The Flour Barn & Scheiderer Farms: Two Brothers, One Farm

Keith & Todd
When I was five years old, my parents bought my uncle’s farm on Kandel Road. Dad, Mom, my brother Todd, and I moved from our little house in town to our new home on the farm. There was a chicken house, old sheds to snoop in, a big old barn to play in, and woods to explore! The best thing, however, was that our farm was connected to my grandparents’ farm. Some of my earliest and best memories were playing in the old barn, working in the garden with Mom, swinging from the grape vines in the woods, and walking the path to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. It had everything two little boys could ever want.

In 1989 Candi and I got married and had the privilege of moving into my grandparents’ house on their farm. Within a couple of years, we were raising our own little family on the farm. Soon after that, my brother Todd, his wife Kim--who by the way is Candi’s sister--moved into our parents’ house to raise their family on the farm. It’s always been a little difficult for people to get their heads around brothers marrying sisters. To top that off, our kids were all in school together, eight children between us.  I know it seems a bit confusing but it was a wonderful life.  

The path between farms was thoroughly traveled by our children, visiting with one another.

Candi and I started our greenhouse in 1999 and soon all our older children, nieces, and nephews were filling pots and helping plant. As they graduated, the younger ones filled their shoes. I’m sure there were times they wished they did not have to be out there working, but looking back, I can never remember them complaining, at least to me.

My niece Ellen, always had an interest in baking. Before she could even drive, she took a cake decorating class and was making wedding cakes throughout high school and college. Her sister Lily made and sold bread while in college and soon, even Todd put an apron on and began baking. In 2020, Ellen and Lilly decided to have a pop-up sale for their baked goods. It went so well, they had a few more and soon, with the help of my brother, decided to open their bakery “The Flour Barn” every Saturday. Their amazing cinnamon rolls (which are my favorite) are what made them famous from the start. Their drive and dedication to create the most delicious and beautiful baked goods are obvious with every bite.

Todd and I, along with our families are thankful to have the privilege and opportunity to make our living on the same farms our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents did. Many of our children are having children of their own. We are looking forward to watching them walk through the fields and woods, swinging from grape vines, and playing together. 

We are thankful for what the Lord has blessed us with and we are so glad we can share a part of our lives and farm with all of you.