In 1942, Frank and Viola Faires built a nice brick home in what is now the
Lakeview neighborhood. Mr. Faires began raising cattle on 227 acres. The
open land was planted in fescue to provide hay and silage. (Two of the
original silos still stand at the Romanian Baptist Church.)
Over the years Mr. Faires built four ponds below spring heads to water his
cows. Several houses for farm hands were constructed about where Faires
Farm and Katherine Kiker roads now intersect. In fact, Mrs. Katherine Kiker
lived a home that was almost in the current location of that intersection
today.
In 1984, the Faires realized the farm had become too much for them to
maintain. They were then in their mid-70's and began planning for
retirement. It was a difficult decision. The home was surrounded by
beautiful gardens and orchards that Mrs. Faires cultivated over the years.
In 1985 they agreed to sell the farm to The Mathisen Company, which had
developed College Downs and Shannon Green across Old Concord Road. Both
farmer and developer knew of one another and the acquaintance was easily
made.
Frank and Viola never had children. The Mathisen Company suggested that
community bear their name and recognize the many years they labored to build
the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Faires continued to live in their home for about 18
more months. They so loved the farm they built their new home just 300 feet
past the entrance to Faires Farm. They joined in several block parties held
in Pondside in the earlier days.
As for the gardens and orchards, many plantings around Faires Farm were
taken from the gardens as development progressed. If you drive past the
Faires' home today you will see many of the original plants that were moved
at their request. A lot was done to save much of what they worked so hard
to accumulate and grow.