30 Years at Sunnylawn Farm: Love, Legacy, and a Century-Old Foursquare

Barry and Rhonda Waddington love farming and are terrific storytellers. While sitting at their kitchen table poring over dozens of old photographs of the farm, they shared the story of a particularly observant and wily steer that would not be persuaded into a trailer. Instead, it jumped a fence, a feat that’s pretty impressive considering these animals weigh between 1,200 and 1,500 lbs. Plans changed for the week. After going back to the drawing board and feeding this clever steer exclusively in the dreaded trailer for a week, they were finally able to load him with no fuss. Raising beef takes patience, a good sense of humor, and lots of problem-solving.

Thirty years ago, the Waddingtons seized the opportunity to purchase Sunnylawn Farm and the expansive 1918 American Foursquare house that sits as a focal point amid fertile cornfields, forests, and grazing animals. The Waddingtons raise pasture-fed Angus and Charolais beef cattle that are finished on corn and grain and typically sold in quarter- or half-shares. Additionally, they board horses and raise chickens. Currently, their pastures are empty of cattle, and in typical farmer style, nothing goes to waste: a neighboring farmer’s sheep are roaming the fields and grazing, which keeps the soil fertile and eliminates the need for mowing.

Their large American Foursquare house boasts a large front porch, a center-hall layout, built-in cabinetry, high ceilings, and wood flooring. Unusual for this style, a widow’s walk sits atop the house and provides stunning vistas of the local countryside. The American Foursquare represents the shift from ornate Victorian homes to simpler, more functional 20th-century designs. This style of home was built between 1895 and 1930. Upon acquiring the house, the Waddingtons made repairs and updates, including remodeling the kitchen and a bathroom, stripping wallpaper in favor of painted walls, and choosing colors, decor, and furnishings consistent with the home’s style and era.

Like many Salem County farmers, Barry and Rhonda Waddington of Mannington Township wear many hats and support our community in numerous unseen ways. I first met Barry Waddington shortly after purchasing a house, when water suddenly began pouring into our finished basement one winter day. As a local remodeling contractor, Barry was called to the scene and immediately began mitigating our losses. Serving as a stabilizing voice of reason and experience, he continued advising and restoring our property until the work was completed. This was especially noteworthy because he was juggling multiple other projects, expertly scheduling work based on needs and material deliveries, yet still found a way to provide excellent and timely service to all his clients. Barry has since become our go-to contractor, and we are thrilled with the work he’s done for us, from building custom shelves to custom barn doors!

It wasn’t long before I found myself in need of Rhonda Waddington’s expertise. Some of us refer to her as a chicken whisperer. I purchased Barred Rock pullets from Brookbound Farm, and in anticipation of their arrival, Rhonda gave me a tour of her coop, advised on feeding and cleaning routines; shared the basics of preventative care; and offered advice on free-ranging the hens. Rhonda supplied me with chicken care books and a list of first-aid items to have on hand, and she provided valuable advice when we had an egg-bound hen.

The Waddingtons are a snapshot of the wonderful people who make Salem County a true community. They are caring stewards of a beautiful piece of land and local architectural heritage. They are parents, grandparents, farmers, and small business owners who show up in a crisis for friends and strangers alike. They are reliable, honest, and kind. They are why we need to enthusiastically support farmers and local small businesses, and preserve our rural cultural heritage.

Be sure to reach out to Barry Waddington for your remodeling needs or if you want to purchase some of the tastiest beef you’ve ever had! He can be reached at (609) 202-8649