Building the Townsends Homestead: Three Years in the Making

[@townsends]

If you enjoyed the music in this video check out our new CD! www.townsends.us/products/safe-from-the-cold-cd-by-c-w-lewis

[@SpudzMcKenzy]

I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment and pride having done this project. At the same time it makes me think of the people who did this for real to make a living and imagine the hardships of losing it all to natural disasters or other forces that took it all away. The amount of work to make this happen is immense and incredible. Well done, Townsends.

[@jeromethiel4323]

People are tougher than they think. We've gotten soft as a society, because life is too easy now. When life gets too easy, people start caring about things that don't matter at all when you're wondering where you're going to sleep or what you're going to eat. This is why we have Vegans, and Karens, and PETA, and the rest. When you are starving, you actually care more about your livestock than PETA does, and a vegan would just die, because calories matter when you are starving. And karens (chads as well), well, they would be shoved out to die in the cold. And well played to anybody who did the pushing.

[@FahimibnDawud]

@@jeromethiel4323 Perfectly stated!! I wouldn't have lived long back then just because I had 2 life saving surgeries earlier in life, but I'm 40 now and feel lucky to have been raised out hunting, fishing, farming and building things.

[@ulyylaaka8317]

@@jeromethiel4323 lmao

[@Elsa_fr]

@@jeromethiel4323 Life is too easy?! Dude, get real.

[@jeromethiel4323]

@@Elsa_fr You probably have a roof over your head, clean running water, and clothes on your back. Plus, food is easily available, and plentiful. How is your life hard?!? Wah, i don't have enough money to buy the i-phone 35. Wah, i don't have enough money to buy a super car. Wah, i don't have enough money to buy gold teeth. Are you in imminent danger of dying? If the answer is no, your life is easy.

[@juliestevens6931]

Thank you for putting it all together. I have seen nearly every single episode from the beginning of the cabin build and all the out "buildings" - the lathe, the blacksmith shop, the oven, the brick works, the well, the chicken coop and it is just amazing to see it all sliced together and realize just how much has been accomplished. Wow.

[@MrJack1992]

I can imagine a decade from now with hard work they will build not merely a homestead but one of the finest farms that is directly reminiscent of life in the 1700s

[@nordicson2835]

It was eye opening to see how hard people worked for the bare necessities, Great respect to our forebears.

[@davidvaughn7752]

... and to those who served them.

[@kblocks7266]

Don't worry when we get nuked back to the stone age we can do this all over again

[@sued_]

@@davidvaughn7752 Are you referring to slavery?

[@davidvaughn7752]

@@sued_ Yes.

[@OM4ll3y]

@@davidvaughn7752 d

[@Bozha_Kapetanovic91]

We as kids in rural Serbia, were made a lot of cabins, shelters, wooden hide outs,spider hole things etc , eating fish we caught, "stolen" corn, and other vegetables we put on fire , i love seeing this kind of videos, it makes me nostalgic, I now live in city of Belgrade,Serbia but allways love this way of rural life, hi from Serbia, you are great!

[@erinhowett3630]

There's a part of the homestead that isn't talked about much, but that's the land itself! What a wonderful piece of property, and what an abundance of resources it's given you to make it happen!

[@metalema6]

Yeah, ironically in the past they used to be very lucky to be able to just pick a spot and build a cabin in it, now everything costs too much money

[@americopedroni6837]

Wouldn’t it be nice to live your life and not have to worry about paying taxes to a tyrannical government who will evict or cage you for not paying extortion fee’s

[@joshuavidrine889]

@@americopedroni6837 Gov: "You want to live in our system, then you have to pay the fees." Us: "But I don't want to live in your system, I'll go out in the woods on my land and live how my ancestors did." Gov: "You must pay to live on that land, otherwise it's illegal and we'll jail you." Us: "But I own it and I wouldn't be participating in your system. Therefore, I shouldn't pay, right?" Gov: "You must pay us continually for that land, otherwise you'll be arrested and thrown in prison for tax evasion." Us: "Even though I wouldn't be involved in any of your systems at all and be completely self-reliant?" Gov: "Yes. That's tax evasion if you're alive and not paying us for what you own, punishable by arrest and imprisonment and fines." Sad how it's come to this.

[@americopedroni6837]

@@joshuavidrine889 Sure is bad. I’m done with all of it

[@sarahtyster7342]

@@americopedroni6837 hate to tell you this but they had government then too. and before that, tribal government or feudalism, which had it's own dues to pay.

[@frog8220]

The very last shot is really neat! The house, the two separate shelters and the chicken coop together look so nice

[@donnhussey568]

I remember, as a young man, watching Roy Underhill and The Woodwright's Shop and learning about Colonial Williamsburg. I've done some woodworking, but I've always wanted to learn more. Seeing that shaving horse and springpole lathe get assembled was a trip down memory lane into the 90s, watching PBS. This super edit really shows what all you have been able to accomplish, just by working at it.

[@deb1120]

I found The Woodwright's Shop on DVD! I didn't buy them all but I have a good bunch...did you know that Mr. Underhill HAS a woodwright's school!? ...it looks like it'd be wonderful!!!!!!

[@RolloTonéBrownTown]

That opening did that for me too

[@TheSaxon1321]

I love the editing with the music its very fitting

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY everyone thank you for sharing your living history adventures

[@HLBear]

I will always love those bellows. Finding the original was amazing, and then studying it to make a new one saved a little piece of old-world tech for the future. ❤ That last arial shot of everything in it's place... I'm misty!

[@rosemcguinn5301]

I find the lighting of the first fire on the cabin hearth very moving. Thank you so much for all your lovely work.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I agree. This is great. Cheers, Rose!

[@jamiesnowden76]

I’ve been watching this come together since you purchased the land. What an adventure!! I wish I could come up and volunteer just to gain some experience and learn! You need a trade school!

[@tcunero]

Yeah! That would be super awesome. Like a summer camp for adults, to spend a week up there, sign up for some classes they would be interested and just learn to live like they did then. I would love that!

[@HLBear]

Think of the videos we could have with all the background people (I feel like we would be NPCs). 😁

[@tcunero]

@@HLBear In this instance the NPC life sounds pretty cool!

[@pluto8404]

I cant really stand to watch it. Just isnt quite authentic. I look forward till they make a printing press and can mail out their accomplishments via letter and ink.

[@kylesalmon31]

Seeing this and imagining if the people of that generation see how a lot of people in our current generation don’t want to work.. I think they would be incredibly shocked. Everything you did then gave you a workout!

[@throwback336]

Greetings from New England. Really needed this video today. What great footage. Very well done.

[@itawambamingo]

This puts all of our lives and ‘conveniences’ in context.

[@furrybogard9724]

I remember sleeping by a fireplace just like the 3 of them at my old house when we used to do mock campouts in the living room. It was so cozy and comforting. A wonderful memory

[@dwaynewladyka577]

It's nice to see how things have progressed, from over the last 2 years at the homestead. You've certainly come a long way. Cheers!

[@PalmettoPrepared]

The amount of labor to get this done is astounding.

[@lindsayalisonstevens3592]

Aside from the epic craftsmanship, the acoustic guitar pieces are just lovely 🥰💖

[@archangelcharlie]

The only downside to this relaxing and inspiring video is that you all make it look so easy, when I’m sure it was all a colossal amount of work :) Here’s to another three years :)

[@MapleRhubarb]

I'll never get tired of seeing the bricks glowing in the fire as they're baking, or the snow falling on the cabin. Gorgeous.

[@vikingseagull2575]

What you guys have done is absolutely amazing. Something I wondered throughout the video is where you guys find the information on how to do all of this (making the bricks and the material used to make the forge, and just generally other things you guys do), and if there’s any book I can buy on it.

[@05CENTRIC]

I love the supercut of all the different projects

[@explosifiy]

it is really interesting how you use smaller and smaller timber as you get higher up. it makes sense now, it is harder to lift a big log than to lift 2 smaller logs, but I never thought of that!

[@FromAshToLife]

Living the dream. Doing this now days. This relaxed me. Thank u

[@nomad753]

I love it guys ! Beautiful homestead !

[@ashleighlecount]

I am at Pokagon State park collecting pawpaws. I might have to try a Townsends recipe with them.

[@erinhowett3630]

I feel a strange amount of unearned pride. I've done no work on the homestead. But I've been following it faithfully for so long that it feels a little like home.

[@MrFairbanksak1]

I love the setup you guys had with the wood carving stuff. I remember seeing that same sort of setup on Roy Underhill's show years ago, with the foot operated lathe, and the vice that holds the piece of wood in place while you work on it with a draw knife.

[@robomonkey1018]

A display of talent strength and determination. More modern folks need to be like yall. Love from rural Kentucky.

[@tasmanianbadger]

The Townsend’s deserve a trip to Gudelon France to see the living archaeological project they are doing there. It would be an awesome cross over.

[@shawnreed496]

Just finished this video, and I must say that it was probably my favorite of all time! The music, the photography, the editing, everything was right on the mark, and couldn't have been better IMO. Again, beautiful music, loved it!!!❤

[@johnblackhead2384]

Just about the best video on KZbin.

[@HollowKid]

Hard to believe it's been 3 years since I started following your channel! Watching this, I remember watching most of these steps, usually a week or so after they've been posted, and what an adventure it's been! The way you've kept educating us along the way as you share your hard handiwork keeps me coming back all the time for more. Between the homestead updates, the "field trips" and cooking, your content is so very appreciated. My wife already enjoys your videos with me, and I look forward to sharing your channel with our son as he grows older and can begin to appreciate the history and projects.

[@Punktastic13]

Congratulations to you all on your hard work and dedication! I love watching you guys.

[@paulswabek173]

your channel helps me relax and remember to let go.

[@queueueueueueue]

I love these kind of videos!! Thanks for uploading the whole process

[@robertcole9391]

Loved it! Trip down memory lane John. And also, to all the others that showed and pitch in. Job well done Gentleman and Ladies.

[@industrialvectors]

Thank you for putting the movie together. Beautiful photograhy, great compositions, delightful editing and well chosen soundtrack. Congratulations on all the work done.

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

A Super Diary of the creation of a Homestead! How Splendid and Wonderful to follow along with the progress, joys and sorrows of the very things our Ancestors did before us. It’s a Great Living History, a Townsend Creation of a Loving History! Thank You So Very Much! Many Blessings with Love, Light, Peace and Joy of Being and Homesteading! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@meeklohour9563]

Don't know why your content hasn't popped up on my list in a while but I f****** love you guys thank you I went from the biggest piece of s*** on the planet to trying to be a humble good guy and you are one of the channels I watch that help me center myself and find peace.. before 2 decades of incarceration and that's crazy because by the way I'm only 36 LOL before the g******* before the crimes before being a scumbag I was a nerd and still am at heart honestly I wanted to be an archaeologist so I'm insane about your channel and content LOL one of the very few things that my children are approved to watch at least when they are with me thank you keep it up bud

[@ItsAnotherDanny]

seeing that water well get made was pretty cool!

[@williammount6496]

Incredible. Dr Mount

[@albertoortegon6388]

Crazy to believe now how we can build a house in 1-2 weeks already finished with amazing things as heat, water, light, and comfortability. And these homes really needed tlc to be built just right. Great job and I’m sure these would last longer no doubt

[@sarasolomon4812]

This video was absolutely amazing. I've been watching the channel since back when it was only 18th Century cooking, and I'm in awe of how far things have come! This video in particular is great, because the last few years have been hectic for me (small children), and I haven't been able to watch every video. This was a wonderful recap of the progress. ❤️

[@yobgodababua1862]

It was nice to see the ladies here, as historically they would have been both a critical part of any homestead and also underrepresented in the official records.

[@tiffanyannhowe1712]

And we love every minute of your hard work 🖤🖤

[@philclum1705]

This is so wonderful. It’s poetry watching the wordless growth and progress of the homestead. It warms my soul.

[@nordicpagan5897]

A good inspiration to rewatch the old video of this all.

[@Soundwavesghost]

When like-minded people come together they build with the spark of creation and it shines brilliantly in the darkest times.

[@tinyspyder]

Great memories. I loved all these videos separately. Seeing them together is really awe inspiring. So proud of you for the work and the risk. Thankful that you took us along for the ride. ❤️

[@elkudos1]

So much work for a literal little shack in a prairie. Makes you appreciate the incremental steps towards civilization that you already needn't to make.

[@randyward2766]

I liked seeing how things were added and improved over time. You can really see just how going from that bark roof to a planked roof would be such an upgrade if you were living there.

[@yvobalcer]

Preserving history, love it.

[@authorannie1211]

This recap of the homestead is perfect! Thanks for sharing it.

[@kingrafa3938]

A beautiful and nice homestead 👍

[@504WorldWar1]

This is so relaxing to watch. I didn't know how much I needed this. Thank you guys.

[@kristinaginorio1344]

This delights me on so many levels. Many blessings to you for sharing your knowledge with us. I hope that schools watch this, and come to your homestead for a good education.

[@marcarcher5426]

As well as being very informative and educational the video for me was extremely entertaining, peaceful and soothing to watch. Thank you.

[@marynimocks6791]

Such a great journey you have led us on! Bravo for being so true to your vision. 👏👏👏

[@johnphillips4708]

Massive fan, thanks for all y’all do over there!

[@mattshaffer5935]

I’ve loved this series! Can’t believe it’s been three years. Thank you so much for your hard work!

[@Bangalangs]

It’s been a wonderful journey. Thanks so much for sharing it with us Townsends.

[@kuromikendall]

my favorite youtuber. always staying out of drama. always caring for their fans. always keeping it real with their fans. giving back to their fans. thank you.

[@cendrizzi]

Agreed about the drama. Sadly I'm sure it actually requires effort on their part to maintain a drama free service. To that they have my sincere appreciation.

[@Zlorthishen]

>always staying out of drama ORANGE FOOL

[@butterscotchgrove6151]

I've watched most of the videos these scenes were taken from, as they came out. At first, I was disappointed not to have John talking about interesting stuff...but then I got into the lovely music, slight ASMR thing they had going on, and I caught a little of the sense of accomplishment the Townsends folk must feel, having done all these things. Such a beautiful site! What's next, Townsends? Can't wait!

[@theatlastech8792]

You guys are a huge source of positivity for me.

[@lucassmith2332]

Great to see the process and understand when you read old settlers stories it really puts it into perspective.

[@ryand7575]

I’ve really been struggling the last few days but watching this video has helped calm my mind a little bit. Thank you.

[@caeao3126]

Dang, it's really nostalgic seeing those builds. Watching most of your videos since I searched and saw your vid about Pemmican all those years ago.

[@jacobkonkel6793]

Looks like a labor of love. Awesome video summing up your hard work.

[@2dskillz]

A wonderful recap of the adventure you have shared with us. Thank you for enriching our lives.

[@paintballgod33]

I love these kinds of videos. Just a nice time to chill out and relax.

[@SteveeCee]

Brilliant video capturing the highlights, thanks 😊

[@earlshaner4441]

I'm impressed a family adventure and all the family and extended family Also helped

[@baconatordoom]

Time to get ready for a garden. And a few goats to keep the grass cut.

[@zyxw2000]

4:04 The spokeshave still exists today, although shorter. They put a huge amount of research into this. Loved it!

[@megabytes6434]

It’s amazing to see how far Jon and his company have gone so far in such little time! Congratulations to all of you, I can’t wait to see what is in store!

[@DudokX]

The quality of cinematography is just incredible. I love movies like Stalker where most of the atmosphere and even plot is communicated through long and interesting camera shots. Truth be told, I think you are pulling something similar here.

[@loribenton5975]

Impressive! This is the best channel out there for 18th living. Thanks to all who make it happen.

[@robertcurns3845]

unlike other businesses that sell the stuff, you all DO this stuff! You are an impressive lot,,thank you for your concerted efforts to truly understand what our forefathers what they had to contend with in building, living in the frontier, and share it with us. wish your videos were REQUIRED history in school, for our nation has NO CLUE what it took to make this country a free and prosperous land.God bless

[@paullatina7413]

Just amazing to watch the craftsmanship and hard work 👍🏻

[@Alex-cw3rz]

I think for your next project you should create a Tŷ Unnos translated from Welsh to English means one night house. This was a tradition, that if a poor person could build a house on common land in one night, the land then belonged to them, the test was to have a fire burning in the hearth by the following morning and the person could then extend the land around by the distance they could throw an axe from the four corners of the house. They are around 1 room in size the Ceredigion museum in Aberystwyth has a mock up and a book called the Welsh Cottage by Eurwyn Wiliam has an example on the front cover. There is one called The Ugly House near Betws-Y-Coed.

[@RustyShackleford_]

Thank you for this knowledge that I didn't know I needed until now.

[@wellwell7950]

I wasn't expecting to here about Aberystwyth on here, beautiful town and Ceredigion has a beautiful coastline beaches and fishing villages like New Quay and Aberaeron.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

@@RustyShackleford_ haha that's alright

[@Alex-cw3rz]

@@wellwell7950 it truly is went to Uni in Aberystwyth such a beautiful location and so many pubs as well

[@moretao9837]

#WalesRepresent. That's actually a super cool idea; imagine a traditional celtic/early-modern-welsh homestead ! As someone from that area, much appreciated !

[@robscott8834]

Brilliant progression video showing so many (largely) forgotten skills. Thank you.

[@shieldwallofdragons]

Wonderful! Amazing! Thanks for taking us on the journey with you!

[@Capnfam9876]

I think this might be the most beautiful video you guys have ever made.

[@eastcoastartist]

So much has happened over these years while I have been watching. Heart warming. I’m going to watch this again…

[@TheBradinator214]

I can't believe it's been 3 years already

[@MasterNadorPUBG]

Beautiful build.

[@terry902]

Thanks, Townsends, I love the compilation video. There is lot of teamwork to build a village, I can see history in the making. 👍👍👍

[@richardangelini7296]

Thoroughly enjoyed taking the time for this video. Well done...

[@BaconDrive]

This sounds corny, but watching this gave me hope for the future. It's a reminder that the best things in life have always been the same: Relationships, and the fruits of hard work.

[@christoskettenis880]

I simply admire you Jon and crew! Your contribution in 19th century history research is certainly very valuable. By all means, if you collarorate with a university institution, you could write plenty of papers on the topic

[@chrissewell1608]

Wow! This was amazing. I know it took a lot of time and effort, but it is amazing to see what all it takes to build a simple homestead. You guys are masters of a dieing skill, of living off the land, like our Colonial era families did. People don't know how to do this stuff anymore. Or want to know! They would appreciate their lives better, if they would only watch this video! Kudos to everyone who helped make this homestead, happen!

[@ErokowXiyze]

This has made such nice music to drive to work with. Thank you.

[@bilithic7421]

Place in DFW had a cabin that looks remarkably similar. When I saw it I instantly thought of all these videos. It was really awesome to see what would have gone into one of these and then seeing it in person.

[@TheLingrush]

Amazing, I stumbled upon this page as someone searching bushcraft. Love the recipes and Rolling for you guys!!! Again, this is huge!!

[@vivianking8143]

Much, much admiration and a longing fulfilled through the visual. Thanks so very much. In Joy

[@dcandjames]

Thank you for making this video. It showed me many episodes I have missed along the way.

[@gilliam8897]

Amazing work you all have done here,

[@lisapop5219]

The amount of work that went into this is incredible. I was telling my husband about the laith, his dad was a journeyman carpenter & had my husband working with him at a young age. The amount of labor & time it took to turn a leg, I'm surprised anything was beautiful back then!