Swan's Island: Six miles east of ordinary

Farming was always a part of the fabric of the island. During the timbering and homesteading years, Col. Swan also made provisions for a mill to be built so that the grain grown by the homesteaders could be ground into flour. With the mill as an additional resource, the homesteaders were able to be a self-sustaining community. They left the island infrequently to trade or purchase goods not produced on the island.

Once the timbering diminished and the waters around Swan’s provided a living for the fishermen, family members and other island citizens continued to use the land to grow vegetables and fruits, and raise livestock.

Cattle and sheep were brought to the island at an early date. Community members raised their own farm animals. Farm animals were needed to do the heavy work such as plowing and also as transport of people from one part of the island to another.

Sheep were raised in large flocks with little effort and expense because of the extensive pastureland. Each farmer marked his sheep and then let them find their own food.

Sheep would often be put on a boat and brought to one of the smaller outer islands for grazing. The independence of islanders to raise their own food remained strong even as the steamboat service to the island improved.