We live on farm where Paul grew up. In 1986 my interest in spinning led us to acquiring
"generic" sheep.
After evaluating the many different sheep breeds, we settled on the registered
Coopworth sheep, native to New Zealand, because they produce a quality wool
and are a meat producing animal.
We had been direct marketing our wool yarn, batts and roving at the Farmer's Market
for several years when we expressed an interest in acquiring a carding machine from
Dale & Kay Kaufman of Valders, WI.
I had been teaching high school German at Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay,
WI. and growing produce for the Farmer's Market during the summer when the 8-ton,
1923 Davis & Furber single breaker carding machine came home to roost in 1997.
Paul set about building the woolen mill that houses the carding machine and store
front on the first floor, with classroom space and additional shop items on the second
floor. The shop is an old barn recycled into a spinner's dream.
In 2004 we added a 1918 Davis & Furber carding mill to our shop and I continue to
enjoy working with fibers and creating wool products for all to enjoy!
Carol Wagner
e-mail
Hidden Valley Farm & Woolen Mill
phone
920-758-2803
