Philip Rutherford Glotfelty III, M.D.
September 2, 1933 ~ October 28, 2021 |
riverside Farm, Marshall, Michigan
My father, Dr. Phil, the original Dr. Phil, he'd like to say, purchased Riverside Farm in 1973. The farm was a family affair from the start as the family began to plant the now mature white pines along the banks of the Kalamazoo River. The family was involved in all aspects of farm life including bailing and putting up hay, picking rock in the spring, raising chickens, goats, horses, pigeons and pheasants!
Dr. Phil would visit the river up until a few weeks before his death in October of 2021. He declared, "I love this, I like this more than the cottage up north!" Dr. Phil loved Riverside Farm, and he loved showing off "the farm."
That is most likely why he was eager to show MAEDA officials the farm after he developed Alzheimers (as first detected in 2006). I know my dad had intentions that the farm would stay in the family (He had his daughter's name painted on the farm sign in 1995) or be shared with youth in the future. He was an avid Boy Scout and he would love for it to be a place where Boy Scouts could come camp and learn about nature.
In his declining years, Dr. Phil became dependent on those around him to take care of him. After he could no longer drive, he couldn't visit his beloved farm as often. Something he had done almost daily prior to losing his license.
In October 2019, the family had a public auction at the farm, selling off Dr. Phil's antique gas pump collection and other possessions. Dr. Phil had a great day talking with visitors and showing off his collection on "his farm." But after that time, He sadly told his daughter, "I have no reason to go there."
I believe the farm is a resource that should be shared with all residents of Marshall. Riverside Farm is a beautiful historic farmstead with a glorious big barn surrounded by well-maintained outbuildings. We need to preserve our agricultural heritage and share it with the next generations. I'd like to see the farm turned into a recreational area for the public and wildlife refuge. We need these places. I know my dad is saying to me, "Keep fighting for it."
I know my dad would love it and I ask you to help it become a reality.
Dr. Phil would visit the river up until a few weeks before his death in October of 2021. He declared, "I love this, I like this more than the cottage up north!" Dr. Phil loved Riverside Farm, and he loved showing off "the farm."
That is most likely why he was eager to show MAEDA officials the farm after he developed Alzheimers (as first detected in 2006). I know my dad had intentions that the farm would stay in the family (He had his daughter's name painted on the farm sign in 1995) or be shared with youth in the future. He was an avid Boy Scout and he would love for it to be a place where Boy Scouts could come camp and learn about nature.
In his declining years, Dr. Phil became dependent on those around him to take care of him. After he could no longer drive, he couldn't visit his beloved farm as often. Something he had done almost daily prior to losing his license.
In October 2019, the family had a public auction at the farm, selling off Dr. Phil's antique gas pump collection and other possessions. Dr. Phil had a great day talking with visitors and showing off his collection on "his farm." But after that time, He sadly told his daughter, "I have no reason to go there."
I believe the farm is a resource that should be shared with all residents of Marshall. Riverside Farm is a beautiful historic farmstead with a glorious big barn surrounded by well-maintained outbuildings. We need to preserve our agricultural heritage and share it with the next generations. I'd like to see the farm turned into a recreational area for the public and wildlife refuge. We need these places. I know my dad is saying to me, "Keep fighting for it."
I know my dad would love it and I ask you to help it become a reality.
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