Key Takeaways
1. Embrace Self-Sufficiency: Reclaim Control Over Your Life
At its heart Back to Basics is a how-to book packed with hundreds of projects, step-by-step sequences, charts, tables, diagrams, and illustrations to help you and your family reestablish control over your day-to-day lives.
Reclaiming independence. "Back to Basics" champions a return to traditional skills, craftsmanship, and self-reliance, empowering individuals and families to take control of their lives. It's about moving away from dependence on complex, often unreliable, modern systems and rediscovering the satisfaction of doing things for oneself. This involves learning practical skills, from building a home to growing food, and embracing a more hands-on approach to daily living.
A practical guide. The book provides a comprehensive guide to various aspects of self-sufficiency, offering step-by-step instructions, charts, diagrams, and illustrations. It covers essential areas such as shelter, energy, food production, preservation, home crafts, and recreation, providing a roadmap for readers to gradually integrate these skills into their lives. The goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to become more self-reliant and less dependent on external systems.
Dreaming and doing. While the book offers practical advice, it also encourages readers to dream and explore possibilities. It's not just about immediately implementing every skill but about sparking imagination and fostering a deeper connection to the natural world. The book inspires a sense of empowerment and the potential to create a more fulfilling and independent lifestyle, whether through small-scale projects or larger endeavors.
2. Land Wisdom: Informed Choices for Country Dreams
With careful planning and a modest investment almost anyone can turn the dream of owning a small farm or a few acres of country land into a reality.
Planning and investigation. Buying country property requires careful planning, research, and a clear understanding of your goals and priorities. It's essential to define your needs, consider your budget, and thoroughly investigate potential properties before making a commitment. This includes assessing the land's suitability for your intended use, considering factors like climate, soil fertility, water availability, and access to essential services.
Beyond the surface. A thorough investigation involves more than just a quick walk around the property. It requires digging deep into the soil to assess its fertility, checking the drainage capacity, and inspecting potential building sites. It's also crucial to investigate the availability of water, both above and below ground, and to understand your water rights.
Seasonal awareness. Visiting the property in different seasons is essential to uncover potential issues that may be hidden during certain times of the year. Spring blooms can mask drainage problems, while winter snow can conceal erosion. By observing the land in all its phases, you can make a more informed decision and avoid costly surprises.
3. Home Design: Tailor Your Space to Your Life
A well-designed home, like a well-tailored garment, should fit your taste, needs, and pocketbook.
Active participation. Designing a home should be a collaborative process between the homeowner and the architect or contractor. It's crucial to actively participate in the design process, sharing your vision, needs, and preferences to ensure that the final product reflects your unique lifestyle. This involves researching design principles, exploring different styles, and carefully considering the layout and functionality of each space.
Site considerations. Choosing the right building site is paramount for energy efficiency and overall comfort. Factors like the lay of the land, soil bearing strength, drainage, sunlight exposure, and prevailing winds should all be carefully considered. Optimizing the site's natural features can significantly reduce energy consumption and create a more harmonious living environment.
Future-proof design. Home design should also take into account future needs and potential additions. A growing family may require extra space, while aging homeowners may need to consider accessibility features. Planning for future additions or incorporating flexible design elements can ensure that the home remains adaptable and functional for years to come.
4. Site Preparation: Laying the Groundwork for Success
The job of site development starts in the winter, when trees are bare and the features of the terrain are clearly visible.
Winter planning. Site development begins with careful planning and assessment, ideally during the winter months when the terrain is most visible. This involves creating a detailed development map, identifying potential challenges, and determining the best approach for clearing the land, grading the site, and excavating the foundation.
Balancing hand and machine. While heavy machinery can expedite the process, hand clearing offers several advantages, including minimizing damage to the surrounding environment and preserving valuable trees and shrubs. A combination of hand tools and machinery may be the most effective approach, allowing for precision and efficiency.
Professional expertise. Surveying the site, grading the land, and excavating the foundation are tasks that often require professional expertise. Hiring experienced contractors can ensure that the job is done correctly and safely, avoiding costly mistakes and potential structural problems.
5. Timber Mastery: From Forest to Frame
For best lumber and greatest yield per log, select trees with smooth, straight trunks at least 1 ft. in diameter.
Tree selection. Choosing the right trees is crucial for producing high-quality lumber. Look for trees with smooth, straight trunks, minimal branching, and no signs of decay or damage. Consider the intended use of the lumber when selecting tree species, as different woods have varying strengths, textures, and resistance to decay.
Logging techniques. Efficient and sustainable logging practices are essential for maximizing yield and minimizing environmental impact. This involves careful planning, proper felling techniques, and responsible hauling methods. Consider using horses for logging in sensitive areas or where machinery access is limited.
Lumber processing. Converting trees into lumber involves several steps, including bucking, sawing, and seasoning. Choose the appropriate sawing method based on the desired quality and appearance of the lumber. Proper seasoning is crucial for producing durable and stable boards that are resistant to warping and decay.
6. Log Cabin Construction: Building a Legacy
Log cabins have long symbolized the American pioneering spirit and love of independence—and with good reason.
Symbol of self-reliance. Log cabins represent a connection to the past and a spirit of self-sufficiency. They are constructed from readily available materials, offering an economical and sustainable housing option. Whether built from scratch or assembled from a kit, log cabins provide a unique and charming living space.
Log selection and preparation. Choosing the right trees and preparing the logs is crucial for building a sturdy and long-lasting cabin. Evergreens like pine, fir, and cedar are ideal choices, and logs should be carefully peeled, seasoned, and notched for a secure fit.
Notching and wall construction. Well-made notches are essential for locking wall logs in place and preventing water damage. Various notching styles exist, each with its own advantages and aesthetic appeal. Careful measuring, precise cutting, and proper chinking are crucial for creating weathertight and structurally sound walls.
7. Adobe Construction: Earth-Based Harmony
Adobe, or sun-dried mud, is among the most ancient and widely used building materials.
Ancient and sustainable. Adobe construction offers a sustainable and energy-efficient building method that utilizes readily available materials like soil, water, and straw. Adobe homes provide excellent insulation, maintaining a stable interior temperature in arid climates.
Soil suitability. The ideal soil for adobe construction contains a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, with little to no organic matter. Simple tests can be performed to assess soil fertility and suitability for adobe brick making.
Brick making and wall construction. Adobe bricks are made by mixing soil, water, and straw, then casting the mixture into molds and allowing it to dry in the sun. Walls are constructed by laying the adobe bricks like ordinary bricks, using adobe mud as mortar. Careful planning and attention to detail are essential for creating structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing adobe homes.
8. Stone House Construction: Enduring Strength and Beauty
People have a natural love for stones.
Timeless appeal. Stone houses evoke a sense of permanence, security, and connection to nature. They offer a unique blend of beauty and strength, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing living space.
Stone selection and traditional masonry. Choosing the right type of stone is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of a stone house. Traditional stonemasonry involves carefully selecting and shaping each stone to fit securely in place, using mortar to bind the stones together.
Slipform method. The slipform method offers a more accessible approach to stone house construction, allowing individuals with limited masonry skills to create beautiful and durable stone walls. This method involves packing loose stones into removable forms and cementing them together with concrete.
9. Harnessing Nature's Power: Energy Independence
The era of cheap and abundant energy is recognized to be over.
Alternative energy sources. The rising cost of fossil fuels and growing environmental concerns have spurred renewed interest in alternative energy sources like wood, water, wind, and sun. These renewable resources offer the potential for greater energy independence and a more sustainable lifestyle.
Wood, water, wind, and sun. Each energy source has its own advantages and limitations. Wood provides a readily available fuel for heating, while waterpower can generate electricity. Wind power offers a clean and renewable energy source, and solar energy can be harnessed for heating water and generating electricity.
Energy efficiency and conservation. Before investing in alternative energy systems, it's crucial to prioritize energy efficiency and conservation measures. This involves insulating your home, weather stripping windows and doors, and using energy-efficient appliances. Reducing energy consumption is the first step towards achieving energy independence.
10. Growing Your Own: Cultivating a Sustainable Homestead
The best fertilizer for a piece of land is the footprints of its owner.
The kitchen garden. A kitchen garden provides fresh, nutritious produce, reduces food costs, and fosters a deeper connection to the natural world. Careful planning, soil preparation, and crop selection are essential for maximizing yields and ensuring a continuous supply of vegetables throughout the growing season.
Beyond the garden. In addition to vegetables, a sustainable homestead may also include fruit trees, berry bushes, and livestock. These elements can provide a diverse range of food sources and contribute to a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Organic practices. Embracing organic gardening practices is crucial for maintaining soil health, protecting the environment, and producing high-quality food. This involves using natural fertilizers, composting waste, and implementing integrated pest management strategies.
11. Preserving the Harvest: Enjoying Nature's Bounty Year-Round
Gather the gifts of Earth with equal hand;
Extending the season. Preserving the harvest allows you to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor throughout the year, ensuring a continuous supply of homegrown food. Various preservation methods exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Methods of preservation. Common methods include canning, freezing, drying, salt curing, and jellying. Each method affects the taste, texture, and nutritional value of the food differently, so it's important to choose the right method for each type of produce.
Safety and storage. Proper techniques and storage are essential for ensuring the safety and quality of preserved foods. Follow reliable recipes, use sterile containers, and store preserved foods in a cool, dark place.
12. Homestead Crafts: Skills for a Fulfilling Life
It is my special pleasure to behold the lines of hand-made things and to see the patina of seasoned wood and to feel a patriotic pride in the good workmanship there.
Connecting to tradition. Homestead crafts offer a connection to the past, allowing you to learn and practice skills that were essential for survival in earlier times. These crafts provide a sense of accomplishment, creativity, and independence.
Variety of crafts. A wide range of crafts can be practiced on a homestead, including natural dyeing, spinning, weaving, rug making, leatherwork, woodworking, broom making, and more. Each craft offers its own unique challenges and rewards.
Practical and fulfilling. Homestead crafts not only provide useful items for the home but also offer a sense of fulfillment and connection to the natural world. These skills can be passed down through generations, preserving valuable knowledge and traditions.
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FAQ
1. What is Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills by Abigail R. Gehring about?
- Comprehensive traditional skills guide: The book is a detailed manual covering hundreds of traditional skills, from building shelters and raising food to crafts, energy, and recreation, all aimed at fostering self-sufficiency.
- Organized for practical use: It is divided into logical sections such as shelter, energy, food production, preservation, home crafts, and recreation, making it easy to find information on specific topics.
- Blend of history and how-to: Alongside step-by-step instructions, the book provides historical context, interviews, and illustrations, connecting readers to the heritage of traditional living.
- Resource-rich: Includes charts, diagrams, and a “Sources and resources” section for further reading and finding suppliers.
2. Why should I read Back to Basics by Abigail R. Gehring?
- Reviving self-reliance: The book empowers readers to regain independence and control over their lives by teaching skills that were once common but are now often forgotten.
- Wide-ranging practical knowledge: It covers everything from building a log cabin to making soap, raising livestock, and generating renewable energy, making it valuable for anyone interested in sustainable living.
- Inspirational and accessible: With real-life stories, historical insights, and clear instructions, it inspires readers to dream of and work toward a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle.
- Suitable for all levels: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced homesteader, the book offers both foundational knowledge and advanced techniques.
3. What are the key takeaways from Back to Basics by Abigail R. Gehring?
- Holistic approach to self-sufficiency: The book integrates energy, food, crafts, and recreation into a cohesive lifestyle, emphasizing harmony with nature and sustainability.
- Step-by-step guidance: Detailed instructions, illustrations, and troubleshooting tips make complex traditional skills accessible to modern readers.
- Historical and cultural context: The book enriches practical advice with stories and background on how these skills shaped American heritage.
- Resource for lifelong learning: It encourages ongoing exploration, experimentation, and adaptation of traditional methods for today’s world.
4. What are the best quotes from Back to Basics by Abigail R. Gehring and what do they mean?
- “The best way to learn is by doing.” This quote emphasizes the book’s hands-on approach, encouraging readers to actively practice skills rather than just read about them.
- “Self-sufficiency is not about isolation, but about independence and resilience.” It highlights the book’s philosophy that traditional skills foster personal strength and adaptability, not withdrawal from society.
- “Our grandparents took these skills for granted; we must rediscover them.” This quote underlines the importance of reviving lost knowledge for modern self-reliance.
- “Nature provides, if we learn to listen and observe.” It reflects the book’s respect for ecological balance and the wisdom of working with natural systems.
5. How does Abigail R. Gehring in Back to Basics guide readers in evaluating and building on land?
- Careful property evaluation: The book stresses assessing water availability, soil fertility, drainage, and exposure to sun and wind before purchasing land.
- Traditional building methods: It details how to use local materials like logs, adobe, and stone, encouraging personal involvement in design and construction for a deeper connection to the land.
- Step-by-step site preparation: Instructions cover clearing land, building access roads, laying foundations, and converting trees into lumber, with safety and tool advice.
- Blending with the environment: Emphasizes building homes that harmonize with the landscape, drawing on early settler techniques.
6. What practical advice does Back to Basics by Abigail R. Gehring offer for building a log cabin or adobe home?
- Log cabin construction: The book covers selecting and preparing logs, notching and chinking techniques, and assembling sturdy, weatherproof walls and roofs.
- Adobe building basics: It explains soil testing, brick making, wall construction, and the importance of proper foundations and plastering for durability.
- Modern and traditional options: Both hand-built and kit cabins are discussed, as well as traditional and updated methods for adobe homes.
- Maintenance and finishing: Guidance includes weatherproofing, ventilation, and periodic upkeep to ensure longevity.
7. How does Back to Basics by Abigail R. Gehring address energy efficiency and alternative energy sources for the home?
- Reducing heat loss: The book details sealing cracks, using caulking and weather stripping, and installing insulation to cut energy bills.
- Natural energy strategies: It covers planting windbreaks, using underground homes for temperature regulation, and maximizing passive solar gain.
- Renewable energy systems: Instructions are provided for building and maintaining wind-electric systems, solar water heaters, and using waterpower for electricity.
- System components and care: The book explains batteries, inverters, turbines, and backup options, with tips for maintenance and safety.
8. What guidance does Abigail R. Gehring provide in Back to Basics for gardening, pest control, and orchard care?
- Garden planning and soil care: Advice includes choosing sunny, well-drained sites, testing and amending soil, and using companion and succession planting.
- Ecological pest control: The book advocates for natural methods like encouraging predators, using homemade sprays, and employing physical barriers and crop rotation.
- Orchard management: Covers planting, pruning, grafting, and espaliering fruit and nut trees, with tips for site selection and annual care.
- Tool selection and maintenance: Recommends essential gardening tools and regular upkeep for best results.
9. How does Back to Basics by Abigail R. Gehring teach readers about raising livestock, beekeeping, and fish farming?
- Livestock essentials: The book covers care, feeding, shelter, and record-keeping for animals like chickens, goats, sheep, cows, and rabbits, with advice on breeds and butchering.
- Beekeeping basics: Explains hive setup, bee biology, management, honey harvesting, and winter care, making it accessible for beginners.
- Backyard fish farming: Details tank setup, water quality, stocking, feeding, and harvesting, with species recommendations and legal considerations.
- Economic and lifestyle benefits: Emphasizes the value of home-raised food and the connection to traditional farming practices.
10. What traditional food preservation and preparation methods are detailed in Back to Basics by Abigail R. Gehring?
- Preservation techniques: The book covers canning, drying, freezing, salt curing, pickling, and root cellaring, with safety tips and step-by-step instructions.
- Dairying and cheesemaking: Provides guidance on milking goats and cows, making butter, yogurt, and a variety of cheeses, with hygiene and troubleshooting advice.
- Meat and fish preservation: Explains curing, smoking, sausage making, and jerky preparation, including recipes and equipment tips.
- Baking and regional cooking: Offers breadmaking fundamentals and traditional recipes from various American regions, highlighting cultural heritage.
11. How does Abigail R. Gehring in Back to Basics teach traditional crafts such as woodworking, blacksmithing, textile arts, and household recipes?
- Woodworking projects: Instructions for making furniture, using traditional joinery, and working with both green and seasoned wood.
- Blacksmithing skills: Covers forge setup, tool making, fire welding, and safety, with projects like nails, tongs, and decorative items.
- Textile crafts: Teaches natural dyeing, spinning, weaving, quilting, and rug making, with emphasis on material preparation and traditional techniques.
- Homemade remedies and products: Includes recipes for herbal medicines, cosmetics, glues, paints, and household cleaners using natural ingredients.
12. What outdoor skills, recreational activities, and nature-living advice does Back to Basics by Abigail R. Gehring provide?
- Wilderness camping and survival: Guidance on essential gear, navigation, weather forecasting, emergency preparedness, and building shelters and fires.
- Boating and fishing: Covers canoeing, kayaking, fishing techniques, boat building, and water safety, with historical insights into traditional crafts.
- Recreation and games: Instructions for old-time dances, games, toys, and puzzles, promoting hands-on fun and social interaction.
- Living with nature: Advice on attracting wildlife, habitat preservation, bird feeding, and coexisting with animals, fostering a harmonious relationship with the environment.
Review Summary
Back to Basics is highly praised for its comprehensive coverage of traditional skills and self-sufficiency. Readers appreciate its detailed information on homesteading, gardening, food preservation, and crafts. Many find it useful for both practical application and writing research. The book is commended for its accessibility, illustrations, and wide range of topics. While some critics note its brevity on certain subjects, most reviewers consider it an essential reference for those interested in a simpler lifestyle or emergency preparedness. Overall, it receives high ratings for its valuable content and broad appeal.
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