in April 2003. Best described by the Sussex County historical planner, Brian Page as “a late 19th century farmstead frozen in time,” the property combines agricultural fields with a farmhouse and outbuildings set against a backdrop of 10 acres of 120-year old bald cypress trees. The structures represent a once common, but rapidly disappearing architecture that defined the subsistence agricultural lifestyle associated with much of Sussex County, Delaware in the mid 1800’s. An intact site such as this is relatively rare today. Put in context of this Cypress Swamp setting, the site is singular in nature and most worthy of preservation in its entirety.
We requested help from Brian Page to determine a plan of action for the farm. The result produced by Brian was his scholarly “Roman Fisher Farm Preservation Plan.” Based on the plan, we contracted for an architectural survey of the structures as well as a recommended site plan. While there was a strong desire to attempt historical preservation of structures, it was determined that the only structure sound enough for restoration was the sweet potato house. All other buildings were in such a state of decay that restoration was believed to be cost prohibitive.
During this same period, our requirements for operational facilities on our Great Cypress Swamp property have grown with our increased involvement in forestry management and habitat restoration activities. Our equipment storage requirement has increased with the acquisition of a tractor and associated loader, bush hog and spray equipment, and more equipment is anticipated. In addition, we have found an ever increasing need for a reasonable on site meeting place as our various projects continue to evolve and we attract interest from academic institutions and other private and public organizations.
As a result, the project is evolving towards the development of a site plan that retains the original “historical” context of the site but would also meet our current and future facility needs. The goal would be to utilize modern construction and mimic the original structures while providing us with an efficient work and meeting place. A side benefit of this plan is that we would also be creating a small “visitor” center that would enable limited interface with the public and educational/academic communities. The path forward would require a commitment of time and financial resources. The question is not do we need facilities but rather what form these facilities should take.